major in accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
B.B.A. in Accounting Program Overview
Pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting opens the door to a world of opportunity. Through our B.B.A. in Accounting program, you will develop the skills necessary to thrive in the fast-paced world of business. Whether your goal is to pursue a career in public accounting, private accounting or finance, embrace your future and take the first step toward pursuing your passion by enrolling in our accounting program today!
College:
College of Business
Department chair name:
Matt Vega
B.A., J.D.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Brandon Lanciloti
Learning at FHU
Why study accounting at FHU?
As the business world grows increasingly complex, it’s essential to have robust accounting skills to succeed. With our Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting program, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to excel in this dynamic field. Our accounting faculty boasts an impressive resume and our small class sizes mean you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout your studies. If you’re ready to take your accounting skills to the next level, FHU is the perfect place.
Program Highlights:
- Get hands-on experience
- Our faculty brings expertise from the public and private sectors
- Receive personalized attention and guidance
- Access to the Brown-Kopel Business Center
- Quickly develop solid accounting skills
- Gain an edge in the increasingly complex world of business
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting Four-Year Plans
The road to success is clearer than ever with the help of a four-year plan for Accounting majors. At Freed-Hardeman University, we’ve created a guide to assist you in reaching your goals and achieving your dreams. Our uplifting approach to education means that we’re here to support you each step of the way. Whether you’re a first-year student or nearing graduation, we’ve got your back. Follow a four-year plan and find yourself on the path to a fulfilling and rewarding career in accounting.
2023-2024 4-Year Plan(s)
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
2022-2023 4-Year Plan(s)
2021-2022 4-Year Plan(s)
2020-2021 4-Year Plan(s)
Careers for Accounting Majors
For those pursuing a degree in accounting, the future looks bright. Thanks to a consistently robust job market, the demand for graduates in this field grows yearly. At FHU’s Brown-Kopel Business Center, students can gain hands-on experience in the field through real-world projects and internships. With the combination of quality education and practical experience, graduates will be poised for success in various exciting career paths, from public accounting to corporate finance.
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
- Financial Analysts
- Auditors
- Forensic Accountants
- Tax Consultants
- Business Management Consultants
- Financial Planners
Major in Accounting Degree Requirements
At Freed-Hardeman University, students who major in accounting can expect to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in tax, auditing, management accounting, and forensic accounting. This program is designed to prepare future accountants for a wide range of career opportunities. Furthermore, an accounting degree is often a stepping stone to senior management positions within business firms.
I. Liberal Arts Core Requirements - 34 hours
Listed in this catalog under Academics: Liberal Arts Core
Limit II. C. Quantitative Reasoning to MAT 235 Introductory Statistics
II. Common Professional Component for all B.B.A. majors - 39 hours
| ACC 231 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC 233 | Principles of Accounting II | 3 |
| BAN 225 | Quantitative Business Analysis | 3 |
| BUS 254 | Business Technology | 3 |
| BUS 351 | Business Communication (W) | 3 |
| BUS 354 | Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| BUS 455 | Business Ethics (W) | 3 |
| BUS 459 | Business Capstone (W) | 3 |
| ECO 271 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECO 272 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| FIN 385 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| MGT 241 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MKT 261 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
III. Major Requirements - 51 hours
| ACC 330 | Intermediate Accounting I | 3 | ||||
| ACC 331 | Intermediate Accounting II | 3 | ||||
| ACC 335 | Cost Accounting | 3 | ||||
| ACC 430 | Principles of Taxation I | 3 | ||||
| ACC 435 | Advanced Accounting | 3 | ||||
| ACC 436 | Principles of Auditing | 3 | ||||
| BUS 357 | Commercial Law | 3 | ||||
| BUS 550 | Analytical Decision Tools | 3 | ||||
| BUS 559* | Strategic Decision Making | 3 | ||||
| ECO 570 | Economic Thought | 3 | ||||
| FIN 580 | Financial Management | 3 | ||||
| LDR 543 | Leading Teams and Organizations | 3 | ||||
| MGT 540 | Operations Management | 3 | ||||
| MKT 560 | Marketing Management | 3 | ||||
Choose three (3) of the following courses – 9 hours
| ACC 530 | Managerial Accounting | (3) | ||||
| ACC 531*** | Principles of Taxation II | (3) | ||||
| ACC 534** | CPA Exam Preparation | (3) | ||||
| ACC 538*** | Fraud Examination | (3) | ||||
| BUS 510 | Business Communication | (3) | ||||
| BUS 520 | Business Law and Ethics | (3) | ||||
*Functions as a capstone course for the program, to be taken during the last spring or last fall semester before anticipated graduation.
**Recommended for those pursuing CPA Licensure. Offered in an online format over a 16-week semester.
*** Offered in a face-to-face format over a 16-week semester at the Henderson campus.
IV. Electives (including additional Bible) - 29 hours
Meet Our Faculty
Brandon Lanciloti, D.B.A., M.B.A., C.P.A., C.F.E.
Assistant Dean / Assistant Professor of Accounting
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Accounting Program
Check out our FAQs to learn more about the admission requirements, degrees available, and other important information.
What accounting degree does FHU offer?
Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) offers two accounting degrees: a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) major in Accounting and a combined B.B.A./M.B.A. program in Accounting.
The B.B.A. major in Accounting is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in accounting principles, practices, and procedures. Students will take courses in financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems. They will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. This program is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting, or non-profit accounting.
The combined B.B.A./M.B.A. program in Accounting allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting in an accelerated format. This program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in accounting, finance, business strategy, and leadership. Students will take advanced financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting research courses. They will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, practicums, and case studies. This program is ideal for students pursuing careers in executive-level accounting or finance positions or who plan to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).
Both programs are taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields and dedicated to providing their students with a high-quality education. Graduates of these programs will be well-prepared to succeed in their chosen careers and positively impact the accounting profession.
What do employers look for in an accountant?
Employers seek technical expertise, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge when hiring an accountant. Here are some of the essential qualifications and attributes that employers look for in an accountant:
- Education and Certification: Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, and many prefer candidates who hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
- Technical Skills: Employers expect accountants to understand accounting principles, practices, and procedures strongly. They should be able to prepare financial statements, analyze financial data, and develop budgets.
- Attention to Detail: Accountants must be highly detail-oriented and able to record and analyze financial data accurately. Employers look for candidates who have a strong focus on accuracy and precision.
- Analytical Skills: Accountants must be able to interpret financial data and make informed decisions based on that data. Employers look for candidates who have strong analytical skills and can think critically about financial information.
- Communication Skills: Accountants must have strong written and verbal communication skills, as they often need to explain complex financial information to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Ethics and Integrity: Employers expect accountants to have high ethics and integrity as they deal with sensitive financial information and must maintain confidentiality.
- Industry-Specific Knowledge: Depending on the industry, employers may look for accountants who have specialized knowledge in areas such as tax law, auditing standards, or regulatory compliance.
Employers look for candidates with a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices and the soft skills and industry-specific knowledge needed to excel in the field.
At Freed-Hardeman University, accounting majors benefit from a well-rounded curriculum, experienced faculty members, and valuable hands-on learning opportunities. We prepare our students for success in accounting by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Ready to embrace your future? Take the first step towards earning a B.B.A. or combined B.B.A./M.B.A. degree in Accounting at FHU.
What are some of the skills I will learn as an accounting student?
Accounting students learn a variety of technical and soft skills that prepare them for successful careers in accounting and related fields. Here are some of the critical skills that accounting students can expect to learn:
- Financial Accounting: Students will learn how to prepare financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. They will also learn to analyze financial data and use it to make informed decisions.
- Cost Accounting: Students will learn how to track and analyze costs within a business, including direct costs, indirect costs, and overhead expenses. They will also learn how to develop budgets and perform cost-benefit analyses.
- Taxation: Students will learn about tax laws and regulations, including individual income taxes, corporate taxes, and sales taxes. They will also learn how to prepare tax returns and advise clients on tax-related issues.
- Auditing: Students will learn about auditing standards and procedures, including how to plan and conduct audits, review financial statements, and identify potential fraud or errors.
- Communication: Students will learn how to effectively communicate financial information to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. They will also develop skills in writing reports, making presentations, and negotiating deals.
- Analytical Thinking: Accounting students will develop strong analytical thinking skills, which they will use to interpret financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
- Problem-Solving: Students will learn how to identify and solve problems related to accounting and finance using critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Accounting majors at Freed-Hardeman University will gain a wide range of technical and soft skills that prepare them to succeed in accounting. Employers highly value these skills, and they can lead to rewarding and fulfilling careers.
What can I do with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from FHU?
A Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Accounting from Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) can open up a range of career opportunities in the accounting and finance fields. Here are some of the careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Public Accountant: With a B.B.A. in Accounting, you can become a public accountant, providing accounting and tax services to businesses and individuals. You may work for an accounting firm or start your own practice.
- Corporate Accountant: You can work in the accounting department of a corporation, where you will be responsible for preparing financial statements, analyzing financial data, and managing budgets.
- Government Accountant: You can work for a government agency, where you will be responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
- Non-profit Accountant: You can work for a non-profit organization, where you will be responsible for managing finances, applying for grants, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Financial Analyst: With a B.B.A. in Accounting, you can become a financial analyst, analyzing financial data and providing recommendations to clients or investors.
- Budget Analyst: You can work as a budget analyst, developing and managing budgets for businesses, non-profits, or government agencies.
- Auditor: You can work as an auditor, reviewing financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
- Financial Planner: You can become a financial planner, advising individuals or businesses on investments, taxes, and other financial matters.
- Consultant: You can work as a consultant, providing specialized advice to businesses on accounting, taxation, and financial management.
A B.B.A. in Accounting from FHU can lead to various rewarding and challenging careers in the accounting and finance fields. Embrace your future and take the first step toward success with a B.B.A. in Accounting at FHU!
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