Accounting Major

Bachelor of Science degree

The accounting profession plays an essential role in a modern economy by providing the financial information necessary for problem solving and decision-making by managers and investors, leaders and government agencies. Accountants are important members of an organization’s decision-making team. Managers rely on accountants for financial planning, budgeting and interpretation of financial results. Students learn how to provide accounting information that is relevant and appropriate for the variety of decisions that managers must make.

Investors, lenders, government agencies and other external parties also rely on accountants and auditors to provide accurate and reliable financial statements about an organization. Students learn how to apply accounting concepts, standards and regulations in preparing, auditing and analyzing financial statements.

Because accounting is an information system, there is substantial emphasis in the program on computer and information technology skills, including the use of accounting, spreadsheet and database applications as well as the use of technology for accounting and tax research.

UMass Dartmouth’s accounting program provides a strong foundation for pursuit of a career in private or public accounting, or for further education in graduate school. In private accounting, students may prepare for certification as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Preparation for a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) has been enhanced by state regulations that now require 150 hours of education prior to certification. Students interested in a public accounting career should talk with a faculty member to consider ways of achieving the 150-hour requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Accounting seeks to produce graduates who have professional, analytical and managerial skills in accounting, and who adapt to the changing demands of business and society and contribute to knowledge and practice in accounting through professional activities.

Students will

• understand the role of accounting and auditing in business organizations, the economy, and society;
• understand the market for accounting and auditing services and the variety of career paths for accountants and auditors;
• understand basic concepts and theory, including performance measurement and reporting;
• understand fundamental accounting, auditing and tax standards and regulations as they apply to recording transactions and preparing financial and tax reports
• be able to prepare, interpret, analyze and effectively communicate financial and managerial information for planning and control, investing and financial decisions-the fundamental characteristics of the program covered in all courses taught
• understand how accounting systems are designed and used to conduct and control operations
• be able to use accounting systems and tools appropriately and effectively
• understand concepts and methods used in internal control and the auditing process
• integrate the ethical responsibility of accountants in fulfilling professional duties
• understand how society, politics, economics and legislation affect the development of accounting and auditing standards and tax regulations
• possess sufficient technical knowledge necessary for obtaining relevant entry-level accounting positions
• be able to use library resources, technology, and electronic databases for continuous learning and staying abreast of changes in the environment in which accountants operate.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting requires completion of 40 courses—120 credit hours of coursework.

Business Foundation Requirements - 6 courses

ECO 231 MicroEconomics

ECO 232 MacroEconomics

POM 212 Statistics

MIS 101 The Business Organization *

MTH 103 Finite Mathematics

ENL 265 Business Writing

Accounting major courses — 6 courses 

ACT 311   Intermediate accounting 1

ACT 312   Intermediate accounting II

ACT 351 Cost accounting

ACT 355 Accounting information systems

ACT 401 Auditing

ACT 411 Taxation

Accounting Option Courses – 2 courses

General Option Courses – choose 2 from the following:

FIN 493, ACT 421, ACT 354, ACT 412, ACT 431, ACT 441

Accounting Information Systems Option:

MIS 322 Sys. Analysus & Desinn

NIS 432 Business Data Systems

Core business requirements—10 courses

 ACT 211 Financial Accounting

ACT 212 Managerial Accounting

FIN 312 Finance

MKT 311 Marketing

MGT 311 Organizational Behavior

MGT 312 Legal Framework in Business

MIS 315  Management Information Systems

POM 333 Quantitative Business Analysis

POM 345 Operations Analysis

MGT 490  Business Strategy

Business Electives – 1 course

Students select 300 or 400-level business courses that are not required by their major. This course may be taken from any other discipline in the College of Business. Students can use these electives for a minor if they do not also use them in their major.

Students who entered prior to Fall 2012 will take 3 business electives. Students who entered in Fall 2012 or after will take 4 business electives.

Non-business electives — 5 to 7 courses

Students select four courses outside of the College of Business. All students are strongly advised to investigate minors in other Colleges and make selection that that meet requirements of that minor. Ask your advisor for help.

University studies courses or GEN ED—6 or 8 courses  

First year students who enter the university in Fall 2012 or later and transfer students who entered in Fall 2012 or later with more than 25 credit hours will take 6 additional courses from University Studies.

http://www.umassd.edu/generaleducation/universitystudies/universitystudiescurriculum/.

First year students who entered the university prior to Fall 2012 and transfer students who entered prior to Fall 2012 with less than 25 credit hours will take 10 additional general education courses.

http://www.umassd.edu/generaleducation/generalinformation/

* Transfer students with more than 15 credit hours do not take MIS 101. Substitute a 300 or 400-level business elective.