Silberman College of Business Introduces Co-op Program

July 16, 2024 – The Accounting, Taxation & Law Department at FDU’s Silberman College of Business is excited to announce the launch of a cooperative program for students in the 4+1 Master’s in Accounting (MSA) program. This initiative allows students to earn their MSA degree while gaining invaluable work experience.

The cooperative program offers significant financial benefits, including compensation for work and generous tuition reimbursement. Students will also gain essential experience and academic credits needed to succeed on the CPA exam. The program is designed to fulfill the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure.

Participants will work at an accounting firm during the summer before starting their master’s degree. In the fall, they will work part-time while completing their classroom-based academic credits. In the spring, they will transition to full-time work with the firm. Through their work experience, students will earn 12 credits towards their MSA. Additionally, they must complete a master’s thesis and 18 credits of advanced MSA courses designed to prepare them for the CPA exam.

The first CPA cooperative partner is Wiss and Company, LLP, a leading regional accounting firm. Students eligible to participate in the first cohort of the cooperative program will be those accepted into the 4+1 program as they enter their senior year in Fall 2024.

“We are very excited about the co-op program as it offers students a combination of the academic foundation to be successful on the CPA exam, an experiential learning experience that will aid in their professional development and financial support that mitigates the cost of their education.  We greatly appreciate Wiss & Company embracing our co-op program and most importantly, providing our students with an outstanding opportunity,” said Dr. Scott McGregor, Department Chair for Accounting at FDU. “We believe that FDU’s co-op program represents the type of partnership between academia and accounting firms, or corporations, that will improve the quality of accounting professionals and attract more to the profession,” McGregor concluded.

Interested in this opportunity? Have questions? Email Pat Wyer, Manager of Placement and Outreach, at patwyer@fdu.edu