Notre Dame's accountancy programs are moving up in the world. According to the industry newsletter Public Accounting Report, the Mendoza College of Business' undergraduate program is now the fourth best in the country, while the graduate program maintained its fifth-place spot.

The rankings are compiled from a poll of accountancy faculty members at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Angie Kase, program manager of the graduate accounting program, attributed Notre Dame's success to the faculty and to undergraduate students who move into the graduate program.

"We've traditionally had a lot of strong undergrads from Notre Dame who continue here," Kase said.

She also praised department chairman Tom Schaefer.

"His membership in national accounting organizations has added to the visibility of the program," Kase said. Schaefer serves as president of the Accounting Programs Leadership Group, a board of the American Accounting Association.

Linda Espahbodi, an instructor in the accountancy department, added that the College of Business's focus on ethics has helped to create a better breed of accountant. Corporate scandals, including those at Enron, Tyco, and WorldCom, are discussed in the accountancy program.

"Ethics are built into every course," Espahbodi said.

Despite the success, the faculty is committed to improvement, she said.

"Our goal is to make this the premier accounting program in the country," Espahbodi said.

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