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Here are just a few reasons to major in Accounting:
- A bachelor’s degree in Accounting gives you a background you can take with you into any type of business — or you can start one of your own.
- You can translate your Accounting degree into all kinds of roles in a company or organization.
- Accounting professionals are always in demand.
Business Core Courses - 45 Credits
All business majors require foundation course work in all significant areas of business theory and practice. The following courses are required for all students with a BS in a business discipline. Students must maintain a 2.0 average inside the Business Core.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021; and Completion of General Studies Quantitative Literacy Requirement
Description: This course introduces students to the role of accounting in society. The course focuses on financial accounting and reporting as tools to aid external decision making, financial analysis, and interpretation.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 2012
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 2010 with a grade of “C-” or better; ENG 1020; Completion of General Studies requirements in Oral Communication and Quantitative Literacy
Description: This course introduces students to the role of managerial accounting information in business. The course focuses on cost controls, budgeting and preparing relevant financial information for decision making.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 2021
Credits: 3
Description: This course presents an introduction to business concepts that are further developed in the business core and in other courses pursued by business and economics majors. Also discussed are contemporary issues facing business. This course allows business students to develop a context for their studies and gives non-business students insights into the world of business.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): COMM 1010 or COMM 1100
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021
Description: This marketing course explores multiple forms of communication within a business environment. Emphasis is placed on writing, listening, speaking, nonverbal and interpersonal communication with internal and external business audiences. Students apply the principles learned to written exercises and oral presentations.
BUS 3040 – Global Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSR):
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): At least 60 semester hours earned
Description: This course offers a global perspective of responsibility for conducting sustainable business. The over-arching theme is the integration of planet, people, and profits. Values and cultural differences among corporate entities, countries, and societies are explored within the context of stakeholder analyses. Leadership characteristics within successful companies are examined. Examples and case analyses provide means to explore social, cultural, and human aspects of doing business worldwide.
ACC 4440 – Accounting Ethics and Professionalism:
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3510 and ACC 3090 with grades of “C” or better
Description: This course examines professional ethics for accountants from both a philosophical and business perspective. Moral development, ethical reasoning, and ethical decision-making provide a framework for examining the importance of ethics in the accounting profession. Professional guidance on ethics in accounting will also be examined, including the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, the Colorado Board of Accountancy Statutes, Rules, and Regulations, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the codes of conduct for other professional accounting organizations.
ACCM 5000 – Accounting Ethics, Professionalism, and Leadership
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3510 or ACCM 5100
Description: This graduate-level course provides the ethical grounding professional accountants need to identify ethical issues that they might face and to respond effectively to them, as individuals and in a position of leadership. The foundational construct is from Giving Voice to Values modeling. Students will evaluate dilemmas utilizing the major theoretical ethical reasoning models and the ethical principles included in the codes of ethics disseminated and enforced by the major accounting organizations, with emphasis on the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
Note: Undergraduate students taking this course should be aware that it is not COF eligible.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Completion of General Studies in Oral Communication; ENG 1020 or ENG 1021; and CIS/CSS 1010 with a grade of “C-” or better, or appropriate score on the Computer Information Systems computer literacy screening test.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): Completion of or enrollment in a course that meets the Quantitative Literacy requirement.
Description: This course is an introduction to information systems from a business perspective. It introduces students to computer hardware and software, use of productivity tools and the Internet to solve business problems, and an introduction to fundamental and functional business information systems.
Note: This course is primarily intended for students with majors in the College of Business. Credit will be granted for only one prefix: CIS or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 2011
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MTH 1310 or MTH 1110 or MTH 1410 C- or better; CIS 2010
Description: The course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of descriptive and predictive analytics within the context of statistics for business. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, students develop a solid understanding of the key statistical concepts and techniques used in various business situations.
The course covers a wide range of topics including data collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation using descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn how to use statistical techniques such as probability theory, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression analysis to make informed business decisions. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills necessary to apply statistical methods in a practical context – using manual and software calculations – including the ability to analyze real-world data sets and effectively communicate findings to stakeholders. By the end of the course, students should be able to use statistical techniques to solve complex business problems and make data-driven decisions.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021; completion of General Studies requirements in Oral Communication; “C-” or better in MTH 1310 or MTH 1110; CIS 2320; and at least junior standing.
Description: Students learn the fundamental principles and techniques of quantitative methods as they are applied to solve complex decision-making problems within a business environment. Students are introduced to and practice linear programming, transportation and assignment problems, project management, decision analysis, queuing analysis, simulation, forecasting, and inventory management. Students learn how to formulate and solve multiple quantitative models, interpret the results, and make informed business decisions based on them. Students acquire practical skills in using software tools for problem solving, such as Excel Solver. Upon completion of the course, students have a solid understanding of quantitative methods concepts and techniques and will be able to apply them to real-world business decision-making problems.
Credits: 3
Description: In this course, students are introduced to the ‘economic way of thinking,’ enabling them to analyze macroeconomic phenomena, both historical and contemporary, and to evaluate their implications for societal well-being. They discover how to measure economic performance, inflation, and unemployment. Additionally, students investigate the factors underpinning long-run economic growth. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the role, limits, and implications of macroeconomic policies, including the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve and the government’s fiscal policies.
General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 3
Description: In this course, students apply economic principles to understand and analyze choices made by both individual actors and collective groups within the economy. Students are introduced to the ‘economic way of thinking’, enabling them to comprehend the complex actions and interactions among consumers, businesses, and the government. Integral to the course is the ability to identify both market and government failures, along with proposing potential solutions. Concluding the course, students will be able to analyze current events and evaluate economic policy discussions through the economic lens.
General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Completion of General Studies Oral Communication requirements; ACC 2010; MTH 1320 or MTH 1410 with a grade of “C-” or better; ECO 2010; ECO 2020; and at least junior standing.
Description: This is a study of the dynamic environment of financial management, exposing students to various finance topics such as financial analysis and forecasting, time value money, security valuation, capital budgeting, risk and return, cost of capital, working capital management and international finance.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: FIN or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3302
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021, completion of General Studies requirements in Oral Communication and Quantitative Literacy, and at least junior standing.
Description: This course helps students understand marketing, the process through which organizations analyze, plan, implement, and control programs to develop and maintain beneficial exchanges with target buyers. Effective marketing is critical for the long-term success of any business organization because this function ensures that the firm attracts, retains, and grows customers by creating, delivering, and communicating superior customer value.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: HON or MKT.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3003
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021; and completion of General Studies requirements in Oral Communication.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): Completion of Quantitative Literacy requirement or enrollment in a course that satisfies the Quantitative Literacy requirement.
Description: This course is designed to present the legal system as it applies to business. The course includes a discussion of fundamental concepts related to the nature and sources of law and to the resolution of disputes. The course requires analysis of statutes, cases, and regulations of related governmental agencies that address employment, securities, trade and workplace decisions. The law of agency, contracts, organizations and torts is analyzed. Ethical and international aspects of law are treated where appropriate.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: HON or MGT.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 2210
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021; Satisfaction of General Studies Requirements in Oral Communication and Quantitative Literacy, and Junior standing
Description: This course examines, analyzes, and assesses managerial functions and processes as related to business and other organizations. It is designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of a highly dynamic and ever-changing business environment by formulating individual competencies and skills, translating theory into practice, creating critical thinkers, and reflecting on the integration of new concepts and environmental changes into managerial practices.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 2010, ACC 2020, CIS 2010, CIS 2320, CIS 3320, ECO 2010, ECO 2020, FIN 3300, MGT 2210, MGT 3000, MKT 3000, and senior standing.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ACC 4440 or BUS 3040
Description: Students are introduced to concepts used by managers to develop companies that can prosper in a competitive, global environment. Students are provided the opportunity to apply the concepts and theories of strategic management along with knowledge gained from business courses, general studies, and work experience to the operating and strategic changes faced by domestic and global organizations (Senior Experience). Some sections include a service learning (SL) component where students apply course concepts involving an actual business client and are required to reflect on their service learning experience.
Note: There may be a service learning component where students apply course concepts to an actual business setting and reflect on their service experiences. Some sections of this course may be taught as Community Engaged Learning.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
Major Course Requirements - 21 Credits
Accounting majors should have learning experiences that focus on the development, measurement, analysis, validation, and communication of financial and other information. The following courses are required for all majors in Accounting. A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this section to count toward the bachelor’s degree.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MTH 1110 or 1310 or 1400; ACC 2010 and PSC 1010 with a grade of C or better; and junior standing or higher
Description: This course is a study of federal income tax laws with an emphasis on personal income taxation, including such topics as gross income, gains and losses and deductions.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 2010 and CIS 2010 with grades of C or better; at least junior standing
Description: This course is a study of principles and current issues relating to the design, implementation, control and regulation of accounting information systems. Tools and technologies related to accounting systems and the place of accounting systems within the modern enterprise provide a focus for the course, which includes an introduction to accounting-related information technology (IT) audit issues.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3305
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MTH 1110 or MTH 1310 or MTH 1400; ACC 2020 with a grade of C or better
Description: This course includes coverage of cost behavior relationships, job order and process costing systems, overhead allocation methods, budgeting and budget variance analysis, cost-volume profit relationships, and cost prediction for supporting management decision-making in service, sales, and manufacturing organizations. Computer applications are an integral part of this course.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3401
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MTH 1110 or MTH 1310 or MTH 1400; ACC 2010 with a grade of C or better; and junior standing
Description: This is the first course in Intermediate Accounting. The Intermediate Accounting courses are designed to teach the concepts and procedures underlying the measurement and reporting of financial information.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3511
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): A grade of “C” or better in ACC 3510
Description: This course is a continuation of ACC 3510 and covers an in-depth study of basic accounting principles with an emphasis on stockholders’ equity and special problems.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3520
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3510 with a grade of C or better
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ACC 3520
Description: This course is an introduction to contemporary theory and practice of auditing and attestation. The course will acquaint the students with Generally Accepted Auditing and Attestation Standards (GAAS), professional ethics, internal control, objectives and procedures for audits and attestation, risk assessment, audit and attestation reports, legal liability, research methodology, and corporate governance. Concepts included are professionalism, independence, evidence, risk, control, and enhancement of reliability and relevance properties of attester’s services.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 4200
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3520 with a C or better
Description: This course includes coverage of reporting requirements for partnerships, SEC-regulated companies, not-for-profit organizations, and financially distressed entities, as well as information disclosure requirements for state and local governments, international harmonization of accounting standards, and the possible conversion to International Accounting Standards in the U.S.
Accounting Electives - 9 Credits
A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this section to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should complete 9 credits of upper division accounting courses. Below are suggested courses, but any upper division ACC course (3000 or 4000 level) will count towards this requirement.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 2020 and ACC 3090 with a grade of C or better
Description: This course is a continuation of ACC 3090 with a comparative focus on the taxation of organizational tax entities, including partnerships, corporations and S-corporations.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3102
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3090 with a C or better
Description: Students will have primary responsibility for operating a VITA site as a tax service. Students will prepare both federal and State of Colorado income tax returns. The focus will be on preparing returns for the elderly, disabled, foreign students and low income individuals. This course contains a service learning component.
Note: Some sections of this course may be taught as Service Learning.
Credits: 3
Description: This course is designed for the serious entrepreneur looking to effectively and successfully manage their accounting, cash flow, bookkeeping, and tax obligations. The content focuses on the fundamentals of business accounting, financial statement preparation and analysis, understanding of business taxes, tax planning strategies, payroll management, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, reporting compliance, and accounting software utilization.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3510 with a grade of C or better
Description: This course is a study of generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting used by state and local governmental units. This includes achieving an understanding of fund accounting and inclusion of budgets within the accounting systems. A study of accounting and financial reporting of colleges, hospitals, voluntary health and welfare organizations, and other not-for-profit institutions is included.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3204
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 1010 or ACC 2020 with a grade of “C” or better
Description: Risk assurance and advisory professionals serve as internal consultants to organizations and their governing bodies by performing assurance and advisory engagements across all business processes and functions. This course introduces students to the risk assurance and advisory profession and the internal audit process. Topics include the corporate governance, risk management, internal control, the Institute of Internal Auditor’s International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), risk management, risk assurance tools and techniques, and conducting risk assurance and advisory engagements.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3510 or FIN 3100 with a grade of C or better
Description: This course is a study of the impact on financial reporting and managerial decision-making due to the similarities and differences in accounting standards throughout the world. This course examines the history and development of accounting standards and reviews current topics which affect the comparison of global financial reporting.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 3750
Credits: 1-15
Prerequisite(s): Major in accounting; junior or senior status; permission of instructor
Description: Supervised by a faculty member within the major department, internships provide practical, hands-on experience in a professional field related to the major. Internship placements must be established prior to enrollment in this course in consultation with the Classroom to Career (C2) Hub.
Internship requirements vary by department. For information and instructions on finding and enrolling in an internship, contact the Classroom to Career (C2) Hub at [email protected].
Note: Variable Credit
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3510 and ACC 3090 with grades of “C” or better
Description: This course examines professional ethics for accountants from both a philosophical and business perspective. Moral development, ethical reasoning, and ethical decision-making provide a framework for examining the importance of ethics in the accounting profession. Professional guidance on ethics in accounting will also be examined, including the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, the Colorado Board of Accountancy Statutes, Rules, and Regulations, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the codes of conduct for other professional accounting organizations.
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 3520 with a C or better
Description: This course includes coverage of reporting requirements for partnerships, SEC-regulated companies, not-for-profit organizations, and financially distressed entities, as well as information disclosure requirements for state and local governments, international harmonization of accounting standards, and the possible conversion to International Accounting Standards in the U.S.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: ACC or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): HON 4510
Senior Experience/Capstone Course - 3 Credits
*This course is also required and counted in the Business Core
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ACC 2010, ACC 2020, CIS 2010, CIS 2320, CIS 3320, ECO 2010, ECO 2020, FIN 3300, MGT 2210, MGT 3000, MKT 3000, and senior standing.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ACC 4440 or BUS 3040
Description: Students are introduced to concepts used by managers to develop companies that can prosper in a competitive, global environment. Students are provided the opportunity to apply the concepts and theories of strategic management along with knowledge gained from business courses, general studies, and work experience to the operating and strategic changes faced by domestic and global organizations (Senior Experience). Some sections include a service learning (SL) component where students apply course concepts involving an actual business client and are required to reflect on their service learning experience.
Note: There may be a service learning component where students apply course concepts to an actual business setting and reflect on their service experiences. Some sections of this course may be taught as Community Engaged Learning.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience