Accounting Banner
Career & Academic Pathways >> Business & Hospitality
Contact Information
Bruce Barrie (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4216
bbarrie@mpc.edu

For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet 
 • Visit MPC Business Department
• Connect with a Counselor

Program Overview

MPC’s Accounting and bookkeeping programs involve the recording and processing of business transactions into reports that support decision making in businesses. The core accounting/bookkeeping certificate focuses on recording and processing transactions. The accounting certificate adds more depth, more forward decision making tools, and more contextual skills that support an individual's ability to contribute to the decision making processes within a business. The associate’s degree adds MPC’s general education to build an even more holistic ability to contribute.

Job Outlook

Whether in good times or bad, businesses in every sector need to keep track of income and expenses – and if they grow, merge, globalize, go public, or go digital, the financial complexities increase, requiring more fiscal oversight and reporting. Graduates can pursue roles in trade and brokerage firms and banks that rely on financial expertise or apply their skills in the public sector as bookkeepers or accountants for organizations or government agencies. 

Potential Careers

Payroll Clerks

 $35,030 - $75,170

Brokerage & Trading Assistants

$38,980 - $78,890

Senior Bookkeepers

$39,181 - $62,807

*Accountants
(may require additional training)

$46,940 - $127,290

*Budget Analysts
(may require additional training)

$55,240 - $133,370

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Accounting: Associate in Science (AS)  
  • Accounting: Associate in Science (AS) 
  • Accounting:  Certificate of Achievement (COA)
  • Accounting/Bookkeeping: Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Suggested Course Sequence (AS) 

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

ENGL 1A 

 3

BUSI 120B  

 4

MPC Elective 

 2

BUSC 140 & 150 & 160, 

 3

   ENGL 101A rec.

   or CSIS 50 & 50L

LIBR 50

 1

BUSI 110

 3
BUSI 120A  4 CSIS 1 3
BUSC 109 or Proficiency Test 0-1  Area C 3
BUSI 20, 30, or 44 3    
MPC Elective 1    
   PERS 10 rec.      




Total Fall Units
 14-15
 Total Spring Units
 16

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

MATH 16

 4

BUSI 1B 

 4
BUSI 1A

 4

Area B & Lab

 4

BUSI 24

 3

Area F

 3

ECON1

 3 

   BUSI 38 rec.

MPC Elective

 3
       ENGL 2 rec.   
    MPC Elective 1-2
       
Total Fall Units
 14
 Total Spring Units
 15-16

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Juan Pimental

The general business foundation I received at MPC prepared me very well for when I started my upper division business courses at Cal Poly. Aside from the technical accounting skills I was taught at MPC, I was really introduced to other aspects of the business realm and how Accounting played a key role. This sparked a curiosity that still lives with me today.