Clarion University of Pennsylvania announced last week that they will soon offer a Master of Science in accounting program.

The new program was approved Wednesday by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors. A Clarion University committee worked 18 months to make the program a reality.

"We're excited about the opportunity to become the leading accounting education provider in the region," Associate Dean of the College of Business Administration & Information Science David Hartley said in a statement.

The interest in this program derives from accounting professionals who need 150 credit hours in order to receive the CPA certification. A typical bachelor's degree is earned after 120 credit hours.

In order to meet those credit requirements, many students believe it's beneficial to achieve a master's degree while earning the extra credit hours, stated Clarion University accounting professor Anthony Grenci. Classes in the program will prepare students to sit for the CPA exam, which consists of four segments including auditing, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment.

 The new program will be offered completely online with classes beginning in January.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania is one of fourteen universities who are part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The school was founded in 1867 and offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and post master's certificates.