Program Description
A degree in public accounting combines an extensive accounting concentration with broad-based business applications. The curriculum for this degree has been designed for the student who wants to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While students completing the requirements for this degree are eligible to sit for the Uniform CPA exam, an additional 30 semester hours are needed to meet the State of Michigan’s CPA licensing guidelines. This degree provides you with the business skills and accounting competencies required to succeed as a public accountant.
Public accountants prepare financial statements, perform audits, and provide financial and tax advice to clients. This degree program prepares you for a career as a public accountant, auditor, tax advisor, and business consultant. Career opportunities in accounting are abundant, with projections for jobs to grow steadily. An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and increased scrutiny of company finances will drive growth.
Career Opportunities
- International Accounting
- Environmental Accountant
- Forensic/Investigative Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Management Consultant
- Litigation and Risk Management Consultant
- External Auditor
- Personal Financial Planner
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the public accounting program will be able to:
- Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements of profit companies and nonprofit entities.
- Apply generally accepted accounting principles to assets and liability transactions, equity transactions, error corrections, changes in accounting principles, and business combinations and consolidations.
- Apply advanced financial accounting concepts.
- Compute the value of real and financial assets.
- Apply cost accounting concepts to managerial decision making, and understand how the managerial accountant adds value to an organization.
- Understand the accounting information system and how it plays a role in internal controls.
- Understand how to detect and deter fraud, and how to establish and review internal controls.
- Prepare and interpret income tax returns.
- Conduct auditing tests and prepare audit reports.
BBA – Public Accounting (120 Credits)
Additional Program Requirements
General Education (see General Education Requirements for details) 30 credits
Electives (15+ Credits)
*Note: 15 credits within lower division core can also count towards general education. *Note: Up to 15 designated major or elective credits can be replaced with MBA or MS courses, which will count towards graduate degree requirements. *Note: A minimum of 150 credits are required to sit for the CPA exam in Michigan. Please consult your state's requirements for education and other requirements. 120 Credits
