Program Information
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program prepares students for careers in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, either as accountants or for positions that require an accountant’s skills. The program provides a high-quality education that integrates accounting principles and methods with real-world, practical training from leading-edge professionals. In addition, the program commits a significant portion of resources for the development of a well-rounded professional through liberal studies education. The program is committed to helping the adult undergraduate student gain an understanding in accounting principles and theory, income tax and auditing standards. Students will learn the technical aspects of accounting and appreciate the economic consequences of accounting rules and practices. Skills acquired will advance students’ ability to analyze problems and clearly communicate solutions consistent with ethical standards. Students must complete a minimum of four courses (12 units) from the “Required Courses” listed below.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, including the general education program, will be able to:
- Examine data and argument, as informed by interdisciplinary approaches to business management and organizational leadership.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Recognize the need for information in professional and business contexts and to responsibly access, evaluate and apply information using a variety of research tools and methods.
- Develop strategies for organizational challenges using an understanding of business functional areas, management theory, principles, ethical reasoning and innovative approaches.
- Prepare financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Employ critical thinking skills and current technologies to analyze financial data, as well as, the effects of differing financial accounting methods on the financial statements.
- Demonstrate an understanding of current auditing standards and acceptable practices, as well as, the impact of audit planning, risk, and rendering an opinion on the engagement.
- Apply cost accounting methods to evaluate and project business performance.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of taxation.
- Recognize and understand ethical issues related to the accounting profession.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting
The BSA requires completion of 123 units as follows: 39 units of general education coursework (including 21 units of liberal studies core), 69 units required for the major (including 21 units of foundation courses, 18 units of business courses, and 30 units of accounting courses), and 15 units of general elective courses. Each course listed carries three semester units of credit, unless otherwise noted. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 “C” or higher is required in all courses taken at Golden Gate University.
All degree-seeking undergraduate students must complete their English, mathematics and critical thinking requirements within their first 27 units at Golden Gate University, unless they have already earned credit for the equivalent courses from another institution and have had those courses accepted in transfer by Golden Gate University. If either Math or English requirements for the degree have not been satisfied, newly enrolled students must take placement tests to ensure proper placement in the appropriate Math or English course. Students may also choose to waive the placement tests and enroll in the first course in either series, which are ENGL 10A and MATH 10 . (See the course descriptions below to identify courses that have prerequisite course requirements.)
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