Accounting Courses 2009-2010
Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.
ACC 197 Special Topics 1-6 credits
ACC 201 Introduction to Financial Accounting 3 credits
An introduction to the field of accounting with emphasis on corporate financial statements. Financial statements are viewed as a communication device conveying the financial health of a business to interested parties. The objective of this first course is to teach students to read, analyze, and interpret these financial statements. The emphasis is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills using accounting concepts. Students are exposed to the steps used by accountants to record, measure, and process financial information. Cash flow analysis is contrasted with the accrual basis of accounting; the concepts of asset valuation and income measurement are discussed. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of “C.” Prerequisites: college-level mathematics requirement with a minimum grade of “C-,” or instructor permission.
ACC 202 Introduction to Managerial Accounting 3 credits
An introduction to the preparation, uses, and analysis of common management accounting information. Topics include cost-volume-profit analysis, capital budgeting and present value applications, cash budgets, financial statement analysis, taxes, and management decisions, plus a brief introduction to modern cost accounting, with emphasis on activity-based costing systems. The development of problem-solving and analytical abilities is given primary importance throughout the course. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of “C.” Prerequisites: MATH 140 with a minimum grade of “C-” and ACC 201 with a minimum grade of “C.”
ACC 297 Special Topics 1-6 credits
ACC 301 Intermediate Accounting I 3 credits
Rigorous and comprehensive study of the means by which generally accepted accounting principles are used to generate the publicly-available information disseminated by modern U.S. corporations. Theoretical and practical criticisms and alternatives to current accounting practice are also considered, as is the idea of accounting as an information feedback system that allows individuals and organizations to reshape their environment. In addition, students are exposed to the realities of the economic and political climate surrounding the accounting standard-setting process. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of “C. Prerequisites: MATH 140 and ACC 201 with a minimum grade of “C.”
ACC 302 Intermediate Accounting II 3 credits
Continuation of ACC 301. As the ACC 301-02 sequence progresses, increased emphasis is placed on the relationship of modern accounting and information theory to current accounting practice. In addition, students are expected to develop an insight into the behavioral and economic consequences of the financial reporting process. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of “C.” Prerequisite: ACC 301.
ACC 320 Advanced Management Accounting 3 credits
A study of the information needed by managers for planning, control and decision-making. Both the tools needed to generate this information and the principles involved in evaluating the information are covered. Topics include: breakeven analysis; product and process costing, including activity-based costing, standard costing and joint costs; cash budgets and forecasting; relevant costs and nonroutine decisions; the direct vs. absorption costing tradeoff; and capital budgeting. The overall level of difficulty in this course is generally consistent with the level of difficulty encountered on typical management accounting problems found on the Uniform CPA Examination. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of “C”. Prerequisites: ACC 202 and ACC 301.
ACC 340 Accounting Information Systems 3 credits
A dual-purpose course which explores the theoretical view of information systems, while at the same time exposing the student to actual off-the-shelf accounting software. The course alternates between textbook readings and discussions and several case studies which require the student to create a computerized accounting system for a fictional client. After completing the course, the student is expected to possess the ability to computerize a manual accounting system, to understand system theory underpinnings of accounting information systems, and to have developed a view of the implications of expected technological advances on management information systems in general and accounting systems in particular. Prerequisite: BUAD 220 or CIS 120. Prerequisite or corequisite: ACC 301.
ACC 350 Income Tax 3 credits
An introduction to the federal income tax system. Emphasis is on the ways in which the U.S. income tax laws influence personal and business behavior and decision making, and how the tax laws can be used to accomplish various economic and social objectives. Topics covered include an introduction to tax research, principles of income and deduction, tax liability, and tax credits. Individual taxation is the primary focus, but the basic principles apply to most forms of business organization as well. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of “C.” Prerequisite: minimum sophomore standing.
ACC 397 Special Topics 1-6 credits
ACC 410 Auditing 3 credits
An examination of the standards and methods used by certified professional accountants when attesting to the fairness of corporate financial statements. The course begins with an introduction to the profession of accounting, its code of ethics, formal auditing standards and pronouncements, as well as the legal environment in which it operates. Auditing concepts and applications are then considered. These include internal control, sampling techniques, audit planning, internal control, and working-paper documentation. Emerging government policies concerning the auditor’s responsibilities for fraud detection and the effect of these policies on the accounting profession are also discussed. Prerequisite: ACC 302.
ACC 450 Advanced Financial Accounting 3 credits
An overview of the financial accounting theory, practice, problems, and reporting requirements for various economic entities. These include partnerships, foreign branches and subsidiaries, state and local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals, voluntary organizations, and the modern parent/subsidiary corporate structure. The approach taken in this course is that there are common information needs which each of these entities must satisfy. While the specific approach used to satisfy this need is dependent on a variety of factors, the common thread is that useful information is being generated for the consumers of that information. Prerequisite: ACC 302.
ACC 460 Advanced Income Tax 3 credits
A continuation of federal income taxation, with emphasis on property transactions, corporations, partnerships, and fiduciaries. A primary objective is decision-making from an after-tax point of view, that is, how taxes affect behavior. Topics include the tax effects of organizing, operating, and liquidating partnerships and corporations. Tax research methodology and the federal estate and gift tax are also covered. Prerequisite: ACC 350.
ACC 491 Seminar in Accounting 3 credits
A boardroom approach to problem solving through research, discussion, and analysis.
ACC 492 Independent Study 1-6 credits
A singular investigation into a unique problem arrived at between the researcher and the advisor.
ACC 497 Special Topics 1-6 credits
ACC 498 Accounting Theory, Analysis, and Ethics 3 credits
A Capstone Course which investigates the theories upon which accounting measurement and valuation are based. Requires the student to apply, integrate, and critically analyze all aspects of financial accounting procedures and reporting. Students are expected to make significant written and oral contributions to the class. Accounting ethics and professional responsibilities are also covered. Each student is expected to leave the class with his or her own perspective of accounting’s place in society and its prospects for the future. This is the Capstone Course for the Standard Accounting Major and the Professional Emphasis. Prerequisite: senior status.
ACC 499 Internship in Accounting 1 - 6 credits
Experiences designed especially for the uninitiated student. Internships provide guided, counseled, and progressive experience under a dual tutelage program of a businessperson and an academician. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.