Two male students working on together in mathematics class

College of Arts & Sciences

Accounting

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Allyson Grant

Communication Specialist

Departments of Business & Economics, Psychology, Allied Health

What is accounting?

About

A degree in accounting is about more than learning to crunch numbers. The study of accounting will challenge you to think critically and solve problems that affect individuals and organizations. The accounting field contains specialties, such as finance management, actuarial science, business law, tax accounting, and more, giving you a range of career choices based on your interests.

Why study accounting at Baker University?

As an accounting major at Baker, you’ll go beyond the fundamentals of business accounting to engage in an innovative curriculum that allows you to complete all coursework for an accounting degree and the CPA exam in just four years, as opposed to the traditional five-year pathway. You will work closely with your advisor to stay on track. In addition, you will be required to complete one accounting internship, and thanks to ongoing relationships with regional businesses, you’ll gain exposure to real-world business environments and scenarios.

Male student using his calculator during class

What are some jobs for accounting majors?

A degree in accounting can open the door to opportunities at a wide range of businesses and organizations. Some accounting jobs include the following:

  • Actuary
  • Business analyst
  • Economist
  • Financial planner
  • Licensed conveyancer
  • Accountant
  • Management consultant
  • Purchasing manager
  • Retail banker
  • Tax advisor
  • Tax accountant
  • Business accountant

Accreditation council for business schools and programs

The majors of accounting, business, and international business offered by the Department of Business and Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences at Baker University first achieved full accreditation by the The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) in 1994. ACBSP issued Baker its latest reaffirmation certificate for these programs in 2016—a hard-earned distinction that corroborates our faculty’s excellence.

4+1 Bachelor’s to MBA Dual Degree Program

Students who earn an undergraduate business degree from Baker can earn their bachelor’s degree and MBA in five years. This MBA program is open to current students and graduates.

Baker participants who meet program requirements will not be required to take the 9 hours of MBA program foundation courses. 4+1 students will be required to complete the 9 hours of MBA core courses and the 12 hours of concentration courses. To complete the remaining 21 MBA program credits within a year, 4+1 students must take at least one course each term for seven terms.

Requirements

  1. Satisfy the graduation requirements for the undergraduate program.
  2. Earn a Baker cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  3. Earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher in Baker business baccalaureate core courses.
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Accounting Course Descriptions

Accounting Degree Scholarships

The Department of Business and Economics gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Business and Economics
  • KPMG-Cecil Miller Scholarship
  • Carley M. Upp Memorial Scholarship
  • Emma May Poland Scholarship
  • Gessner-Cowherd Scholarship in Business/Finance
  • Mary L. Barton Scholarship
  • Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Awards
    (This award and an accompanying financial prize are presented at spring commencement to two graduating seniors from the Department of Business and Economics who have demonstrated excellence in leadership throughout their academic career.)

Academic Recognition

  • Department of Business and Economics Outstanding Senior
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Meet the Faculty

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Kevin Conley, JD, CPA

Associate Professor of Business & Economics

B.A. University of Northern Iowa, J.D. University of Iowa College of Law

Expertise: business law, income taxes

Office: Mabee 308

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Martha Harris, CPA, CMA, CFE

Professor of Business & Economics

B.S. Baker University, M.B.A. University of Kansas, M.L.A. Baker University

Expertise: financial institutions, fraud examination

Office: Mabee 306

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Gary Irick, CPA

Professor Emeritus of Business & Economics

B.S. Baker University, M.M. Northwestern University

Expertise: financial reporting and auditing

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Alan Salts, CPA

Assistant Professor of Accounting & Business

BS University of Kansas, MBA University of Missouri - Kansas City

Expertise: finance, accounting

Office: 309 Mabee