St. Francis College's accounting department continues to be among the nation's best, according to a new national ranking from the online education platform Study.com. This is a testament to the strength of its academic curriculum and its success preparing students for good careers.

Study.com evaluated hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and ranked the top 50 bachelor's accounting programs based on its analysis of each institution's career resources, quality of education, faculty and other criteria.

St. Francis placed 33rd on the list — jumping from its position at number 47 last year — besting two SUNY (State University of New York) programs among other public and private institutions. Joining SFC in the national ranking are several large state systems, including Rutgers, Penn State and University of Wisconsin.

"That we continue to rank among the nation's best accounting programs is validation that we provide our students what they need to flourish professionally in a field they love," said Carmine Nogara, Ph.D., chair of the department of accounting and business law. "Students find rigorous academics here coupled with individual support outside the classroom. We're proud to place so many in valuable internships that complement classroom learning. Our goal is to ensure each student leaves SFC with subject matter mastery and with networking and other workplace skills necessary for professional success."

Accounting is a flagship academic department at St. Francis College, graduating students each year with bachelor's and master's degrees. Many students earn both degrees together, through SFC's five-year combined accounting degree program.

Program alumni frequently go on to land coveted jobs at Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPMG, the world's four largest accounting firms — known as The Big Four and generally viewed as some of the industry's most prestigious.

"The education you're getting at St. Francis is really good. It's on par with any school, and I've worked with people from all different schools," said Jeffery Tavares, B.S./M.S. '10, accounting, who is a director of asset and wealth management at PwC. "Being part of a small school helped me build connections and understand the importance of knowing people and how that would translate into business opportunities."

Recruiters at accounting firms confirm the appeal of hiring SFC graduates.

"SFC accounting graduates make good employees at PKF O'Connor Davies because they have a solid foundation of knowledge to build from and the work ethic it takes to succeed in public accounting today," said Melissa Strauss, MBA, PHR, SHRM-SCP, human resources manager at PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP. "They know how to conduct themselves in a business environment and take pride in their ability to deliver excellence and expertise in client service."

St. Francis College has awarded an average of about 50 accounting degrees each year for the past six years, including bachelor's and master's degrees. In 2008, SFC launched its stand-alone M.S. in accounting program. Its five-year combined B.S./M.S. program enrolled its first students in 2006. The student-run Accounting Society and SFC chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants supplement classroom learning by hosting guest speakers and organizing professional networking events.

About Study.com

Study.com is a leading online education platform providing academic support for learners and educators. Study.com's online courses, short, animated video lessons, and study tools make learning simple for over 30 million students, teachers, and working professionals. Study.com was founded in 2002 and is a privately held company located in Mountain View, Calif.