Associate of Arts

Accounting

Program

60 credits, 20 months

The Associate of Arts degree in Accounting is designed to meet the increasing industry demand for business professionals in accounting. Accounting serves as a universal base that allows one to talk “the language of business.” With the right accounting skills graduates can position themselves for success in almost any sector or industry. Students develop real-world, employer-demanded skills in payroll, banking, reporting, and record keeping allowing them to become an asset to any company. In this program, students acquire the knowledge and skills in preparation for passing exams such as the Microsoft Excel Associate exam, as well as the National Bookkeepers Association (NBA) certification exams in bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and QuickBooks. Bryan University delivers this program through dynamic, adaptive, experiential learning that includes personalized instruction and coaching.

The program learning outcomes are:

  • Students will prepare accounting information for business reports and tax preparation.
  • Students will use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in performing accounting entries in accord with global/US standards.
  • Students will examine diverse perspectives and promote inclusion in business settings.
  • Students will perform basic accounting calculations according to the degree level.
  • Students will analyze business-related financial functions that apply to the preparation of financial statements.
  • Students will use accepted accounting standards to solve business issues.
  • Students will identify and interpret relevant accounting data and information to support managerial decisions.

Following the completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Prepare accounting information for business reports and tax preparation.
  • Identify and interpret relevant accounting data and information to support managerial decisions.
  • Critically analyze business-related financial functions that apply to the preparation of financial statements.
  • Examine diverse perspectives and promote inclusion in business settings.
  • Perform basic accounting calculations.
  • Develop and utilize essential reporting tools to demonstrate proficiency in accounting and bookkeeping functions.

The following is a list of occupations and organizations that one could pursue for employment:

  • Accounts Receivable Clerk
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Billing Clerk
  • Bookkeeper
  • Payroll Clerk
  • Tax Preparer

include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • 13-2082.00 – Tax Preparers
  • 43-3031.00 – Bookkeeping/Accounting Clerk
  • 43-3051.00 – Payroll Clerk
  • 43-3011.00 – Bill and Account Collectors
  • 43-9061.00 – Office Clerks, General

*Detailed information surrounding these classifications can be found at the following website: www.onetonline.org.

In order to graduate and receive an Associate of Arts in Accounting, a student must earn a minimum of 60 credits for the courses in the curriculum and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Each semester is 16 weeks, split into two 8-week terms. The following term schedule is subject to change.

Term 1

BUS-105/UNV-101S (First 8 weeks)

BUS 220/MAT-110S (Second 8 weeks)

Term 2

BUS-145/BUS-130

BUS-110/BUS-115

Term 3

BUS-140/BUS-120

BUS-125/ENG-110S

Term 4

BUS-245/BUS-230

BUS-200/ENG-112S

Term 5

BUS-257/CRT-110S

BUS-265/COM-115S

Core Courses

Course Code
Title
Credits
3

This course provides students with an introduction to business principles, terms, and concepts. The focus of the course is on business systems, management processes, human resource management, marketing, and finance.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

The core concepts of systems architecture and IT infrastructure underlie all technology driven organizations. Participants will gain an understanding of the components of the IT architecture, how computer infrastructures support and enable enterprise goals, and how IT systems are managed.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course focuses on a basic math review with an emphasis on business statistics, profit calculations, payroll, banking, interest calculations, insurance, taxes, and mathematical calculations.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course provides the foundation for accounting concepts which will be used throughout the students' business program. This course covers an introduction to financial accounting theory and practice and provides students with the tools needed to develop a functional knowledge of fundamental accounting principles. Students will also be introduced to the methods for summarizing, analyzing, and reporting financial data. Topics include bookkeeping cycles, basic accounting principles and procedures, financial statements, merchandising operations and inventory, and accounting for assets.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None

3

This course is the second in the program covering concepts and applications of accounting. It provides an overview of accounting for partnerships and corporations and continues with the discussion of the basic principles and applications of managerial and cost accounting. This course focuses on managerial techniques and procedures designed to aid managers in their planning, control, and decision-making roles. At the end of this course, students will be skilled in tasks related to positions such as AP Clerk, payroll clerk, or bookkeeper.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

Electronic spreadsheets are a powerful tool used in business processes to store, analyze and present information. The focus of the course is to provide the student with functional skills needed to create, edit, and format Microsoft Excel worksheets for a variety of reporting needs.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course provides students with a working knowledge in the growing field of digital marketing. Students will learn about the evolution and purpose of digital marketing, the strategic uses of social media, and how these principles can transform the customer's journey. Students will also gain important industry skills designed to enhance the company's product using effective digital media.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course provides students with foundational knowledge regarding effective communication styles and strategies for the business professional. Students will learn practical skills in intra- and interpersonal communication within business-related environments, in how personal attitudes affect organizational effectiveness and productivity, and in the interactions between people both personally and professionally.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

Today's businesses rely on data in almost every decision-making process. Data must be presented in a way that is quickly interpretable and easily understood. This course further explores reporting, data representations, visualizations, and high-level data analytics in Microsoft® Excel®. Students will connect to and analyze data from various sources and prepare presentations for management decision making using a variety of visualization types.

Credits 3

3

Successful management is rooted in forming essential behaviors associated with leading an organization and its people. During this course, the student will understand basic management principles and functions required within small and large organizations and be introduced to business application models. This course will emphasize critical thinking and solving real-world problems.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

Introduction to human resources concepts and practices applicable for entry-level HR professionals and general managers in numerous industries. Provides overview of key HR functions such as: HR operations; recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; HR development and retention; employee relations; and health, safety, and security. This course prepares students for the HRCI's Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™) certification.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

In this course students apply accounting concepts to keep financial records for small service and merchandising companies using QuickBooks. Students learn how to expertly navigate through QuickBooks, perform day-to-day business transactions, and view reports. Topics covered include chart of accounts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, and financial statements.

Credits 3

3

This course provides an introduction to federal income taxation of individuals and businesses, providing a broad overview of the importance of tax considerations in business and personal decisions. Topics such as financial statement analysis, income, deductions, credits, depreciations, and allowances will be explored.

Credits 3

Sub-Total Credits
45

Note: Bryan University strives to deliver students the most up to date courses possible. The textbooks listed in the following course descriptions are subject to change. Students should always refer to the course syllabus for textbook information.

General Education Courses

Course Code
Title
Credits
3

This course introduces the concepts and theories of interpersonal communication. Students will explore the process and functions of communication, developing relationships, communication strategies and skills, and interpersonal language skills, including conflict management.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course covers written communication skills with an emphasis on understanding the writing process, analyzing readings, and practicing writing for personal and professional applications.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course begins with a review of real numbers and algebraic expressions before covering algebra topics including linear equations and inequalities, lines and functions, systems, exponents, polynomials, and factoring.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

Sub-Total Credits
15

Note: Bryan University strives to deliver students the most up to date courses possible. The textbooks listed in the following course descriptions are subject to change. Students should always refer to the course syllabus for textbook information.

Total Credits
60