Designed to meet the evolving needs of the financial and economic sectors, a unique new interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts Honours in Accounting and Economics program at Trent University will offer students a rare combination of accounting expertise and economic analysis while future proofing them with an optional pathway to obtain their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

“Students who pursue the new B.A. in Accounting and Economics will gain a distinct advantage in job readiness,” says Dr. Byron Lew, director of the School of Business at Trent University. “This program is tailored for quantitatively minded students who may not necessarily be mathematicians, though are able to think logically and systemically while being interested in both accounting and economic theory. While other Ontario universities offer business programs with accounting specializations, Trent’s program is one of the few that seamlessly integrates economics into the CPA preparation pathway.”

The four-year program, which will be offered at Trent’s Symons Campus in Peterborough starting in September, blends core accounting courses required for CPA designation with in-depth economic theory and financial data analytics. Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers as CPAs as well as roles in financial consulting, banking, insurance, and economic advising.

A Future-Proof Degree with Experiential Learning and Immediate Career Opportunities

“Employers are actively seeking graduates with this unique skill set, as students often receive multiple offers for paid internships,” says Professor Lew. “The combination of accounting and economics makes our students highly competitive, not only in traditional accounting roles but also in emerging fields that require both financial acumen and economic insight. The pathway future-proofs students who are ready at any time to explore the CPA designation if they choose.”

The program will feature a paid  co-op stream, giving students the opportunity to gain professional experience through connections with leading industry players and access to Trent’s Financial Intelligence and Innovation Hub featuring state-of-the-art tools like Bloomberg terminals. Students outside the co-op stream will also gain career experience through paid internship opportunities.

“I had many opportunities for internships at Trent thanks to Careerspace’s strong industry connections. I was able to graduate right into a career as a Junior Accountant with Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory that completely aligned with my studies. It is clear Trent business graduates are in high demand immediately out of university,” says David Nichols ‘19, a graduate of the Trent School of Business.

With the new program starting this fall, Trent University is proud to expand its offerings in professional education while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and student success where graduates are highly desired.

“Trent has a strong reputation for producing well-rounded business graduates, and this new program further cements our commitment to interdisciplinary, career-focused education,” says Prof. Lew. “Even as artificial intelligence integrates itself into the business world, helping firms render the right judgements is one thing Trent graduates will be able to do better than a computer.”

For more information about the new BA Honours Accounting and Economics program, including how to apply, visit Trent University’s website.