Accounting (B.S.)

Faculty

Ms. Rehva Jones, MBA, Director of Business Programs (program chair)

Description

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting program offers students the opportunity to develop a solid understanding of the interconnected functional areas of organizations.  Students acquire the skills to prepare, analyze and present financial statements that facilitate decision making.

The program’s courses challenge students to critically analyze financial statements and the cost structure of organizations and to make ethical managerial decisions with full knowledge of the regulatory environment. Courses routinely use case studies and group projects in order to put students in a manager’s seat, giving them the opportunity to assess and analyze complex situations, determine the relative importance of internal and external variables affecting organizational goals and make optimal and ethical decisions.

The major is designed to meet the undergraduate degree requirements for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA.) exam for DC, Maryland and Virginia. Students wishing to pursue CPA credentials will need to accrue an additional 30 credit hours before obtaining licensure. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the additional 30 credit hours while matriculated at Trinity.  With a strong foundation in ethics, business law, and regulatory knowledge, the curriculum also covers forensic accounting, which helps prepare students to be Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs).

Major Requirements

To fulfill the requirements of the B.S. in Business Administration with Human Resources Management, students must successfully complete required coursework in the following areas:

Core Curriculum Courses (26 credits)

Area I:              Skills for Life & Work                                                    16 credits
Area II:             Understanding Self & Society                                       10 credits
Area III:            Ethics & Moral Reasoning                                            see Co-Requisite

Co-Requisite Courses (12 credits)
ALL of the following courses:

COM 290 Public SpeakingExamines theory and practice of public speaking. Students will prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches. Audience analysis, research, speech organization, delivery and effective persuasive strategies will be covered.
3 credits
FLC Area I
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
ECON 101 Introduction to MicroeconomicsWhat is ?economics? all about? Learn to think like an economist and make more informed personal financial decisions by building models of economic activity that provide a framework for understanding economics in the real world. Analyze economic interactions by exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the supply-demand model of competitive markets, followed by other models that show how markets operate when they aren?t purely competitive. Assess what the proper role of government is in the marketplace and the conditions under which government intervention can improve welfare when markets fail to be efficient. ECON is a prerequisite for all higher level economics courses and counts as a Social Science General Education course.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
ECON 102 Introduction to MacroeconomicsWhat is public policy, and how do governments conduct policies that affect the economy as a whole? Demystifies macroeconomic concepts like GDP, employment, and inflation, and shows how an economy?s ability to produce goods and services evolves over time. Focuses on the role of government in managing this change through fiscal and monetary policies, and discusses how economies are related to each other when countries trade internationally. Also improves critical thinking about global current events in the news. ECON 102 is a prerequisite for any higher-level economics course. Recommended to follow ECON 101, but may be taken directly with permission of instructor. General Education Civic Knowledge (Applications).
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 or permission from instructor
PHIL 245 Ethics IIntroduces the student to social ethics and the concepts of person and community by examining the moral traditions that inform our understanding of the individual. The course traces the focus of ethics from a concern about what kind of person to be to the more modern and narrow concern in how to act in both the public and private domains, acknowledging the ways in which our cultural and historical practices help shape our vision. Formerly PHI 212 The Moral Dimension: Persons and Community.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs Area
Core Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning

Co-requisite courses are taken as part of the School of Professional Studies Core Curriculum. The required economics courses fulfill 6 of the 9-credit Social Sciences requirement. If courses other than these are used to meet Core Curriculum requirements, students must take these three courses as part of their Electives; they may not be taken as Business Electives.

Professional Skills Courses (12 credits)
One of the unique features of Trinity’s Accounting program is the inclusion of a professional skills component. This series of courses develops personal and professional skills that help contribute to success in the workplace.

ALL of the following courses:
ENGL 209 Business WritingFamiliarizes students with basic types of standard business writing, including memos, letters, resumes, reports, and manuals, and with techniques appropriate to such writing. Formerly ENG 384 Business Writing.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ENGL 107
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
JAMS 201 Fundamentals of JournalismThis course introduces students to the fundamentals of gathering information and journalistic writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate basic journalistic newswri ting and reporting techniques, including writing in journalistic style, fact-gathering, observation, freedom of information and ethics. Students learn writing rules and styles unique to journalism with a focus on Associated Press Stylebook, Yahoo! Style Guide, grammar, punctuation and mathematics for journalists.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
BADM 225 Personal Financial ManagementUnderstanding and managing personal finances are key to one?s future financial success. This course presents essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about real world financial issues. Students will learn how choices influence occupational options and future earning potential. Students will also learn to apply decision-making skills to evaluate career choices and set personal goals. The course content is designed to help the learner make wise spending, saving, and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve personal financial success.

The course covers the basic principles needed for effective personal finance management, including the practical applications of money management, budgeting, taxes, credit, insurance, housing, investments, and retirement planning.Formally BUA 330 Personal Financial Management

3 credits
Pre-requisites: MATH 111
BADM 345 Intermediate Computer Applications for BusinessThe student will engage in intermediate use and application of the Microsoft software applications: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Access and teh interconnectivity between the applications. This course furthers the student's knowledge of the MS Office 2007 Suite by providing hands-on experience with advanced projects and assignments. Student will develop web pages from the documentation created in the course. Successful students will be able to develop procedure for the effective use of the software applications, increase efficiency and productivity through MS Office 2007 Suite integration.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BADM 241 or ISYS 201

Functional Core Courses (36 credits)
These courses cover the functional areas of business administration, providing the student with exposure to the knowledge, concepts, and practices that are central to most business operations.

ALL of the following courses:

BADM 101 Introduction to BusinessThis course provides students with an overview of the core functions and operations of business organizations. Topics discussed include forms of business ownership, research and development, marketing, finance, accounting, production, materials management, and human resource management. Formerly BUA 105 Introduction to Business.
3 credits
BADM 205 Legal Aspects of BusinessOffers a comprehensive overview of the principal legal aspects of business management. Topics include: the legal environment of business; contracts; domestic and international sales; negotiable instruments; creditors rights and bankruptcy; agency; business organization; labor and employment relations; government regulations; property; and, special topics (insurance, wills and trusts, liability of professionals, international and comparative law, and law for entrepreneurs). The overall objective of the course is to become familiar with the subject matter by covering the above topics in readings and class discussion sessions. Formerly BUA 302 Legal Aspects of Business.
3 credits
BADM 213 Quantitative Methods of BusinessProvides students with a sound conceptual understanding of the role quantitative methods play in the decision-making process. Quantitative and mathematical tools used in business for improving the problem-solving process by making it more rational and analytical are explained and examined. The course emphasizes the application of quantitative methods by using problem situations to introduce each of the methods, concepts, and techniques. Topics covered include probability concepts, decision analysis, utility and decision-making, forecasting, linear programming, and project scheduling (PERT/CPM). Formerly BUA 290 Quantitative Methods of Business.
3 credits
BADM 221 Financial AccountingIntroduces the concepts and techniques of financial accounting as prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASBE). Students study and understand balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and journals and ledgers, and how to prepare them. Accounting concepts such as revenue recognition, asset measurement, alternative inventory valuation methods, intangible assets, present value, stockholders equity, and liabilities and interest are also studied. Students come away from the course with an understanding of the importance of accounting in business decision-making. Formerly ACC 235.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110
BADM 223 Managerial AccountingProvides a comprehensive introduction to managerial accounting for business managers, focusing on the principles and practice utilizing realistic business cases. Course emphasizes not the preparer's mode but rather the managerial interpretation and implementation of the work of professional accountants in order to facilitate wise and logical business decision-making. Course stresses basic concepts and the intuitive organizing principles evident in the three primary business management activities: financing, investing, and operating. Topics include process costing, manufacturing costs, cost terms (fixed v. variable, direct v. indirect, and product v. period costs), cost-volume-profit analysis, capital budgeting, and standard costs and variance analysis. Formerly ACC 236 Managerial Accounting and ACC 246 Principles of Accounting II.
Prerequisite BADM 221 Financial Accounting
3 credits
BADM 229 Performance Management and ProductivityStudents in Performance Management and Productivity will examine the relationship between performance management programs with clear and measurable objectives and sustainable productivity. Students will develop performance measurement metrics, which they will apply in programs to improve or sustain good and measurable performance objectives, students will analyze and interpret the results of performance measurement programs.
3 Credits
BADM 101 prior is recommended but not required.
BADM 231 Theory and Practice of MarketingAddresses the principles and processes in the marketing of consumer goods and services and the organizational and environmental variables that have to be managed in order to be successful. Course materials focus on the essential components of the marketing mix, including product development, distribution, pricing policies, and promotional strategies. Formerly MKT 221 Theory and Practice of Marketing.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 226 or BADM 236
BADM 243 Information Systems in OrganizationsProvides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information technology, and application software. The course explains how information is used in organizations and how information technology enables improvement in quality, timeliness, and competitive advantage.
Formerly BUA 223 Theory of Management Information Systems.
Cross-listed with ISYS 211
3 credits
BADM 245 Decision Support SystemsProvides an understanding of organizational systems, planning, and the decision process, and how information is used for decision support in organizations. The course covers quality and decision theory, information theory, and practice essential for providing viable information to the organization. It outlines the concepts of IS for competitive advantage, data as a resource, IS and IT planning and implementation, change and project management. Formerly BUA 230 Decision Support Systems.
Cross-listed with ISYS 213
3 credits
BADM 325 Business Financial ManagementIntroduces the theory and practice of business financial management. Discusses the techniques of financial management such as discounted cash flow, financial statement analysis, cost of capital, capital budgeting and leverage. Capital market theory and functions of capital markets are also examined. Formerly BUA 324 Business Financial Management.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 223; MATH 210 recommended

Accounting Core (21 credits)
ALL of the following courses:

ACCT 301 Intermediate Accounting IStudents learn how to prepare journal entries, adjusting journal entries, ledgers and trial balances which provide the foundation for creating and understanding the income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flow. This course requires computer literacy and access outside the classroom to a computer with spreadsheet software.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 223 Managerial Accounting
ACCT 302 Intermediate Accounting IIOffers an intensive study of the generally accepted accounting principles for asset valuation, income measurement, and financial statement presentation for business organizations, and of the processes through which these principles evolve. Students will focus on important areas in financial accounting, including accounting for leases, pensions, and income taxes. Students will be able to account for the equities of a firm's investors and creditors, as well as review the tax implications of transactions frequently encountered in the area of corporate finance, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, spinoffs, IPOs, and leveraged buyouts.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ACCT 301 Intermediate Accounting I
ACCT 311 Federal Income TaxationThis course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of federal income tax law. The course emphasizes ethical practices in individual taxation but also provides an introduction to corporate and partnership taxation as well. Students will be introduced to estate and gift taxation, the taxation of international transactions; tax issues associated with not-for-profit entities, and selected other topics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
ACCT 360 Financial Analysis and ReportingFirm valuation and determination of intrinsic value through study and analysis of financial statements. Understanding the connections between items across financial statements to evaluate the financial health of the business.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 325
ACCT 401 AuditingTheory and Practice: Study of the principles and practice of financial auditing and responsibilities of the auditor to the client and to other stakeholders. Generally accepted auditing standards and procedures, tests of controls and substantive tests, statistical sampling, standard reporting format, and related topics are studied.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
ACCT 411 Accounting for Government and Nonprofit OrganizationsTopics in accounting and reporting for government and non-profit organizations will be explored. Students will be able to prepare reports to monitor cash flows to enable compliance with established policies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
ACCT 421 Forensic AccountingThis course will cover the basic concepts of forensic accounting. The course includes fraud prevention, detection, investigation, and related matters such as courtroom procedures. In general, the fraud prevention and detection concepts covered in this course help to prepare students for some of the material covered in the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification exam. Also considered are topics such as FCPA , Sarbanes Oxley, and common types of securities fraud.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ACCT 311

Electives (16 credits)
Five 3-credit courses and one 1-credit course

Senior Seminar (3 credits)
This course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize the information, concepts, and skills acquired throughout the Business Administration Program. It is taken at the end of one’s course of study.

BADM 499 Senior SeminarIntegrates the functional areas of business, international business, and professional ethics, with a strong emphasis on the synthesis of knowledge and skills gained throughout the business administration curriculum and on understanding the impact of strategic decisions upon the performance of organizations. The course relies heavily on case study analyses and assists in preparing students for entry into the business world or graduate studies. Formerly BUA 480 Senior Seminar.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 328 and BADM 426; PHIL 353; MATH 210

Program Policies

Advanced Placement: Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the Business Administration with Human Resource Management program.

CLEP Policy: Credits earned through CLEP examinations may fulfill requirements of the Business Administration with Human Resource Management program. Students interested in pursuing CLEP examinations should consult with their program chair.

Cross-Tallied Courses: Cross-tallied courses are identical courses offered with a different program prefix. Students may not enroll in or receive credit for more than one iteration of a cross-tallied course even in different semesters.

Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major, including the Senior Seminar course.

Pass/No Pass: The pass/no pass grading option only applies to BADM 491: Internship.

Senior Assessment: All majors are required to take BADM 499 at Trinity.

Study Abroad: Students are encouraged to plan their studies to allow for the possibility of study abroad to obtain a greater understanding of how global economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural issues influence domestic and multinational organizations. Prior discussions with an academic advisor are necessary to ensure that the courses taken abroad may be applied toward major credit.

TELL Policy:  Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with a the Program Chair.

Transfer Credits: Credits in courses equivalent to those required for the major from a similar institution may be accepted toward a major. Students majoring in Business Administration with Human Resource Management must take a minimum of four courses (12 credits) in business administration major courses at Trinity, one of the four courses taken must be BADM 499 Senior Seminar.

Course Descriptions