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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
BA101Z Introduction To Business 4
CIS120 Concepts of Computing 4
COMM111Z Public Speaking 4 4
MTH82 Business Mathematics 3 4
 Credits16
Winter
CIS125S Spreadsheet Applications 3
BA205 Solving Communication Problems With Technology 4
WR115 Fundamentals of Report Writing 1 4
BA211Z Principles of Financial Accounting 4
 Credits15
Spring
BA206 Management Fundamentals 4
BA213Z Principles of Managerial Accounting 4
BA217 Accounting Process 3
BA240 Fund Accounting 3
 Credits14
Second Year
Fall
BA230 Business Law 4
ECON201 Microeconomics 4
CIS125W Word Processing Applications Microsoft 3
Specific Elective 5 3
 Credits14
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
 Credits16
Spring
BA177 Payroll Records and Accounting 3
BA277
Business Ethics
or Ethics
3
PE231 Wellness for Life 6 3
BA280 CWE: Business Admin 7 4
BA292 Entrepreneurship Capstone 3
 Credits16
 Total Credits91
1

A higher writing may be substituted excluding WR241WR242WR243, WR250.

2

BA285BA120, PSY100, PSY201Z, PSY202Z, PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.

3

MTH65, MTH95 or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH82.

4

COMM100Z, COMM111ZCOMM218Z, COMM219 will satisfy this requirement.

5

Specific Electives: Any AC, BA, CS/CIS, course not required for the degree; MTH65, MTH95, or higher; 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.