BS Business Administration/Accounting

This program is designed to give students an understanding of the theory and practice of the major fields of accounting: financial accounting and reporting, managerial accounting, taxation, accounting information systems, and auditing. Accounting is an ever-evolving field with growing importance in most businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Today's accountants are important members of their organizations, using their business expertise, communication, interpersonal skills, and accounting knowledge to improve organizational decision making.  Accountants play a key role in the continued growth of a prosperous society.

Accountants must be able to explain and analyze business data, excel in communications, teamwork, leadership, and possess technical and computer-based skills. The accountant in an increasingly global society is rapidly becoming both an information specialist as well as a business advisor. Accountants also act as the moral and ethical compass for business practices.

The undergraduate accounting curriculum at CSU satisfies current educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in the state of Colorado. Additional coursework is required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Colorado. (Requirements to become a CPA are unique to each state and students should be aware of requirements of the state in which they intend to practice.)

The accounting curriculum is designed to meet the needs of those who seek professional education and training to practice as public, private, not-for-profit and governmental accountants, or those who expect to work in business managerial positions requiring an understanding of fundamental accounting concepts and principles. The curriculum offers considerable flexibility in designing a program of study that will meet a variety of career interests. In addition to the All-University Core Curriculum and the College of Business Core Curriculum, students are particularly encouraged to take additional course work in both finance and computer information systems.

Students will demonstrate:

The Accounting concentration includes an accelerated program option for students to graduate on a faster schedule. Accelerated programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over two to three summer sessions. Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation. Visit the Office of the Provost website for additional information about Accelerated Programs.

Some examples include, but are not limited to: accountant or auditor of publicly or privately held companies, government agencies, or not-for-profit organizations; consultant in firms providing professional advisory services; public, private, or personal tax specialist; financial analyst; forensics accountant; internal auditor; information technology auditor.