The AICPA and state CPA societies are calling on the US Education Department to amend its proposed regulatory definition of “professional degree programs” to include accounting explicitly, according to Journal of Accountancy.

In draft changes released recently, the department included several professional fields but omitted accounting, raising concern throughout the profession about how such a reclassification could impact students. 

In a news release, the organizations said they “strongly oppose any proposal that fails to recognize accounting as a professional degree program.” They emphasized that accounting meets every characteristic associated with the designation and that its absence in the proposed definition misunderstands the rigor and public importance of the field.

“Recognizing accounting programs as professional degree programs is common sense,” said Mark Koziel, AICPA’s president and CEO. “It reflects the impact accountants make on the lives of individuals, the health of communities, and the integrity of financial systems, as well as the rigorous path taken to become a licensed [CPA].” 

The decision counts because these definitions are based on a number of education loan programs. Financial support can make the difference for students working on the CPA since specific coursework, the CPA Exam, and work hours under a licensed CPA must be completed. 

The AICPA noted that federal projections show demand for accountancy increasing through 2034, underscoring the importance of maintaining systems supporting students entering the profession.