Accounting at a glance
Saunders College offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree program in accounting and an accounting minor (five courses in a discipline outside your major). On a graduate level, the MBA-Accounting and MS in Accounting are available to continue your studies.
Starting in the fall 2018, the new BS/MS in Accounting program allows you to complete two degrees in five years. Some students may qualify to complete the degree in as little as four years. For curriculum details please see the curriculum table below listed under "Accelerated dual degree option".
An Undergraduate Courses & Electives Academic Worksheet is available to track required credits and classes for all business majors within Saunders.
Curriculum
Business Administration: Accounting, BS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ACCT-110 |
Financial Accounting
An introduction to the way in which corporations report their financial performance to interested stakeholders such as investors and creditors. Coverage of the accounting cycle, generally accepted accounting principles, and analytical tools help students become informed users of financial statements.
|
3 |
| ACCT-210 |
Management Accounting
Introduction to the use of accounting information by managers within a business. Explores the value of accounting information for the planning and controlling of operations, assessing the cost of a product/service, evaluating the performance of managers, and strategic decision making.
|
3 |
| ECON-101 |
LAS Perspective 3 (global): Principles of Microeconomics
Microeconomics studies the workings of individual markets. That is, it examines the interaction of the demanders of goods and services with the suppliers of those goods and services. It explores how the behavior of consumers (demanders), the behavior of producers (suppliers), and the level of market competition influence market outcomes.
|
3 |
| ECON-201 |
Principles of Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics studies aggregate economic behavior. The course begins by presenting the production possibilities model. This is followed by a discussion of basic macroeconomic concepts including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth and fluctuations. The next topic is national income accounting, which is the measurement of macroeconomic variables. The latter part of the course focuses on the development of one or more macroeconomic models, a discussion of the role of money in the macroeconomy, the aggregate supply-aggregate demand framework, and other topics the individual instructor may choose.
|
3 |
| MGIS-101 |
Computer-based Analysis
This course provides students with hands-on experience with the analytical software tools and techniques that are used in today's businesses. Emphasis will be placed on the application of spreadsheet models for supporting management decision-making. A variety of spreadsheet-based cases in market research, financial analysis, accounting applications and other business domains will be utilized to show how to effectively analyze and solve business problems using the spreadsheet tool.
|
1 |
| MGIS-130 |
Information Systems & Technology
To be successful in our globally-networked business environment, contemporary management professionals must have a strong grounding in the principles of information and information technology. This course provides an introduction to the field of management information systems (MIS), including the tools and techniques for managing information and information technologies within organizations. We place a particular emphasis on the nature of systems, the role of information in business processes, the management of data, and the planning of MIS design projects.
|
3 |
| MGMT-101 |
Business 1: Ideas and Business Planning
This is the first of a two-course sequence comprising the freshman integrated experience. In Business 1 students will be introduced to the key functional areas of business, the evaluation of new business opportunities, and the business plan process. By applying the creative process, students will conceive new business ideas that will be developed in Business 2.
|
3 |
| MGMT-102 |
Business 2: Business Planning and Professional Development
This course, the second course in the First-year Business Sequence, applies technology tools to create well defined and complete business plans. Students will develop websites and other marketing and process tools to take their business concept outlined in Business 1 to a final business plan for review with an outside board.
|
3 |
| STAT-145 |
LAS Perspective 7A (mathematical): Introduction to Statistics I
This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used.
|
3 |
| STAT-146 |
LAS Perspective 7B (mathematical): Introduction to Statistics II
This course is an elementary introduction to the topics of regression and analysis of variance. The statistical software package Minitab will be used to reinforce these techniques. The focus of this course is on business applications. This is a general introductory statistics course and is intended for a broad range of programs.
|
4 |
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections |
0 |
First Year Writing (WI) |
3 | |
Wellness Education* |
0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| ACCT-305 |
Accounting Profession
This course consists of a series of workshops designed to introduce accounting students to the skills needed to be successful in job and co-op searches and the transition into professional life and careers. Students will establish their career goals, create relevant documents such as resumes and cover letters, and develop skills needed to succeed in pursuing accounting positions or graduate school. Students will be expected to interact with business professionals, study materials related to current and emerging trends in accounting and business, and develop professional deportment. Active class participation is required. Note: Matriculated in Saunders undergraduate accounting program.
|
1 |
| ACCT-360 |
Intermediate Financial Accounting I
Extensive exposure to the accounting cycle with full integration of the data flow in an accounting information system. Accounting theory developed by accounting standard-setting bodies is covered in-depth. Generally accepted accounting principles are discussed as they apply to the preparation of financial statements and the recognition and measurement of financial statement elements, primarily assets. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter.
|
3 |
| ACCT-445 |
Accounting Information Systems
This course combines information systems concepts and accounting issues. In this course, we discuss the conceptual foundations of information systems, their applications, the control and auditing of accounting information systems, and the system development process. Topics include the business process, e-business, relational database, database design, computer fraud and security, accounting cycle, system analysis and AIS development strategies. Students analyze accounting information systems topics through problem solving, group project, presentations, exams, and case studies.
|
3 |
| BLEG-200 |
Business Law I
An introduction to legal principles and their relationship to business organizations. Explores the U.S. legal system, the U.S. court system, civil and criminal procedure, the role of government agencies, legal research, and the substantive areas of law most relevant to business, including constitutional law, tort law, criminal law, contract law, intellectual property, debtor-creditor relations, bankruptcy, business entities, securities regulation, and antitrust law.
|
3 |
| COMM-253 |
Communication
An introduction to communication contexts and processes emphasizing both conceptual and practical dimensions. Participants engage in public speaking, small group problem solving and leadership, and writing exercises while acquiring theoretical background appropriate to understanding these skills.
|
3 |
| FINC-220 |
Financial Management
Basic course in financial management. Covers business organization, time value of money, valuation of securities, capital budgeting decision rules, risk-return relation, Capital Asset Pricing Model, financial ratios, global finance, and working capital management.
|
3 |
| INTB-225 |
Global Business Environment
Being an informed global citizen requires an understanding of the global business environment. Organizations critical to the development of the global business environment include for-profit businesses, non-profits, governmental, non-governmental, and supranational agencies. This course introduces students to the interdependent relationships between organizations and the global business environment. A holistic approach is used to examine the diverse economic, political, legal, cultural, and financial systems that influence both organizations and the global business environment.
|
3 |
| MATH-161 |
Applied Calculus
This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills.
|
4 |
| MGMT-215 |
Organizational Behavior
As an introductory course in managing and leading organizations, this course provides an overview of human behavior in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level with an emphasis on enhancing organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, work teams, motivation, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and organizational change.
|
3 |
| MKTG-230 |
Principles of Marketing
An introduction to the field of marketing, stressing its role in the organization and society. Emphasis is on determining customer needs and wants and how the marketer can satisfy those needs through the controllable marketing variables of product, price, promotion and distribution.
|
3 |
LAS Perspective 2 (artistic) |
3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| ACCT-365 |
Intermediate Financial Accounting II
In-depth consideration of generally accepted accounting principles and theory as they apply to the recognition and measurement of common liabilities and stockholders’ equity, as well as income taxes, pensions and leases. Issues related to dilutive securities, earnings per share, accounting changes, revenue recognition, and the statement of cash flows are also addressed. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter.
|
3 |
| ACCT-420 |
Personal and Small Business Taxation
A basic introductory course in federal income taxation. Emphasis is on taxation of individuals and sole proprietorships. Topics include income measurement and deductibility of personal and business expenses.
|
3 |
| DECS-310 |
Operations Management
A survey of operations and supply chain management that relates to both service- and goods- producing organizations. Topics include operations and supply chain strategies; ethical behavior; forecasting; product and service design, including innovation and sustainability; capacity and inventory management; lean operations; managing projects; quality assurance; global supply chains; and the impacts of technology.
|
3 |
| MGMT-340 |
LAS Perspective 1 (ethical): Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
This course applies concepts of ethics to business at the macro level and at the micro level. At the macro level the course examines competing business ideologies exploring the ethical concerns of capitalism as well as the role of business in society. At the micro level the course examines the role of the manager in establishing an ethical climate with an emphasis on the development of ethical leadership in business organizations. The following topics are typically discussed: the stakeholder theory of the firm, corporate governance, marketing and advertising ethics, the rights and responsibilities of employees, product safety, ethical reasoning, business's responsibility to the environment, moving from a culture of compliance to a culture of integrity, and ethical leadership.
|
3 |
LAS Elective |
3 | |
LAS Perspective 4 (social) |
3 | |
LAS Perspective 5 (natural science inquiry)† |
3 | |
LAS Perspective 6 (scientific principles) |
3 | |
LAS Immersion 1, 2 |
6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| ACCT-430 |
Cost Accounting
Intermediate-level coverage of operational budgeting and performance evaluation. Development and use of cost data for external reporting and internal planning and control. Topics include operational budgeting, performance evaluation, job costing, process costing, joint product, and by-product costing, service department cost allocation, standard costing, activity-based costing, back-flush costing, and transfer pricing. Development of relevant cost information for special purposes is also considered.
|
3 |
| ACCT-490 |
Auditing
A study of the legal, ethical, and technical environment in which the auditor works. Current auditing theory, standards, procedures, and techniques are studied. The audit process is studied to ascertain how it leads to the development of an audit opinion. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and internal control issues are examined. Students are also introduced to accountants’ professional responsibility.
|
3 |
| MGMT-560 |
Strategic Management
A capstone course drawing upon major business functions—accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and organizational theory and how strategic managers integrate functional theories and concepts to create competitive advantage. The course provides an integrated perspective of business organizations toward the achievement of enhanced profitability and a sustainable competitive advantage. Topics include the analysis of business environments, industry attractiveness, and competitive dynamics. Students learn how to formulate and implement effective business-level, corporate-level, and global strategies using theories, cases and a simulation.
|
3 |
LAS Immersion 3 |
3 | |
Free Electives |
9 | |
LAS Electives |
9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 124 |
|
Please see General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
† Students will satisfy this requirement by taking either a 3 or 4 credit hour lab science course. If a science course consists of separate lecture and laboratory sections, students must take both the lecture and lab portions to satisfy the requirement.
‡ Students must also complete one semester of cooperative education.
Accelerated dual degree option
Accelerated dual degree options are for undergraduate students with outstanding academic records. Upon acceptance, well-qualified undergraduate students can begin graduate study before completing their BS degree, shortening the time it takes to earn both degrees. Students should consult an academic adviser for more information.
Business administration: Accounting, BS degree/Accounting, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ACCT-110 |
Financial Accounting
An introduction to the way in which corporations report their financial performance to interested stakeholders such as investors and creditors. Coverage of the accounting cycle, generally accepted accounting principles, and analytical tools help students become informed users of financial statements.
|
3 |
| ACCT-210 |
Management Accounting
Introduction to the use of accounting information by managers within a business. Explores the value of accounting information for the planning and controlling of operations, assessing the cost of a product/service, evaluating the performance of managers, and strategic decision making.
|
3 |
| ECON-101 |
LAS Perspective 3 (global): Principles of Microeconomics
Microeconomics studies the workings of individual markets. That is, it examines the interaction of the demanders of goods and services with the suppliers of those goods and services. It explores how the behavior of consumers (demanders), the behavior of producers (suppliers), and the level of market competition influence market outcomes.
|
3 |
| ECON-201 |
Principles of Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics studies aggregate economic behavior. The course begins by presenting the production possibilities model. This is followed by a discussion of basic macroeconomic concepts including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth and fluctuations. The next topic is national income accounting, which is the measurement of macroeconomic variables. The latter part of the course focuses on the development of one or more macroeconomic models, a discussion of the role of money in the macroeconomy, the aggregate supply-aggregate demand framework, and other topics the individual instructor may choose.
|
3 |
| MGIS-101 |
Computer-based Analysis
This course provides students with hands-on experience with the analytical software tools and techniques that are used in today's businesses. Emphasis will be placed on the application of spreadsheet models for supporting management decision-making. A variety of spreadsheet-based cases in market research, financial analysis, accounting applications and other business domains will be utilized to show how to effectively analyze and solve business problems using the spreadsheet tool.
|
1 |
| MGIS-130 |
Information Systems & Technology
To be successful in our globally-networked business environment, contemporary management professionals must have a strong grounding in the principles of information and information technology. This course provides an introduction to the field of management information systems (MIS), including the tools and techniques for managing information and information technologies within organizations. We place a particular emphasis on the nature of systems, the role of information in business processes, the management of data, and the planning of MIS design projects.
|
3 |
| MGMT-101 |
Business 1: Ideas and Business Planning
This is the first of a two-course sequence comprising the freshman integrated experience. In Business 1 students will be introduced to the key functional areas of business, the evaluation of new business opportunities, and the business plan process. By applying the creative process, students will conceive new business ideas that will be developed in Business 2.
|
3 |
| MGMT-102 |
Business 2: Business Planning and Professional Development
This course, the second course in the First-year Business Sequence, applies technology tools to create well defined and complete business plans. Students will develop websites and other marketing and process tools to take their business concept outlined in Business 1 to a final business plan for review with an outside board.
|
3 |
| STAT-145 |
LAS Perspective 7A (mathematical): Introduction to Statistics I
This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used.
|
3 |
| STAT-146 |
LAS Perspective 7B (mathematical): Introduction to Statistics II
This course is an elementary introduction to the topics of regression and analysis of variance. The statistical software package Minitab will be used to reinforce these techniques. The focus of this course is on business applications. This is a general introductory statistics course and is intended for a broad range of programs.
|
4 |
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections |
0 |
First Year Writing (WI) |
3 | |
Wellness Education* |
0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| ACCT-360 |
Intermediate Financial Accounting I
Extensive exposure to the accounting cycle with full integration of the data flow in an accounting information system. Accounting theory developed by accounting standard-setting bodies is covered in-depth. Generally accepted accounting principles are discussed as they apply to the preparation of financial statements and the recognition and measurement of financial statement elements, primarily assets. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter.
|
3 |
| ACCT-365 |
Intermediate Financial Accounting II
In-depth consideration of generally accepted accounting principles and theory as they apply to the recognition and measurement of common liabilities and stockholders’ equity, as well as income taxes, pensions and leases. Issues related to dilutive securities, earnings per share, accounting changes, revenue recognition, and the statement of cash flows are also addressed. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter.
|
3 |
| BLEG-200 |
Business Law I
An introduction to legal principles and their relationship to business organizations. Explores the U.S. legal system, the U.S. court system, civil and criminal procedure, the role of government agencies, legal research, and the substantive areas of law most relevant to business, including constitutional law, tort law, criminal law, contract law, intellectual property, debtor-creditor relations, bankruptcy, business entities, securities regulation, and antitrust law.
|
3 |
| COMM-253 |
Communication
An introduction to communication contexts and processes emphasizing both conceptual and practical dimensions. Participants engage in public speaking, small group problem solving and leadership, and writing exercises while acquiring theoretical background appropriate to understanding these skills.
|
3 |
| FINC-220 |
Financial Management
Basic course in financial management. Covers business organization, time value of money, valuation of securities, capital budgeting decision rules, risk-return relation, Capital Asset Pricing Model, financial ratios, global finance, and working capital management.
|
3 |
| INTB-225 |
Global Business Environment
Being an informed global citizen requires an understanding of the global business environment. Organizations critical to the development of the global business environment include for-profit businesses, non-profits, governmental, non-governmental, and supranational agencies. This course introduces students to the interdependent relationships between organizations and the global business environment. A holistic approach is used to examine the diverse economic, political, legal, cultural, and financial systems that influence both organizations and the global business environment.
|
3 |
| MATH-161 |
Applied Calculus
This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills.
|
4 |
| MGMT-215 |
Organizational Behavior
As an introductory course in managing and leading organizations, this course provides an overview of human behavior in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level with an emphasis on enhancing organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, work teams, motivation, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and organizational change.
|
3 |
| MKTG-230 |
Principles of Marketing
An introduction to the field of marketing, stressing its role in the organization and society. Emphasis is on determining customer needs and wants and how the marketer can satisfy those needs through the controllable marketing variables of product, price, promotion and distribution.
|
3 |
LAS Perspective 2 (artistic) |
3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| ACCT-305 |
Accounting Profession
This course consists of a series of workshops designed to introduce accounting students to the skills needed to be successful in job and co-op searches and the transition into professional life and careers. Students will establish their career goals, create relevant documents such as resumes and cover letters, and develop skills needed to succeed in pursuing accounting positions or graduate school. Students will be expected to interact with business professionals, study materials related to current and emerging trends in accounting and business, and develop professional deportment. Active class participation is required. Note: Matriculated in Saunders undergraduate accounting program.
|
1 |
| ACCT-420 |
Personal and Small Business Taxation
A basic introductory course in federal income taxation. Emphasis is on taxation of individuals and sole proprietorships. Topics include income measurement and deductibility of personal and business expenses.
|
3 |
| ACCT-430 |
Cost Accounting
Intermediate-level coverage of operational budgeting and performance evaluation. Development and use of cost data for external reporting and internal planning and control. Topics include operational budgeting, performance evaluation, job costing, process costing, joint product, and by-product costing, service department cost allocation, standard costing, activity-based costing, back-flush costing, and transfer pricing. Development of relevant cost information for special purposes is also considered.
|
3 |
| MGMT-340 |
LAS Perspective 1 (ethical): Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
This course applies concepts of ethics to business at the macro level and at the micro level. At the macro level the course examines competing business ideologies exploring the ethical concerns of capitalism as well as the role of business in society. At the micro level the course examines the role of the manager in establishing an ethical climate with an emphasis on the development of ethical leadership in business organizations. The following topics are typically discussed: the stakeholder theory of the firm, corporate governance, marketing and advertising ethics, the rights and responsibilities of employees, product safety, ethical reasoning, business's responsibility to the environment, moving from a culture of compliance to a culture of integrity, and ethical leadership.
|
3 |
LAS Perspective 4 (social) |
3 | |
LAS Perspective 5 (natural science inquiry)† |
3 | |
LAS Perspective 6 (scientific principles) |
3 | |
LAS Immersion 1, 2, 3 |
9 | |
Free Elective |
3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| ACCT-490 |
Auditing
A study of the legal, ethical, and technical environment in which the auditor works. Current auditing theory, standards, procedures, and techniques are studied. The audit process is studied to ascertain how it leads to the development of an audit opinion. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and internal control issues are examined. Students are also introduced to accountants’ professional responsibility.
|
3 |
| ACCT-645 |
Accounting Information and Analytics
The objective for this course is helping students develop a data mindset which prepare them to interact with data scientists from an accountant perspective. This course enables students to develop analytics skills to conduct descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis for accounting information. This course focuses on such topics as data modeling, relational databases, blockchain, visualization, unstructured data, web scraping, and data extraction.
|
3 |
| DECS-310 |
Operations Management
A survey of operations and supply chain management that relates to both service- and goods- producing organizations. Topics include operations and supply chain strategies; ethical behavior; forecasting; product and service design, including innovation and sustainability; capacity and inventory management; lean operations; managing projects; quality assurance; global supply chains; and the impacts of technology.
|
3 |
| MGMT-560 |
Strategic Management
A capstone course drawing upon major business functions—accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and organizational theory and how strategic managers integrate functional theories and concepts to create competitive advantage. The course provides an integrated perspective of business organizations toward the achievement of enhanced profitability and a sustainable competitive advantage. Topics include the analysis of business environments, industry attractiveness, and competitive dynamics. Students learn how to formulate and implement effective business-level, corporate-level, and global strategies using theories, cases and a simulation.
|
3 |
Free Electives |
6 | |
LAS Electives |
12 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| ACCT-707 |
Advanced Accounting
Study of the application of generally accepted accounting principles and international financial reporting standards to business enterprises, including corporations with investments in subsidiaries, domestic and international, and partnerships. Issues involving consolidated financial statements, including international topics, are considered. Also examined are objectives for not-for-profit and governmental entities, and how these objectives affect their financial accounting and reporting.
|
3 |
| ACCT-708 |
Advanced Topics in Auditing and Assurance
A study of the legal, ethical, and technical environment in which the auditor works. Current auditing theory, standards, procedures, and techniques are studied. The audit process is studied to ascertain how it leads to the development of an audit opinion.
|
3 |
| ACCT-710 |
Tax Analysis and Strategy
A continuation of Basic Taxation. Emphasis is on taxation of business entities, as well as estate and gift taxation and planning. Students use technology to prepare complex returns and to research tax issues. Tax analysis and planning are integrated throughout.
|
3 |
| ACCT-738 |
Information Systems Auditing and Assurance Services
An examination of the unique risks, controls, and assurance services resulting from and related to auditing financial information systems with an emphasis on enterprise resource systems.
|
3 |
| ACCT-740 |
Comparative Financial Statement Analysis
This course is designed to prepare students to interpret and analyze financial statements effectively. Explores in greater depth some of the financial reporting topics introduced in the core accounting course and includes a discussion of International Financial Reporting Standards.
|
3 |
| ACCT-795 |
Financial Accounting Theory and Research
This course examines the theoretical concepts, definitions, and models espoused in the accounting literature and relevant to analyzing various contemporary issues in financial accounting and reporting. It also considers the historical development of accounting standards, contemporary issues in financial reporting including international standards, and research methods used to determine the appropriate methods to comply with accounting standards. Course requires writing and student presentations.
|
3 |
Graduate Electives |
9 | |
Field Exam |
0 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 151 |
|
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
† Students will satisfy this requirement by taking either a 3 or 4 credit hour lab science course. If a science course consists of separate lecture and laboratory sections, students must take both the lecture and lab portions to satisfy the requirement.
‡ Students must also complete one semester of cooperative education.
