Accounting

Students may seek either an academic major or minor in accounting.

Major in Accounting

The accounting major combines theory and practice to prepare students for analysis of and reporting on the economic activities of organizations and communication of that information to decision makers. Students develop skills in managerial accounting, budgeting, accounting systems, internal controls, financial analysis, financial reporting, internal and external auditing, taxation and international accounting. The major prepares students for a range of accounting careers in profit, not-for-profit and government organizations.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in accounting will be able to

• Work effectively with interdisciplinary professionals and diverse stakeholders.
• Communicate with financial and nonfinancial audiences in a clear and concise manner, by making appropriate decisions about relevancy, reliability, and medium.
• Research, prepare, analyze, and review financial and business data by applying accounting and business management principles and standards to produce financial and business reports.
• Proficiently use current technology and analytical tools to perform business functions, work collaboratively, and facilitate decision making.
• Employ analysis, critical thinking, and problem solving to identify, test, and validate processes, systems, and financial data to advise stakeholders.
• Define, develop, and demonstrate ethical business practices and accountability by identifying and addressing current and emerging ethical and regulatory issues.
• Develop professionally by collaborating, training, mentoring, negotiating, solving problems creatively, and participating in networking activities to demonstrate and develop leadership skills.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in accounting requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 54 credits for the major and mandatory minor in business administration, 41 credits in general education requirements, and 25 credits in electives and other requirements. At least 18 credits in the major and 9 credits in the minor must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).