Students who earn an associate degree in accounting at Santiago Canyon College are well-prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, as well as promotional opportunities, in such areas as accounts receivable/payable, income tax preparation, and more.

However, those seeking to aim higher are encouraged to enter a unique prorgam that will fast-track them toward an eventual master's degree in this in-demand field.

Created through a partnership between SCC and UC Irvine, the SCC and UCI 2+2+1 Masters of Accountancy Pathway Program closes the gap between a community college and a graduate degree. Students spend two years completing prerequisite courses at SCC, earn a bachelor's degree at UCI (or another accredited four-year university) over the next two years and complete UCI's Master of Professional Accountancy Program the final year : hence the term "2+2+1."

"Students are so much more marketable with a master's degree," said DeAnna Martin, SCC's accounting professor. "They're far more valuable with any accounting firm that hires them to be an upper-level employee. And this advanced degree is especially helpful if students want to