Accounting Major

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Objectives

The Accounting major prepares students for professional careers in public, managerial and governmental accounting, such as managerial, cost, tax or government accountant and internal or independent auditor. Graduates of the program are also prepared for advanced study in accounting, management, law, and 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:

A. Major Core Courses

ACC 320 - Cost Accounting (3).
ACC 321 - Intermediate Accounting I (3).
ACC 322 - Intermediate Accounting II (3).
ACC 421 - Accounting Information Systems (3).
ACC 424 - Auditing (3).

B. Major Electives

At least three credits from:

ACC 325 - Income Tax Preparation (3).
ACC 394 - Accounting Internship Program (1-3).
ACC 420 - Federal Income Taxation (3).
ACC 422 - Federal Income Taxation-Advanced Topics (3).
ACC 423 - Fundamentals of Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting (3).
ACC 425 - Advanced Accounting (3).
FIN 467 - Financial Statement Analysis (3).

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Requirements

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:

A. Undergraduate Coursework

Completion of 150 credit hours at the undergraduate level, to include:

ACC 320 - Cost Accounting (3).
ACC 321 - Intermediate Accounting I (3).
ACC 322 - Intermediate Accounting II (3).
ACC 420 - Federal Income Taxation (3).
ACC 421 - Accounting Information Systems (3).
ACC 423 - Fundamentals of Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting (3).
ACC 424 - Auditing (3).
Two from:
ACC 422 - Federal Income Taxation-Advanced Topics (3).
ACC 425 - Advanced Accounting (3). (strongly recommended)
FIN 467 - Financial Statement Analysis (3).

B. Master of Science in Accounting

Completion of the School of Management’s Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). 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 the undergraduate accounting courses, MSA foundation course requirements are waived and the MSA requires only 30 additional credits.

Note

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.

Minimum Credits for the Degree: 120 credits