How is the financial success of a company determined? What do investors need to know when deciding whether to invest in a business? Professionals refer to accounting reports and consult with accountants for the information they need to make strategic business decisions. A degree in accounting will prepare you for a rewarding career in industry, public, governmental or non-profit accounting.
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program is designed to prepare graduates for many careers in industry, public, governmental or non-profit accounting. Students are encouraged to seek certification as a management accountant (CMA) or as a public accountant (CPA) upon graduation. Graduates of the Accounting program are well prepared for entry into the accounting profession and also have the background needed to advance into high-level management and finance positions. Note: CPA licensing requirements vary from state to state. Students should review the specific state requirements for where they seek licensure or consult with their academic advisor. All baccalaureate business degree programs offered are nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
PSU’s accounting professors bring years of professional accounting experience into the classroom, and will guide you toward your career path, whether your goal is to become a CPA or work within a business.
The BS in Accounting prepares graduates for many careers in industry, public, governmental or non-profit accounting. Students are encouraged to seek certification as a management accountant (CMA) or as a public accountant (CPA) upon graduation. Graduates of the Accounting program are well prepared for entry into the accounting profession and also have the background needed to advance into high-level management and finance positions.
Curriculum & Requirements
ACCOUNTING, Bachelor of Science (120 credits)
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program is designed to prepare graduates for many careers in industry, public, governmental or non-profit accounting. Students are encouraged to seek certification as a management accountant (CMA) or as a public accountant (CPA) upon graduation. Graduates of the Accounting program are well prepared for entry into the accounting profession and also have the background needed to advance into high-level management and finance positions. Note: CPA licensing requirements vary from state to state. Students should review the specific state requirements for where they seek licensure or consult with their academic advisor. All baccalaureate business degree programs offered are nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Business Common Component | ||
| BUS 1100 | Introduction to Marketing and Sales | 4 |
| BUS 1200 | Business Law and Ethics (DICO) | 4 |
| BUS 1300 | Digital Information Technologies (TECO) | 4 |
| BUS 1400 | Principles of Economics (GACO) | 4 |
| BUS 2000 | Financial & Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| BUS 2100 | Introduction to Finance | 2 |
| BUS 2200 | Management and Decision Making | 4 |
| BUS 2300 | Business Writing and Presenting (WRCO) | 4 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACC 3112 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4 |
| ACC 3122 | Intermediate Accounting II | 4 |
| ACC 3142 | Cost Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 3170 | Income Taxes | 4 |
| ACC 4122 | Advanced Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 4180 | Auditing Theory & Practice | 4 |
| MGM 4900 | Strategy & Sustainable Competitive Advantage | 4 |
| or ACC 4888 | Accounting Internship | |
| Major Electives | ||
| Choose two from the following: | 8 | |
ECN 4100 | Money and Banking | |
FIN 3200 | Corporate Finance | |
FIN 3400 | Investment Principles | |
FIN 4300 | Professional Financial Planning | |
LAW 4200 | Commercial and Consumer Law | |
| Business Electives | ||
| Choose 8 credits of ACC, BU, BUS, DAT, EC, ECN, ENT, FIN, LAW, MGM, MKT, SAL, SM 3000+ level courses | 8 | |
| Mathematics Foundations | ||
| MA 2210 | Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO) | 4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning in the Discipline Connection | ||
| ACC 4100 | Data Analytics for Accounting (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 0-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Free Electives | 2-3 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA 2210 | Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO) | 4 |
| BUS 1100 | Introduction to Marketing and Sales | 4 |
| BUS 1200 | Business Law and Ethics (DICO) | 4 |
| BUS 1300 | Digital Information Technologies (TECO) | 4 |
| BUS 1400 | Principles of Economics (GACO) | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| Credits | 31-32 | |
| Year Two | ||
| BUS 2000 | Financial & Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| BUS 2100 | Introduction to Finance | 2 |
| BUS 2200 | Management and Decision Making | 4 |
| BUS 2300 | Business Writing and Presenting (WRCO) | 4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 3-4 | |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| Credits | 26-30 | |
| Year Three | ||
| ACC 3112 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4 |
| ACC 3122 | Intermediate Accounting II | 4 |
| ACC 3142 | Cost Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 3170 | Income Taxes | 4 |
| ECN/FIN/LAW Electives | 8 | |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 30-32 | |
| Year Four | ||
| ACC 4100 | Data Analytics for Accounting (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
| ACC 4122 | Advanced Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 4180 | Auditing Theory & Practice | 4 |
| MGM 4900 or ACC 4888 |
Strategy & Sustainable Competitive Advantage or Accounting Internship |
4 |
| BUS 3000/4000 level Business elective | 8 | |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Free Electives | 2-3 | |
| Credits | 32-35 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
- Understand technical knowledge of accounting profession.
- Apply accounting to address info needs of organization.
- Ability to use information for financial reporting.
- Technology competence relevant to accounting profession.
A degree in accounting will prepare you for a rewarding career in industry, public, governmental or non-profit accounting.
