Sep 16, 2024  
2024-2025 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
2024-2025 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook

Accounting, B.S.


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Program Description

Accounting is more than numbers; it is the language of business in the ever-adapting global digital world. To succeed in professional accounting, accountants need technical competencies in recording, analyzing, and mapping data, as well as enhanced professional communication skills. With this unique combination, accountants assist businesses in ensuring compliance and achieving corporate mission and goals.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree is designed not only to prepare individuals for a career in any industry, but also to create a pathway to complete a Master of Science in Accounting degree. With growing global commerce and ever-changing regulatory requirements, continuing education is the key to adapting to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Program Outcomes

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

  1. Analyze and interpret financial and non-financial information to aid decision makers within an organization.
  2. Identify and follow laws and regulations applicable to accounting practice.

  3. Incorporate an ethical perspective into the accounting environment.

  4. Identify the global and economic business environments, changing trends, and related educational strategies.

  5. Identify and apply audit methods and techniques used in practice today.

  6. Assess the importance of accounting technology to maintain systems, analyze data, and communicate results.

  7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

  8. Collaborate effectively with diverse populations and groups. 

Program Structure and Delivery

Accounting courses are delivered online in an accelerated 8-week format  Business, management, and communication courses are offered in an accelerated 8-week format in both blended and fully online versions.

Degree Requirements


A minimum of 120 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 36 credits is required to complete the B.S. in Accounting.

Foundation Courses* 6 cr.
Required Accounting Courses 21 cr.
Required Business/Management Courses 6 cr.
Required Communication Courses 6 cr.
Capstone Course 3 cr.
Total Credits 36 cr.
   

*foundation courses do not count toward the 36 core program credits

B.S. in Accounting to M.S. in Accounting Pathway


Students in the B.S. in Accounting program are eligible to take the following M.S. in Accounting program graduate level courses to replace B.S. in Accounting core program coursework: 

  • Additional graduate courses up to 50% of the M.S. in Accounting program per University policy may also be considered depending on transfer credit and course waiver circumstances. University policy applies to all graduate bridge pathways; see the University catalog for more information. 

Bachelor’s to Graduate Bridge Pathways


Bachelor’s completion degrees can be bridged to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota graduate programs and certificates by combining advanced undergraduate coursework with graduate-level coursework. Depending on which programs are part of the pathway bridge, bachelor’s completion students may take up to 50% of the required graduate coursework for a graduate degree or 100% of the coursework for a graduate certificate. The graduate courses count toward the completion of both the bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree or certificate. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application through admission.  Please see admissions for program specific admission policies.

Pathways to Additional Graduate Programs


Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate certificates or programs other than the M.S. in Accounting program also have the option to complete graduate courses as part of the graduate bridge pathway. Please see the University Catalog for a complete list of graduate programs and certificates. Consult with an adviser for more information.

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


  1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel and their immediate family).
  2. All official transcripts issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from all previous institutions attended with a minimum of 30 transferable semester credits with a Basic English composition course.  (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 on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, 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).  Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus.

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

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