Accounting Degree

Lutgert Researchers Use Brainwave Technology to Rethink How Students Learn Accounting

February 20, 2026 / Lutgert News / Tags: Accounting, Research, neuroscience

Dr. Kalana Malimage and Dr. Shawn Granitto from the Department of Accounting, along with Graduate Assistant Tabata Del-Fondo, are conducting a groundbreaking research project that integrates cognitive neuroscience with accounting education. Using a neuro-headset to collect real-time brain activity data, their study examines which teaching modality (text-based learning, video-based learning, or AI-assisted learning) is the most efficient and effective for student learning. This research initiative traces back to Dr. Malimage’s and Dr. Granitto’s involvement in neuroscience and biometric research projects during their PhD programs at Mississippi State University and the University of South Florida. After joining Florida Gulf Coast University, both Dr. Malimage and Dr. Granitto sought to expand neuro-based research within the accounting discipline. With support from the Lutgert College of Business (LCOB), two EMOTIV EPOC+ headsets were acquired. The EMOTIV EPOC+ headset is a wireless, multi-channel EEG device widely used in academic research. It captures real-time brain activity across key frequency bands—delta, theta, alpha, beta, and limited gamma—enabling researchers to examine cognitive load, attention, engagement, and learning processes. With 14 EEG channels, portability, and access to raw EEG data, the device is well-suited for both laboratory and classroom-based behavioral neuroscience research.

Lutgert College of Business Seniors Score in 90th Percentiles Nationwide

June 17, 2024 / Lutgert News / Tags: Accounting, Analysis, Assesment, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Resort & Hospitality, Testing, Undergraduate

As part of our ongoing efforts toward continuous improvement of student learning, the Lutgert College of Business has long required our graduating seniors to complete the ETS Business Major Field Test (MFT), and our students often score quite highly relative to a large national sample—particularly when it comes to knowledge assessed in their own discipline. Perhaps the most useful measure is not only a direct one (% of answers correct) but also the indirect benchmarking compared to 35,472 U.S. students (at 325 institutions) who completed the ETS Business MFT between Sept. 2021-June 2023. That yields a percentile score for our business majors relative to that national benchmark.

Accounting Department hosted 70 students from Immokalee High School for Future Accounting Scholars by Moorings Park

February 16, 2024 / Lutgert News / Tags: Accounting, Beta Alpha Psi, High School, Scholarships

the Department of Accounting hosted 70 students from Immokalee High School for Future Accounting Scholars by Moorings Park. The students were greeted by Dr. Tanya Benford, Dr. Patrick Wheeler, and Dr. Adrian Valencia, who shared what to expect in accounting as a career as well as what professional pathways can be forged with an Accounting degree. Michelle Gonzalez and Justine Padrone stopped by and made sure that all financial aid and application questions were answered. After their introduction to FGCU and accounting, the students were provided with an opportunity to try it for themselves! Jacqueline Conrecode stepped in to teach the basics of Accounting for a game of Monopoly on day two. At the end of day two, scholarships were awarded to students who were the most successful in their game of Monopoly (and passing an audit by Dr. Adrian Valencia!). Special thank you to the student volunteers from Beta Alpha Psi: Johana Brito-Mieses, Cazimy Coulanges, Erick Ontiveros, and Diana Ramirez.