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AICPA asks Department of Education to list accounting as a professional degree

In a comment letter, the AICPA asks that the department’s new rule related to student loan limits either list accounting as a “professional degree program” or retain current language stating that “professional degrees may include but are not limited to” the list in a notice of proposed rulemaking.

AICPA supports Accounting STEM Pursuit Act legislation

A bill introduced in the Senate would expand student awareness and access to educational opportunities in accounting via the technology portion of the science, technology, engineering, and math program.

Department of Education notice clarifies ‘professional’ degree definition

The notice of proposed rulemaking states that the exclusion of certain degree programs, including accounting, from the definition “does not reflect a value judgment” but rather serves as a technical term to define levels of federal student loan limits. An AICPA statement expressed appreciation for the “recognition of the broad definition and various aspects of the word ‘professional.’”

STEM designation for accounting has strong support

Nearly three-fourths of adults surveyed said accounting courses should be a part of the science, technology, engineering, and math education program, with a majority in key age groups saying the designation would make students more likely to pursue accounting education opportunities.

Encouraging signs from the new CPA Exam

While it’s early, all indications are that the CPA Evolution-aligned version of the CPA Exam, which debuted in January 2024, is performing in line with expectations.

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Promises of ‘fast and easy’ threaten SOC credibility

CPAs who provide Service and Organization Control (SOC) examinations warn that an ongoing push for high-volume SOC services may come at the cost of quality and objectivity.