Accounting, Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Accounting degree is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of accounting-related positions in small businesses, governmental agencies and public accounting firms. The program offers students the opportunity to gain a combination of knowledge and practical hands-on experience in accounting. The program includes accounting and business-specific classes as well as a range of supporting courses designed to strengthen the students' self-assurance and leadership qualities.
Students completing the AAS Accounting will be prepared to maintain the accounting records of a business, analyze financial reports, or may be responsible for specific areas such as budgeting, accounts payable, payroll, or accounts receivable. This degree also prepares students for occupations such as full-charge bookkeeper, GS8 Accountant I, data entry clerk, financial staff accountant, cost accountant, and general office clerk.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in oral and written forms in a business environment.
- Practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of a given business or industry.
- Participate in learning opportunities that contribute to personal and professional growth.
- Adequately identify and record business transactions.
- Verify accuracy of accounting data.
- Make basic decisions regarding accounting functions.
- Produce basic financial statements (e.g. balance sheets, income statements, cash flows).
- Prepare budgets, payroll, and other quarterly tax reports.
- Communicate effectively with tax and accounting professionals.
- Effectively and efficiently use current and emerging technologies and software to solve workplace problems.
- Interact effectively with coworkers in ways that contribute to the organization's goals and your advancement in business opportunities
Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process. Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.
Program Guide
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
BA101 | Introduction to Business | 4 |
CIS120 | Concepts of Computing | 4 |
COMM111Z | Public Speaking 4 | 4 |
MTH82 | Business Mathematics 3 | 4 |
Credits | 16 | |
Winter | ||
CIS125S | Spreadsheet Applications | 3 |
BA205 | Solving Communication Problems With Technology | 4 |
WR115 | Fundamentals of Report Writing 1 | 4 |
BA211 | Principles of Accounting I | 4 |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
BA206 | Management Fundamentals | 4 |
BA213 | Principles of Accounting III | 4 |
BA217 | Accounting Process | 3 |
BA240 | Fund Accounting | 3 |
Credits | 14 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
BA230 | Business Law | 4 |
ECON201 | Microeconomics | 4 |
CIS125W | Word Processing Applications Microsoft | 3 |
Specific Elective 5 | 3 | |
Credits | 14 | |
Winter | ||
BA220 | Tax Accounting: Personal Income Tax | 3 |
BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations 2 | 3 |
ECON202 | Macroeconomics | 4 |
BA222 | Financial Management | 3 |
Specific Elective 5 | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
BA177 | Payroll Records and Accounting | 3 |
BA277 or PHL102 |
Business Ethics or Ethics |
3 |
PE231 | Wellness for Life 6 | 3 |
BA280 | CWE: Business Admin 7 | 4 |
BA292 | Entrepreneurship Capstone | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Total Credits | 91 |
- 1
A higher writing may be substituted excluding WR241, WR242, WR243, WR250.
- 2
BA285, BA120, PSY100, PSY201, PSY202, PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.
- 3
MTH60, MTH65, MTH95 or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH82.
- 4
SP100 or COMM100Z, SP111 or COMM111Z, SP218 or COMM218Z, SP219 or COMM219 will satisfy this requirement.
- 5
Specific Electives: Any AC, BA, CS/CIS, course not required for the degree; MTH65, MTH95, or higher; WR227 or WR227Z.
- 6
PE231, HE250, or (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.
- 7
Call 541-888-7405 to schedule with Internship Coordinator one month prior to term.