Accounting, B.S.

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Accounting is considered the language of business; it is the analysis and recording of economic data and the subsequent preparation of reports and information used in the decision-making process in the management of a company. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in corporations, public accounting firms, government, and not-for-profit organizations. The program develops the technical competencies, communication skills, and ethical frameworks valued by today’s employers and necessary to succeed in the professional accounting environment.

Students complete courses which provide a foundation for the CMA and CPA exams. Additional courses necessary to fulfill the 150 semester hour requirement for CPA certification are available at the undergraduate level or in graduate programs offered at the university.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program are expected to be able to do the following:

Record, analyze, interpret, and report financial information using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Analyze and interpret financial and non-financial information to aid decision makers within an organization.
Identify and follow the laws and regulations applicable to accounting practice.
Identify and apply audit methods and techniques used in practice today.
Research and apply federal tax rules and prepare tax returns.
Describe and use management accounting principles in making business recommendations.
Consider the global and economic business environment in which an organization operates.
Incorporate an ethical perspective into the accounting environment.
Assess the importance of accounting technology to maintain systems, analyze data, and communicate results.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Work effectively with diverse populations and groups.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Develop strategies for learning new skills and updating knowledge.

Program Structure and Delivery

Most courses in the program are delivered in a blended format, integrating face-to-face classroom meetings and online activities or interactions in a planned, instructionally valuable manner.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 122 credits is required for graduation with a bachelor of science degree from Saint Mary’s University. All students must meet the general education credit requirements. A minimum of 54 credits is required to complete the B.S. in Accounting.

Required Accounting Courses or Transfer courses	6 cr.
Required Accounting Courses	21 cr.
Elective Course	3 cr.
Required Management Courses	15 cr.
Required Communication Courses	6 cr.
Required Capstone	3 cr.
Total	54 cr.

Students who transfer in AC200 and AC205 can complete the program with 48 program credits.

Required Accounting Courses or Transfer Courses: 6 cr.

Required Accounting Courses: 21 cr.

Electives: 3 cr.

AC310 Business Taxation (3 cr.)
AC415 International Accounting (3 cr.)
AC420 Forensic Accounting and Auditing (3 cr.)
ACCT620 and ACCT640 require Program Director approval
ACCT620 Accounting Information Systems (3 cr.)
ACCT640 Nonprofit and Government Accounting (3 cr.)
B.S. in Accounting completion students who anticipate enrolling in the M.S. in Accountancy program at Saint Mary’s University may take one of the 600 level graduate courses listed above as an elective. The B.S. completion program director must advise the student and approve enrollment in the graduate course. The graduate course must be taken within the final 12 credits of the B.S. completion degree. The 3 graduate credits can also be applied to the program requirements for the M.S. in Accountancy degree at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, if the student earns a grade of B or higher in the course.

Required Management Courses: 15 cr.

Required Communication Courses: 6 cr.

Required Capstone: 3 cr.

AC490 Business Strategic Management Capstone (3 cr.)

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to undergraduate certificate and degree programs at any time during the year and, if accepted, begin the program during any one of the three semesters. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful undergraduate coursework. Applicants must provide evidence of at least 30 transferable semester credits upon acceptance, including completion of a basic English composition course. Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel), and
An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated by a university accepted evaluation source, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

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Twin Cities Campus

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