By Dr. Sharon Price
All of the buzz about AI is central to every conversation these days. Even late adopters are intrigued by the possibilities in the race to implement this emerging technology in their respective fields. Accounting is no different. The consensus of how AI will impact the accounting profession may still need to be entirely determined, but changes are here for the accounting industry, and more will arise.
Students are asking great questions as they navigate the changing landscape. What accounting knowledge is still relevant to me for my future career plans? Will we even have an accounting profession? Is this technology capable of replacing the role of accounting in business?
Undoubtedly, the role of accounting is changing along with the skills necessary to be successful and relevant, but accounting remains a wonderful profession with incredible career opportunities.
The AICPA has suggested through its publication Reimagining Professional Accounting: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Knowledge and Educational Processes that in order to adapt to AI opportunities, accounting education must adjust its focus towards skills with the most impact in this transforming world:
Students with an accounting degree will be well prepared to add value to businesses with these skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the profession will continue to grow over the next ten years. At Amberton, we focus on developing the professional skills to help you succeed in tomorrow's workplace. Your Amberton degree or certificate is a foundation for a future of lifelong learning as you excel amidst the AI evolution and beyond.
Amberton University does not require prospective graduate students to submit GRE or GMAT scores in their application. All 18 master’s programs are accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. You can find full graduate application requirements here or contact an advisor to discuss your application today!
Getting all your ducks in a row to prepare your application for graduate school is a lengthy and detailed process. One of the most important boxes to check is taking the GRE or the GMAT.
So what’s the difference between the GRE and the GMAT? And why doesn’t every school require applicants to take one of these tests?
Both the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are standardized tests utilized for graduate-level admissions. Both tests include three sections: an analytical writing section, a quantitative section, and a verbal section.
The function of the GRE is to gauge a student’s ability to succeed in a graduate program and evaluate their general academic aptitude. The GRE is the most widely accepted graduate admissions test globally.
The GMAT is specifically used to predict a student’s success in a business program, and is often required for admissions to an MBA program. This test includes a fourth section which assesses a student’s integrated reasoning skills.
The GRE and GMAT are graduate-level counterparts to the SAT and ACT. The tests are similar and evaluate like categories. Certain universities or degree programs prefer one test score over the other. Make sure you know what the program requires well in advance of applying so you can adequately prepare and schedule to take the appropriate test.
Many universities are moving away from requiring the GRE or GMAT for graduate school admissions, or are changing the emphasis placed on scores for specific circumstances. Admissions boards are using substitute components to evaluate applicants, including resumes, portfolios, writing samples, professional work experience, and more. These markers are often more predictive of a student’s performance and professional success than standardized testing.
On the flip side of the coin, a GRE or GMAT requirement is not indicative of the quality of the degree program. When choosing a graduate program, you should research the university and department’s reputation, determine if a school is accredited, and evaluate if online and on-campus courses and requirements mirror one another.
Paying for your education doesn’t have to be a scary undertaking. At Amberton University, our pay-as-you-go system allows students to graduate without debt. However, we make navigating the financials as simple as possible for those who need to take advantage of student loans.
Amberton believes in affordable education. We offer courses for $ 900 per 3 credit hours. Pretty great, right? This rate applies to undergraduate, graduate, in-state, and out-of-state students, as well as lecture and distance-learning courses. Even better, we’ve already done the math and the educational cost breakdown for you. Amberton's up-front, cost-effective tuition is specifically designed for working adults. We aim to get you to graduation without being buried in educational debt.
Now that you know how much to expect to pay for your tuition, you can figure out what you need to do to budget for it. Many companies offer tuition assistance or reimbursement as an added benefit for employees. They understand and appreciate how beneficial an educated workforce is. But if your employer isn’t paying for your education, and you can’t afford to pay for it out-of-pocket, there are loan solutions for private universities.
Amberton University provides a Private Loan Worksheet to help you determine your estimated cost of tuition, fees, and books. You must complete the worksheet before applying for a private student loan.
To qualify for private student loans, students must meet the following criteria:
A quick Google search will also provide you with various lender options. Find the one that best fits your financial situation and consider interest rates, repayment options, and deferment and forbearance.
Sallie Mae® currently offers loans to qualified Amberton students through the Smart Option Student Loan® program. Students can apply directly online and receive approval within a few hours.
Amberton’s staff are eager to assist you in achieving educational success and satisfaction. You can reach our Financial Aid Office at finaid@amberton.edu or contact Student Services at (972) 279-6511 to help you navigate the process and get your future started!
Simply skating through college and getting the work done isn’t anyone’s idea of a great college experience - traditional student or otherwise. If you just want to tread water and get a piece of paper in the end, maybe college isn’t for you.
As an adult learner, it’s safe to say you probably want to thrive and grow during the course of your college career.
It cannot be understated that adult learners have a leg up on students entering college straight out of high school. You have maturity, you have professional and life experience, and you have the skills needed to juggle it all.
When the road seems long and unending, remember: you were made to excel and to achieve much.
Keep in mind some of these basic tips:
Rest is an essential part of the human condition. Everyone needs it, everyone benefits from it. Seek and establish a balance between work, school, family and friends.
Don’t get sucked into the vortex of research papers, tests and studying. The better able you are to shift gears, the better you’ll feel and the more you will accomplish in each of your roles.
College is a season of character building. There’s a lot going in your life right now. Expect to have moments where it seems a bit too much. As odd as it might seem, be prepared to feel completely unprepared.
The trick is knowing that you’re not the only one feeling that way. Every single college student has felt that way on more than one occasion. Focus on the horizon and ignore the waves
around you.
Your professors will give you all the details you need to be successful for the semester. Memorize the syllabus. You’ll be saving yourself a lot of heartache if you know what you need to do to communicate you understand the material.
Knowing when you have papers due, presentations, and test dates seems like a no-brainer. And it probably is. That doesn’t mean it isn’t something you just might overlook.
However you choose to organize yourself and your calendar is unique to you. If you have to write it in a planner, that’s fantastic. If you have to send yourself faxes from the future, even better. Do not forget due dates and find yourself scrambling the night before.
When you’re keeping on track and making sure all your responsibilities are staying under control, you’re going to feel like you are thriving. Establishing a time management system will make your life as an adult student much easier and much more enjoyable.
Don’t allow yourself to be swamped by all the different things you have to maintain. Never put off what can be done today.
You don't need to make the trek solo to thrive in college. In each course, find a study partner or a small study group. You’ll develop lasting relationships with people that will benefit you (and them) in the present and the future. As a working adult, you understand the importance of networking and relying on others to help improve your own skills. Iron sharpens iron. Study groups make for a better student.
Thriving in college isn’t out of reach or a cheesy catchphrase. At Amberton, the faculty and staff want you to thrive during your time at the university.
Use all of Amberton’s student resources, lean on your fellow students and your family, and you will love every bit of your college experience.