Course Descriptions - Online BS in Accounting Completion Program
Through the 60-credit online bachelor's degree in accounting at the University of Saint Mary, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the core tenets and conventions of accounting. Specifically, you will engage with auditing practices, taxation, business communications, information systems, and data analysis at the same time that you adopt leadership traits.
Additionally, the program is integrated with the MBA and CPA degree paths at the University of Saint Mary, meaning you will have an opportunity to advance your academic profile that much further after graduation.
Core Courses
AC 251 Principles of Accounting I (3 credits)
The study of accounting as a means of recording and communicating financial information about a business. Emphasis is placed on basic Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) used to identify, record, and report financial results. The concepts and principles underlying the measurement of income, costs, and financial position are studied and practiced, along with the preparation and use of the Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) and Statements of Operations (Income Statement). Ethical practices and regulatory compliance procedures are also introduced and studied.
AC 252 Principles of Accounting II (3 credits)
Continuation of AC 251. The study of accounting concepts and principles as applied to partnerships and corporations, the reporting of assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity, and the preparation and use of the Statement of Cash Flows. The convergences of International Financial Reportsin Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is also studied, with emphasis on those standards currently converged into one global standard. The course also introduces the basic concepts of managerial and cost accounting.
AC 345 Taxation (3 credits)
The study of Federal, State, and Local tax regulations governing the compliance, accounting, and reporting of individual, partnership, and various types of corporate taxes and estate taxes are also studied.
AC 346 Cost Accounting (3 credits)
The study of cost behavior, cost controls, valuations, and the use of analytical cost tools and techniques for management decision making.
AC 351 Intermediate Accounting (3 credits)
The study and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for use in the recording and reporting of accounting data and the preparation of Financial Statements. The focus of the course is on the detail elements that comprise a Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows. An introduction to accounting for mergers and acquisitions, income taxes, and comprehensive income, is also included in the course.
AC 352 Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
The study of accounting information and the application of analytical tools and techniques for day-to-day and strategic decision-making. Specific analytical tools, such as breakeven analysis, cost-volume-profit relationship algorithms, differential cost analysis, leverage, target cost/pricing, flexible budgeting, and activity-based costing are studied and practiced.
AC 375 Communications for Accounting and Financial Reporting (3 credits)
The study and practice of effective written, presentation, and verbal communication skills, as required in the management and reporting of accounting and financial information. Key topics include the preparation of executive summaries/reports, general business communications, audit reports, shareholder communications, media releases, and specific reporting for regulatory/compliance purposes.
AC 400 Special Topics in Accounting (3 credits)
The study of specific accounting and related topics such as government/fund accounting, revenue recognition, currencies and exchange rates, intra and intercompany transactions, international accounting, regulatory reporting and compliance, and other topics of current interest and concern.
AC 445 Auditing (3 credits)
The study of the essential processes of auditing, including specific procedures and techniques used in the review of both public and provate company financial statements and internal controls. Compliance, ethics, and regulatory reporting are also studied, along with the organizations and regulatory institutions responsible for audit compliance and financial reporting.
AC 446 Advanced Accounting (3 credits)
The study of accounting principles and procedures applicable to decentralized/multinational operations, business combinations, consolidated financial reporting, foreign currency exchange, variable interest entities, transfer pricing, and governmental agencies.
AC 497 Accounting Internship (3 credits)
One semester of supervised practical experience in selected organizations, agencies, or businesses – required for all students majoring in accounting who are classified as a junior or senior. Overall experience and written requirements for this Internship are developed collectively by the faculty internship coordinator, the organization, and the student.