Major in Accounting
Objectives. The Accounting major prepares students for professional careers in public, managerial, and governmental accounting, such as managerial, cost, tax or government accountant, internal or independent auditor. Graduates of the program are also prepared for advanced study in accounting, management, law, or related fields.
The curriculum emphasizes developing an understanding of the social, ethical, economic, legal, and regulatory environments that affect accounting. Development of problem solving, decision making, communication and leadership skills, in addition to business and accounting knowledge, are emphasized.
Accounting faculty members are available to consult with students wishing to pursue careers in any of the above-mentioned areas.
Requirements. In addition to the requirements for the BBA degree , at least 18 additional credits as follows:
- ACC 320 , ACC 321 , ACC 322 , ACC 421 , ACC 424 .
- At least three credits from: ACC 325 , BUS 394 *, ACC 420 , ACC 422 , ACC 423 , ACC 425 , FIN 467 .
*Internship must be in area of accounting.
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Michigan and most other US states, students are required to have completed 150 hours of college credit. Students planning to become CPAs in Michigan should consider one of the following paths:
- Completion of 150 credit hours at the undergraduate level. Coursework must include ACC 320 , ACC 321 , ACC 322 , ACC 420 , ACC 423 , ACC 421 , ACC 424 and two from ACC 422 , ACC 425 , FIN 467 . ACC 425 is also strongly recommended.
- Completion of the School of Management’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an accounting concentration. This program is particularly appropriate for students wishing to become a CPA in a state that requires 150 hours of university education to take the CPA exam, including Michigan. For students who successfully complete the BBA program and receive a grades of B (3.0) or better in undergraduate courses ACC 201 , ACC 202 , MGT 211 , MGT 313 , , and ECN 201 , ECN 202 , MBA foundation course requirements are waived and the MBA with an accounting concentration requires only 33 additional credits for completion.
For further information, see the Graduate Study/School of Management section of this Catalog.
The student who wishes to pursue a CPA license in Michigan under option A or B above should see an accounting faculty member by the junior year to see which path best fits needs. In some cases, students with a BBA degree with major in accounting may be able to take the CPA exam before the completion of all required courses, but counsel from an accounting faculty member, or State Board of Accountancy, should be sought before doing so. The student who wishes to take the CPA exam, and become a CPA in another state must comply with the requirements for education and CPA certification in that state.
Many professional certifications are available in accounting and, more generally, in financial services. Examples include, Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), and Certified Bank Auditor (CBA). Criteria for these certifications are readily available on the internet, and most of them require fewer accounting credits than the CPA license. However, the CPA license is still seen by many as the top accounting designation attainable. Students are encouraged to consult with accounting faculty members regarding certification opportunities.
