Accounting – Associate in Applied Science
Accountants and auditors prepare, analyze and verify financial reports and taxes and monitor information systems that furnish this information to managers in business, industry and government.
The accounting/finance major prepares students for initial employment and develops competencies for those already in the field. Students develop skills in the posting and recording of financial data, use of computers, preparation of financial statements and reports, interpretation of financial information, and develop effective supervisory and communicative techniques and skills.
Typical job opportunities and places of employment are: junior accountant with public accounting firms, banks and other financial institutions, educational institutions and other profit and not-for profit organizations.
Minimum credits: 60
Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0
Minimum grade in all courses: 2.0
Minimum Jackson College credits: 15
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
GEO 1: Write clearly, concisely and intelligibly
Take the following:
Course # | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisites | Notes | |
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ENG 131 | Writing Experience I | 3 | ENG 085 and ENG 091 | ||
This is an intensive writing course. Narrative and descriptive modes are stressed. Basic research strategies are introduced. An end-of-the-semester portfolio is required. |
GEO 2: Recognize the importance of equity and inclusion in a diverse society
Choose one of the following:
Course # | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisites | Notes | |
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ANT 131 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 | ENG 085* | ||
Cultural anthropology is a one semester introductory course. The course focuses on the thesis that every society is based on an integrated culture, which satisfies human needs and facilitates survival. The course also explores the ways in which our own culture fits into the broad range of human possibilities. |
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COM 250 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | ENG 085* and ENG 090* | ||
(Students cannot receive credit for both COM 250 and COM 350) This course will explore how diverse cultural orientations influence the way we perceive and interact with an increasingly culturally diverse world. We will discuss the causes of intercultural conflicts in different communication settings (interpersonal, small group, school, workplace and global) and how to manage them effectively. |
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HIS 211 | Minority Groups in America | 3 | ENG 085* and ENG 090* | ||
Sociology of dominant-minority relations in contemporary American society. Attention to specific ethnic, religious, and racial minorities in terms of prejudice and discrimination. |
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PLS 262 | International Relations | 3 | ENG 085* and ENG 090* | ||
Survey contemporary world affairs and examine the nation-state system, the struggle for power, and factors creating harmony and hostility among states. |
GEO 3: Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning
Take the following:
Course # | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisites | Notes | |
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MAT 133 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics | 4 | MAT 033* or MAT 131 or higher | ||
This course is an introduction to experimental design, data representation, basic descriptive statistics, probability theorems, frequency distributions and functions, binomial and normal probability distributions and functions, probability density functions, hypothesis testing, statistical inference, Chi-square analysis, linear regression, correlation and application of the above in making informed, data driven decisions in real-world contests. Both graphing calculators and computer-based statistical software will be used. If the prerequisite is more than two years old, then the mathematics department recommends the course placement exam be taken or the prerequisite be retaken to ensure the success of the student. |
GEO 4: Demonstrate scientific reasoning
Take the following:
Course # | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisites | Notes | |
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NSC 131 | Contemporary Science | 4 | ENG 090* and MAT 020* or higher | ||
An interdisciplinary course that introduces the nature of science as a process. Particular topics from biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy covered with an emphasis on critical thinking and evaluating evidence to examine competing theories. This course is ideal as a first science course for students whose science background is minimal, who are anxious about science, or who have not had a science course for several years. Course includes a laboratory component. |
GEO 5: Understand human behavior and social systems, and the principles which govern them
Choose one of the following:
Course # | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisites | Notes | |
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ECN 231 | Macroeconomics | 3 | ENG 101* and MAT 135 (Preferred), MAT 133 or MAT 139 Accepted | ||
This course covers macroeconomics and explains the operation of free markets, the role of government in the economy, measurement of the national product, inflation and unemployment, monetary and fiscal policy, and economic growth. |
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ECN 232 | Microeconomics | 3 | ENG 101* and MAT 135 (Preferred), MAT 133 or MAT 139 Accepted | ||
This course covers microeconomics: the market structure of firms operating in competition and monopoly, labor markets and unions, how income is distributed, current economic problems, international economics, and alternative economic systems. |
GEO 6: Understand aesthetic experience and artistic creativity
Take the following:
Course # | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisites | Notes | |
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HUM 131 | Cultural Connections | 3 | ENG 085 and ENG 091 | ||
This interdisciplinary course examines contemporary issues, their human and technological components, and their historical precedents through art, music, literature and philosophy. |
CORE REQUIREMENTS
Take the following:
Course # | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisites | Notes | |
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ACC 214 | Income Tax Accounting | 3 | CIS 095* and MAT 020* or higher | ||
Federal income tax for personal and business use is explored. Concepts covered include taxable income, deductions, exclusions, exemptions and credits against the tax. Proprietorship tax returns including account and depreciation methods, self-employment taxes, self-employed retirement plans, capital gains and losses, disposition of property (both personal and business) and estimated tax declaration. |
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ACC 231 | Principles of Accounting I | 4 | ENG 085*, ENG 090*, MAT 033* or higher and CIS 101 or CIS 121 | $787.20 | |
This course is an introductory course in Financial Accounting. Learn the theory and practice of recording financial accounting data and preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with an emphasis on corporations. Current software and online applications will be utilized. |
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ACC 232 | Principles of Accounting II | 4 | ACC 231 | ||
This course is an introductory course in Managerial Accounting. Learn how accounting impacts managerial decision making. Topics include stocks, bonds, cash flow, cost accounting, break-even analysis, differential analysis, financial statements and budgeting. Current software and online applications will be utilized. |
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ACC 234 | Managerial Accounting | 4 | ACC 232 | ||
Management level professionals from all disciplines will be faced with complex situations and decisions. Appropriate managerial accounting reports and critical thinking skills are crucial to a proactive management process. Learn about financial statement analysis, cash flow forecasting, job order costing in manufacturing, process costing in manufacturing, activity based costing in manufacturing, cost-volume analysis, cost behavior analysis, budgeting, responsibility accounting, case study analysis, critical thinking and decision-making skills. |
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ACC 240 | Intermediate Accounting | 4 | ACC 231 | ||
Professional accountants must have a solid background in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial accounting concepts. Review and expand your knowledge of accounting theory and processes, nature and content of the balance sheet and income statement, present value tables and their application, currently applicable General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and recent Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements. |
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ACC 245 | Internship/Externship | 3 | |||
Gain valuable work experience in an accounting position. The position must be obtained by the student in coordination with a faculty member and approved by the department before the semester begins. |
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ACC 250 | Technology Applications for Accounting | 3 | |||
Today nearly all businesses rely on computer software to facilitate the accounting process and provide on demand financial information for effective decision making. Learn accounting software applications such as invoicing and working with customers, payables and working with vendors, month-end accounting and reports, as well as applications for inventory, banking, and payroll. Web-based software will be utilized in an online platform accessible to all users. Prerequisite: ACC 216 or 231 |
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BUA 250 | Business Law I | 3 | CIS 095*, ENG 085* and ENG 090* | ||
This course offers an introduction to law and the legal system, dispute resolution and courts, business ethics, torts, contracts, sales and leases of goods, and negotiable instruments. |
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CIS 101 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 | CIS 095*, ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MAT 020* or higher | ||
Enhance computer knowledge. Course covers computer system concepts with an emphasis on several software applications. Typing ability necessary to be successful in this class. |
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CIS 121 | Microsoft® Excel® Comprehensive – Windows® | 3 | ENG 085,* ENG 090* and MAT 020* or higher | ||
Learn Excel® components: charts, creating workbooks, using drawing tools, formatting and auditing worksheets, functions, Internet and intranet documents, modifying and printing workbooks, ranges, database queries, importing and exporting data, macros, working with multiple workbooks, working with existing and creating new templates, and advanced workgroup functions. Keyboarding skills are essential. |
Electives
Select electives from courses in ACC, BUA, CIS, ECM, ECN or ENT, if necessary, to meet 60 credits required for this degree.
Recommended electives: BUA 111, BUA 120, CIS 201, ENG 232, HPF 277, PHL 236
Online note: Some students find online accounting courses to be challenging. It is recommended that online accounting students have strong computer skills including proficiency using e-mail, the Internet, experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and skills with attaching files.