Associate of Accounting
As a student in Ivy Bridge’s Associate of Business Administration in Accounting program you’ll receive a general college education with a strong emphasis in managerial, cost, and tax accounting. That means you’ll take courses in the Knowledge Skills Core such as English composition and mathematics as well as specialized sophomore-level courses in accounting. Your courses will cover topics such as analysis of the accounting process, federal income tax, cost accounting, and business law that will give you the academic background you need to pursue a variety of accounting positions and career paths.
Learn more about Ivy Bridge’s accounting degree program: Request more information or talk to a friendly advisor now at 855-413-4752.
Explore the program:
Core Classes
Major Requirements
Curriculum Map
Possible Career Paths
Knowledge Skills Core
As a student in the Associate of Business Administration and Accounting program you’ll take courses in the Knowledge Skills Core with a focus on business topics. This collection of 24 credit-hours includes courses in oral communication, writing composition, mathematics, and computer information systems that provide the academic foundation you need to be successful in any career or academic program.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| ACC 201 | Survey of Accounting | 3 |
| COM 241 | Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| CIS 101 or 111 | Foundations of Information Technology and PC Applications or Information Systems and Applications | 3 |
| ECO 221 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ENG 141 | Expository and Research Writing | 3 |
| ENG 142 | Introduction to Literature and Criticism | 3 |
| MAT 174 or MAT 181 | Finite Mathematics or College Algebra (MAT 181 strongly recommended) | 3 |
| One Elective From: | SCS, ECO, MGT, POL, PSY, SOC (SCS 110 recommended) | 3 |
ACC 201 - Survey of Accounting (3 hours)
An introduction to the fundamentals of accounting from the user’s perspective. The primary emphasis is the relationship between cash flow and accrual based income measurement. Includes financial reporting requirements and standards..
Prerequisite: MAT 174 or above
COM 241 - Introduction to Mass Communication
(3 hours)
A survey course examining the various media (i.e., newspaper, radio, television, film, etc.) comprising the mass media in contemporary American society. Emphasis is given to the history, structure, and potential effects of each medium.
CIS 101 - Foundations of Information Technology and PC Applications (3 hours)
This course is a survey of fundamental functions of a computer, Internet, file management, and an introduction to the Microsoft Office Suite. This course does not count for credit toward graduation.
CIS 111 - Information Systems and Applications
(3 hours)
This course is designed for students who have used MS Word regularly and have an understanding of MS Windows. Topics covered include responsible use of information technology; hardware concepts; the use, development, and maintenance of spreadsheets (Excel); the creation of electronic presentations (PowerPoint); and an introduction to databases (Access). This is a hands-on skills and a conceptual course. Participants will be required to demonstrate software proficiency in the lab, as well as, through objective written tests.
ECO 221 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3 hours)
A study of macroeconomics (the “whole” economy), concepts and principles, plus current issues in macroeconomics. Required for business and economics majors.
Prerequisite: MAT 174 or above
ENG 141 - Expository and Research Writing (3 hours)
This is a course in written communication. Emphasis is placed on development, structure, and writing of abstracts, summaries, and critiques. Literary devices such as pro/con, cause/effect, comparison/contrast, persuasion/argumentation essays and research/synthesis skills are used through a research paper.
ENG 142 - Introduction to Literature and Criticism (w) (3 hours)
This course presents drama, short stories, novel, poetry and critical essays from literary critical perspectives. Through reading, discussion, and critical writing, students become familiar with representative genres in literature as well as authentic critical approaches. This is a writing intensive course.
Prerequisite: ENG 141
MAT 174 - Finite Mathematics (3 hours)
This course applies mathematical techniques to solve real-world problems and involves the study of topics including linear models, systems of equations, financial math, logic, probability, and statistics.
Prerequisite: MAT 173 (“C” or better) or placement
MAT 181 - College Algebra (3 hours)
The course topics include functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, sequences, and counting principles with probability.
Prerequisite: MAT 173 (“C” or better) or placement
Major Requirements
As a student in the Associate of Business Administration in Accounting program you’ll take specialized courses in the business and accounting field.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| ACC 210 | Analysis of the Accounting Process | 3 |
| ACC 228 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 231 | Computerrized Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 304 | Federal Income Tax | 3 |
| CIS 355 | Spreadsheet Applications for Decision Making | 3 |
| LAW 211 | Business Law I | 3 |
| LAW 212 | Business Law II | 3 |
| MGT 201 | Management of Organizations | 3 |
| MKT 151 | Introductory Marketing | 3 |
| One Business Elective From: | ECO, FIN, MGT, or MKT | 3 |
| Two Open Electives: | At the 100/200 level (ENG 140 recommended) | 6 |
ACC 210 - Analysis of the Accounting Process (3 hours)
This course is designed to develop the student’s ability to analyze and record accounting transactions, prepare financial statements, and analyze accounting information for decision making.
ACC 228 - Managerial Accounting (3 hours)
This course is designed to provide information to the management student who will be charged with directing and controlling operations from within the organization. Emphasis is placed on corporation reports, statements, schedules, and summaries prepared for the use of management.
Prerequisite: ACC 201
ACC 231 - Computerized Accounting (3 hours) (w)
Determination of taxable and nontaxable income, deductions, and tax liability for individuals and corporations. Includes background and objectives of the federal tax system. This is a writing intensive course.
Prerequisite: ACC 210
ACC 304 - Federal Income Tax (3 hours) (w)
Determination of taxable and nontaxable income, deductions, and tax liability for individuals and corporations. Includes background and objectives of the federal tax system. This is a writing intensive course.
Prerequisite: ACC 210
CIS 335- Spreadsheet Applications for Decision Making (3 hours)
This course focuses on the use of spreadsheet applications as a tool for decision making. Included are topics such as design and management of worksheets and templates, and the use of built-in functions. Organizational uses in the areas of accounting, finance, marketing, human resources are discussed.
Prerequisite: CIS 105/111 and MAT 174 or above
LAW 211 - Business Law I (3 hours)
An examination of civil and criminal law and process and their interrelationship. The course also examines application of the constitution to business with particular emphasis on the court system and administrative agencies. Substantively, the content areas of torts and contracts will be examined.
Prerequisite: ENG 141
LAW 212 - Business Law II (3 hours)
Building on a basic understanding of contract law, the student will be introduced to the Uniform Commercial Code in the areas of sale of goods, commercial paper, and secured transactions. In addition, the law of agency and topics on partnership and corporations will be considered.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
MGT 201 - Management of Organizations (3 hours) (w)
This course will provide an overview of the internal workings of an organization. It will survey the functional areas such as finance, marketing, operations, information and decision support systems, and human resources. The course will also examine the nature of the managerial job. This is a writing intensive course..
Prerequisite: ENG 141
MKT 151 - Introductory Marketing (3 hours)
This course exposes the student to the vocabulary of marketing and introduces many of the major principles and theories of the discipline. The focus of the course is on marketing’s relationship to the other business functions and on marketing function management as opposed to day-to-day marketing operations.
Accounting Curriculum Map
The Associate of Business Administration in Accounting curriculum map gives you an overview of the academic path we recommend most students in the accounting program follow. As an Ivy Bridge student, you’ll use the curriculum map to guide your conversations with your success coach and academic advisors as you set up an academic schedule that works for you. Download a PDF of the curriculum map now>
Possible Career Paths in Accounting
The accounting field covers a variety of careers ranging from public accounting and management consulting to tax auditing and financial analysis. Ivy Bridge’s associate in accounting provides you with a strong foundation in accounting that will expose you to a variety of accounting specialties while preparing you for entry-level jobs such as accounting assistant, bookkeeper, tax preparer, or auditing clerk. Those interested in pursuing an accounting career as a CPA will require additional certification in addition to an associate degree and may be interested in transferring to a four-year program to finish their bachelor’s degree.
Some areas within accounting that you may be interested in pursuing include:
Public Accountant
Public accountants often work for accounting firms that offer their services to other businesses and individuals for a fee. However, many public accounts are self-employed or work for small local firms. A public accountant is responsible for preparing and analyzing the financial reports of a company or individual.
Typical duties include filing tax returns, keeping accurate records of costs and profits to meet legal requirements, helping organizations make sound business decisions based on financial analysis, and preparing annual reports.Auditor
Auditors review, analyze, and evaluate an individual or an organization’s finances and processes to ensure that they follow best practices and are in compliance with government regulations. Auditors check to make sure businesses have the proper controls and checks and balances in place to protect the organizations assets and interests.
Auditing jobs vary greatly since many auditors focus on one key area such as revenue management or internal controls. However, typical aspects of the job include working closely with organizational leaders; analyzing systems such as inventory management, accounting software, or hiring practices; and regulating business and financial practices.Bookkeepers and Accounting Clerks
Bookkeepers and accounting clerks are in charge of keeping the official record of an organization’s accounts. Individuals in these positions need a strong knowledge of bookkeeping software as well as online spreadsheets and databases. Many bookkeepers act as internal accountants for smaller businesses or work under a CPA as a member of his or her support staff.
Typical aspects of the job include recording cash, checks and vouchers; inputting costs and income into the proper accounts; creating balance sheets; clearing up any discrepancies in company accounts; and maintaining records.
Learn more about Ivy Bridge’s accounting program:
Request more information or talk to a friendly advisor now at 855-413-4752.