Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Curriculum

Today's job market requires graduates to be more than just experts in their fields. They need to be able to apply and adapt a wide array of skills and experiences to fit changing business needs. To make sure our students have the knowledge and skills they need to compete in a competitive job market, our accounting curriculum has three main components.

Major Courses: Focus and Depth

These courses provide an opportunity to understand the accounting field in greater depth. In short, these are the "nuts and bolts" courses you'll need to land a job in the accounting field.

General Education Core

As a career-oriented university with a strong tradition in the liberal arts, Post University is committed to providing you with a firm foundation in the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. The general education core at Post University provides you with the ability to make connections across disciplines so you're better prepared to respond to a diverse and constantly changing global marketplace.

The ability to choose those courses that pique your interest is an important feature of the Post General Education Core.

Career & Self Awareness Core

To be successful in life, people need to understand who they are and what they want to achieve. Our career program offers seminar classes designed to help students enhance self-awareness, build confidence and develop a strong sense of direction.

This collection of short courses offered during your academic studies is intended to provide you with the experiences to become a self-aware, lifelong learner. These courses include personal assessment tools with detailed diagnostic feedback including specific career information, computer simulations, self-study exercises as well as in-class discussion and discovery. All of these activities are supported in the classroom and online through interactive exercises, using a new individualized, career-based resource program available only at Post University.


Internship and Cooperative Education Opportunities

At Post, students can take advantage of a robust co-op and internship program where they have opportunities to participate in real-life work situations related to their field of study before they graduate.

Why? Because that's what students need to compete and win in today's competitive job market.According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 47% of employers prefer that candidates gain experience through an internship or cooperative education program prior to graduation, and a recent survey conducted by The College Placement Council revealed that 64% of respondents listed work/Co-Op experience as an important pre-screening criteria when selecting college graduates.

Our co-op and internship program gives Post students a real edge over their competition. Not only do our students get a chance to put their classroom learning to the test, but they get opportunities to meet prospective employers, network with people in their field, test-drive their intended career, and build their resumes with concrete examples of how they've made the connection between theory and practice.


B.S. in Accounting Curriculum

General Education 60 crs Major, Core and Concentrations 54 crs
Common Core 12 crs Designated Writing Course 3 crs
ENG110 College Writing

ENG110

College Writing - 3 Credits

This course is designed to develop and refine the analytical/critical reading skills and the substantive writing skills of freshmen.  This intensive writing class will focus on writing essays of varying length and expose students to the various rhetorical modes of writing that will contribute to their success in university courses and their chosen careers.

3 crs BUS311 Managerial Communications

BUS311

Managerial Communications - 3 Credits

This course provides instruction in organization and construction of the written, technological, and oral communication used in modern business. Effective communication at all levels is necessary for leaders in organizations. Well-developed communication skills will provide students with a framework for excellence across all business activities. Students will develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively in multiple modes both inside and outside of their organizations.

Prerequisite: ENG207.


    Prerequisite: ENG207
3 crs
ENG120 College Writing II

ENG120

College Writing II - 3 Credits

College Writing II looks to expand upon the writing skills attained in ENG110. As a student-centered course, students explore their own writing in peer, group, and self-review skill sessions. Students enhance self-editing skills and increase awareness of the revision skills needed in both college coursework and in careers. The course will further develop students' understanding of the writing process from pre-writing to final draft. This course encourages students to have their writing evaluated across the curriculum. The course culminates in a research essay and portfolio of original work.

Pre-requisite: ENG110.


    Prerequisite: ENG110
3 crs    
COM107 Intro to Communications

COM107

Intro to Communications - 3 credits

This introductory course will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to become competent communicators.  This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking.  Students will prepare and present speeches and group projects that utilize media and technology.  Emphasis will be place on personal, social and workplace interaction both individually and in group settings.

3 crs Business Core 15 crs
CIS112 Introduction to Computing

CIS112

Introduction to Computing - 3 Credits

This course strives to meet the high level of computer literacy required of all students earning a degree from the university. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of computer technology for information analysis and communications. Computer units introduce the Internet, Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students who feel they have attained computer literacy and earn 70 percent on an exemption exam may substitute any other 3-credit course for this core requirement. 

Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination.  No credit is granted if the requirement is waived.


    Prerequisite: Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination. No credit is granted if the requirement is waived.
3 crs ACC111 Financial Accounting

ACC111

Financial Accounting - 3 Credits

This course is for the student to learn about accounting as an information development and communications function that supports economic decision-making. The course will help students perform financial analysis; derive and assess information for personal or organizational decisions; and understand business, governmental, and other organizational entities.

3 crs
    ECO201 Macroeconomics

ECO201

Macroeconomics - 3 Credits

This course examines the fundamental analytical structure of a macro economy and familiarizes students with the problems of employment, inflation, interest rates, and business cycles. Topics include the determination of income and output, the role of fiscal and monetary policy, and the interaction of an economy with the rest of the world within a global framework.

3 crs
Liberal Arts 24 crs MGT105 Principles of Management

MGT105

Principles of Management - 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the principles of management examining their application in public and private, profit and non-profit organizations. Students will explore the areas of employee motivation, group behavior, leadership, strategic planning, organizational design, and career opportunities. Fundamental concepts of management, effective communication competency, ethical dilemmas faced by managers and corporate social responsibility will be explored.

3 crs
Elective 3 crs FIN201 Principles of Finance

FIN201

Principles of Finance - 3 Credits

This course examines the role of finance in relation to other business operations and within the financial community. It covers the development and use of the basic tools and operational/quality measures for financialadministration, financial analysis, planning and control, investment decisions, and management of sources of funds.

Prerequisites: ACC111; MGT105.


    Prerequisites: ACC111; MGT105
3 crs
Elective 3 crs MKT101 Principles of Marketing

MKT101

Principles of Marketing - 3 Credits

This course examines the basic marketing principles practiced by modern organizations including product development, distribution, promotion, and pricing. Students will explore topics including consumer engagement, strategic planning, best practices along with the importance of measurements, analysis and utilizing acquired data. It is the foundation course for upper-level marketing courses.

3 crs
Elective 3 crs    
Elective 3 crs Major Requirements 33 crs
Elective 3 crs ACC211 Managerial Accounting

ACC211

Managerial Accounting - 3 Credits

This course provides a practical understanding of the use of accounting data driven processes by management in planning and controlling operations in all functions of the enterprise and in choosing among alternative courses of action.

Prerequisite: ACC111


    Prerequisite: ACC111
3 crs
Elective 3 crs ACC215 Spreadsheet & General Ledger Applications

ACC215

Spreadsheet and General Ledger Applications – 3 credits

Students taking this course will use General Ledger and Spreadsheet software to accomplish standard, basic accounting and bookkeeping tasks. Typical general ledger software tasks will include: Entering transactions ingeneral and special journals, the preparation of trial balances, adjusting and closing entries, and Financial Statements. Supporting schedules for general ledger accounts and financial statements will also be included. Spreadsheet applications will typically include: Creation of spreadsheets in professionally correct formats; file creation, updating and maintenance; setting up calculations and auditing their accuracy; formatting of data and reports; preparation of standard accounting reports and working papers.

Prerequisite: ACC111, not to be taken concurrently


    Prerequisite: ACC111, not to be taken concurrently
3 crs
Elective 3 crs ACC301 Cost Accounting

ACC301

Cost Accounting - 3 Credits

This course covers fundamental principles and procedures of cost determination for quality improvement and organizational planning in manufacturing, service, and not-for-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed upon the concepts and classification of product costs (direct materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead), as well as the recording and accumulating of such costs within job order and process cost accounting systems. A research paper or computer project is required.

Prerequisite: ACC111, ACC211 or ACC111 and departmental permission.


    Prerequisite: ACC111, ACC211 or ACC111 and departmental permission
3 crs
Elective 3 crs ACC303 Intermediate Accounting I

ACC303

Intermediate Accounting I – 3 credits

This course introduces the fundamental accounting concepts that underlie the structure and content of the statements that disclose the financial record of business organizations. Methods used to measure and analyze a business’ current assets including cash, accounts receivable and inventory are studied.

Prerequisite: ACC211 or ACC111 and departmental permission.


    Prerequisite: ACC211 or ACC111 and departmental permission
3 crs
    ACC330 Federal Income Taxes

ACC330

Federal Income Taxes – 3 credits

This course concentrates on the federal income taxation of individuals. It provides students with the knowledge to complete individual income tax returns, enhance their awareness of the complexities and sources of taxlaw and to measure and analyze the effect of various tax options.

Prerequisite: ACC303 and Junior or Senior status


    Prerequisite: ACC303 and Junior or Senior status
3 crs
Math 6 crs ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II

ACC340

Intermediate Accounting II – 3 credits

This course continues the study of accounting for businesses started in ACC303. It reviews the valuation methods applied to measure and analyze non-current assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity.

Prerequisite: ACC303


    Prerequisite: ACC303
3 crs
MAT120 College Algebra

MAT120

College Algebra - 3 Credits

This course provides a deeper understanding of the concepts of algebra including function applications, inequalities in two variables, matrix operations, linear programming, quadratic and polynomial applications, and solving rational and radical equations. This course is integrated with an online program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program.

Prerequisite: C or better in MAT102 or Department Permission.


    Prerequisite: C or better in MAT102 or Department permission
3 crs ACC430 Accounting Information Systems

ACC430

Accounting Information Systems- 3 Credits

This course introduces the system flow of financial information in the contexts of the system development process and the actual applications of computer technology to record keeping and information gathering functions. The intent is to provide a strategic understanding of the linkages between organizational components provided by the AIS, and to develop a working knowledge of best practices in the development and implementation of accounting applications. Applications studied include procurement and receiving, inventory control, accounts payable, marketing and shipping, billing and collections, etc. The course includes case studies and a hands-on computer project.

Cross listed with CIS430.

Prerequisites: CIS112, 12 credits of Accounting, Junior or Senior status and permission of advisor for Accounting majors.


   Cross listed with CIS430

   Prerequisites: CIS112, 12 credits of Accounting, Junior or Senior status and permission of advisor for Accounting majors.

3 crs
MAT220 Statistics I

MAT220

Statistics - 3 Credits

This course offers students an opportunity to experience statistics as it would occur in various settings. This course is integrated with a state of the art online program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Topics are presented through real life case studies and include an overview of the fundamentals of statistics, collective and descriptive statistic techniques, data collection and sampling, the normal distribution and probability, hypothesis testing, population inferences, simple linear regression, and correlation. An understanding of basic algebra is required. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program. Scientific or graphing calculator and access to a spreadsheet program is recommended.

3 crs ACC440 Auditing

ACC440

Auditing – 3 credits

This course develops an understanding of the nature of auditing, its code of ethics, and its role in society, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the practice of professional, governmental, and internal auditing within companies. Internal controls designed to insure the quality of financial data are analyzed. Best practices relating to the application of audit techniques that insure the best quality and accuracy of data are discussed and analyzed.

Prerequisite: ACC303, 12 credits of accounting, and Junior or Senior status


    Prerequisite: ACC303, 12 credits of accounting, and Junior or Senior status
3 crs
    ACC450 Advanced Accounting I

ACC450

Advanced Accounting I – 3 credits

The focus in this course is on accounting for partnerships, goodwill, business mergers and acquisitions and SEC Reporting. An understanding of the measurement and analysis of the effect of the accounting treatments for each area is developed.

Prerequisite: ACC303, 12 credits of accounting, and Junior or Senior status


    Prerequisite: ACC303, 12 credits of accounting, and Junior of Senior status

OR

3 crs
Science 3 crs ACC451 Advanced Accounting II

ACC451

Advanced Accounting II – 3 credits

The focus in this course is on accounting for foreign currency transactions, hedging foreign exchange risk, translation of foreign currency financial statements, legal reorganizations and liquidations (bankruptcies), estates and trusts, state and local governments, non-profit organizations and segment and interim reporting. An understanding of the measurement and analysis of the effect of the accounting treatments for each area is developed.

Prerequisite: ACC303, 12 credits of accounting, and Junior or Senior status


    Prerequisite: ACC303, 12 credits of accounting, and Junior or Senior status
 
Elective 3 crs ACC300/400 Level Elective 3 crs
    ACC300/400 Level Elective 3 crs
Unrestricted Electives*** 15 crs    
Elective 3 crs Unrestricted Business Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs    
Elective 3 crs Career and Self-Awareness 6 crs
Elective 3 crs CSA101Exploring Self: Inside Out

CSA101

Exploring Self: Inside Out - 3 credits

This course will focus on self-discovery and interaction with others to provide learners with the foundation for examining and further developing their own personal effectiveness. An environment of trust will be built within the class to enable individual and collective openness, discovery, and engagement in personal learning. The course will use experiential learning, personal reflection, and group interaction as primary approaches. This is a hybrid course, with classroom interaction time blended with online learning and interaction through the Blackboard learning management system.

3 crs
    CSA260 Professional Success Seminar

CSA260

Professional Success Seminar - 1 credits

This course will enable students to develop their own individualized plans for personal, academic, and career success. Students will engage in self-evaluation exercises and highly interactive classroom activities to evaluate their own “fit” for certain careers. Students will also participate in resume and cover letter writing activities to prepare for the experiential learning of the next course. Students will establish short-term career goals and begin a career portfolio to be refined during successive semesters.

1 cr
    CSA400 Career Capstone

CSA400

Career Capstone - 2 credits

This course is the culmination of the career and self-awareness series, a comprehensive program for career and life planning. The course prepares students for a transition from university life to independent work life. Students will learn valuable financial and money management skills. Students will explore life balance issues, life roles, and self-concept as they relate to their future plans. Students will explore employment issues, such as the changing nature of work, diversity, trends, and job outlook. The course will require students to engage in networking and a job search with the goal of employment upon graduation. In addition, students who are seeking to enter graduate school will engage in the application process, including interviewing practice, and admissions essay writing.

Prerequisite: CSA260


    Prerequisite: CSA260
2 crs
       
Subtotal 60 crs Subtotal 60 crs
 
      Grand Total 120 crs


B.S. in Accounting Electives

ACC300/400 Level Electives Recommended Electives ***
ACC305 Analysis of Financial Statements

ACC305

Analysis of Financial Statements - 3 Credits

Modern investing and lending decisions are based on financial statement analysis. Investing and lending decisions require the application best practices through data driven analysis to carefully evaluate data. Sound information is obtained by an understanding of the data from which it is derived as well as by the application of tools of analysis to aid in its extraction and evaluation. The course focuses on understanding the data that are analyzed, as well as the methods by which they are analyzed and interpreted.

Prerequisite: ACC211 or ACC303


    Prerequisite: ACC211 or ACC303
3 crs BUS205 Business Law II

BUS205

Business Law II - 3 Credits

This course continues the study of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code and proceeds to Agency Law, which governs employer-employee fiduciary and contractual relationships. The Workers Compensation Act, including advantages and disadvantages to both employer and employee, is examined. Also covered are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership Law, both common and statutory provisions, Corporate Law and Bankruptcy Law.

3 crs
ACC315 Fraud Prevention & Examination

ACC315

Fraud Prevention and Examination3 credits

This course covers the principles and methodology of fraud prevention, detection, deterrence and investigation. The course includes such topics as skimming, cash larceny, check tampering, register disbursement schemes, billing schemes, payroll and expense reimbursement schemes, non-cash misappropriations, corruption, financial management fraud, and interviewing witnesses. Best practices for the prevention and examination of fraud in the various topic areas are discussed and evaluated.

Prerequisite: ACC111


    Prerequisite: ACC111
3 crs BUS340 Business Ethics

BUS340

Business Ethics - 3 Credits

This course examines the ethical issues and dilemmas that challenge the business leader, the business organization, and the capitalist system. Emphasis is on the development of an ethical culture based in fairness, honesty and persistence. Cases, readings, and discussions serve to integrate ethical reflection with management decision making.

Prerequisite: MGT105.


    Prerequisite: MGT105
3 crs
ACC325 Forensic Accounting

ACC325

Forensic Accounting - 3 Credits

Forensic accounting is the application of accounting methods and financial techniques to assist in solving economic-based crimes. Course topics include the accounting and legal fundamentals of forensic accounting, reconstructing income, money laundering, litigation services provided by accountants, dispute resolution, evidence management, commercial damage control, litigation support, computing economic damages, bankruptcy, divorce, identity theft, organized crime, terrorism investigations, electronic data and digital forensics analysis, cybercrime and business valuations. Best practices for each topic are discussed and evaluated.

Prerequisite: ACC111


    Prerequisite: ACC111
3 crs ECO202 Microeconomics

ECO202

Microeconomics - 3 Credits

This course familiarizes students with the decision-making processes of individual economic units such as households, firms, and industries, and their interrelationships. Topics include the nature and framework of the forces of supply and demand, household behavior, and consumer choice; the behavior of the firm under different industrial structures, resource allocation, and income distribution; and international trade and comparative advantage.

3 crs
ACC341 Intermediate Accounting III

ACC341

Intermediate Accounting III – 3 credits

This course studies the accounting treatment of and measurement for leases, pension and post-employment benefits, income taxes, cash flows, accounting changes and error correction.

Prerequisite: ACC340 or ACC303 and departmental permission


    Prerequisite: ACC340 or ACC303 and departmental permission
3 crs FIN302 Corporate Finance

FIN302

Corporate Finance - 3 Credits

This course is an analysis of capital investments relative to rates of return, goals, risks, and other operational/quality measures. A study of equity and debt financing, dividend policy, and multinational operations is also reviewed.

Prerequisite: FIN201.


    Prerequisite: FIN201
3 crs
ACC350 Taxation of Corporations

ACC350

Taxation of Corporations – 3 credits

This course concentrates on the federal income taxation of corporations and introduces the federal tax regulations pertaining to partnerships, S corporations, estates, trusts and gifts. It provides students with the knowledge to measure and analyze various tax options.

Prerequisite: ACC330


    Prerequisite: ACC330
3 crs MAT230 Quantitative Analysis

MAT230

Quantitative Analysis - 3 Credits

This course introduces mathematical techniques used in business, economics, and social sciences. Topics include mathematics of finance, systems of linear equations and inequalities, Gaussian elimination method, linear programming, Simplex method, and probability. These techniques are applied to the optimization of profit and cost functions that arise in production and transportation problems. This course is integrated with a state of the art online homework program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program.

Prerequisite: MAT120 College Algebra or MAT130 Pre-Calculus.


    Prerequisite: MAT120 or MAT130
3 crs
ACC425 Computer Control and Audit

ACC425

Computer Control and Audit - 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of auditing and controlling computer information systems. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of best practices in the design and application of controls within computer information systems to insure the best quality and accuracy of information provided to management and to the public. This course may be used as an Accounting elective.

Cross listed with CIS425

Prerequisite: CIS112, 12 credits of Accounting, Junior or Senior status and permission of advisor for Accounting majors.


   Cross listed with CIS425

   Prerequisites: CIS112, 12 credits of Accounting, Junior or Senior status and permission of advisor for Accounting majors.

3 crs    
       


Universities regularly make changes to the curriculum in order to offer quality and relevant degrees. Post University reserves the right to change the curriculum at any time. Any changes to the curriculum will be published as soon as the changes have been approved.