Allyson Grant

Communication Specialist

Departments of Business & Economics, Psychology, Allied Health

Mabee Memorial Hall

785.594.8470

allyson.grant@bakerU.edu

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?

Unlock your potential with Baker’s accounting program, where you are the architect of your financial future. Dive into hands-on learning experiences tailored to your goals, guided by expert faculty dedicated to nurturing your success.

At Baker, you’ll engage in an innovative curriculum that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic world of finance, setting yourself up for a rewarding and prosperous career path. 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.

Colleges of Distinction 2024-2025 business badge

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

Satisfy the graduation requirements for the undergraduate program.
Earn a Baker cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher in Baker business baccalaureate core courses.

two students celebrating during commencement

Accounting Course Descriptions

AC 141 – Introduction to Financial Accounting 3 hrs.
This course introduces accounting theory and procedure including recording, classifying, reporting, and analysis of financial information.

AC 242 – Managerial Accounting I 3 hrs.
Managerial accounting principles for planning and control are introduced, including cost-volume profit analysis, responsibility reporting, and standard cost and process costing. Prerequisite: AC 141.

AC 351 – Intermediate Accounting I 3 hrs.
This course studies the conceptual framework underlying financial accounting and reporting, the preparation of general purpose financial statements, accounting and financial reporting procedures for current and long-term assets and current liabilities, and revenue recognition principles. Prerequisite: AC 141.

AC 352 – Intermediate Accounting II 3 hrs.
This course builds upon AC 351 by studying accounting and reporting procedures for investments, long-term liabilities, leases, income taxes, and stockholders’ equity transactions. Prerequisite: AC 351.

AC 353 – Accounting Information Systems 3 hrs.
Integrated applications software is employed to address problems of information management. Skills in building information systems and database management are developed by case studies. Co-requisite: AC 351.

AC 354 – Managerial Accounting II 3 hrs.
This course will emphasize the use of cost accounting information for making non-routine decisions, long-range planning, and policy making. Topics addressed include pricing decisions, customer profitability analysis, cost and revenue allocation, costs of quality, and transfer pricing. Prerequisite: AC 142.

AC 355 – Income Tax 3 hrs.
This course provides an introduction to income tax principles, emphasizing the role of taxes in making business decisions. Measurement of taxable income for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations is covered along with an overview of individual income taxation. Prerequisite: AC 141.

AC 390 – Accounting Internship 3-6 hrs.
This course involves completing an internship of at least 120 clock hours over at least eight weeks in a professional work setting where the student has the opportunity to observe and participate in an organization’s accounting processes. The student’s work experience will be under the supervision of a faculty sponsor and will be designed to provide real-world accounting experience. Credit earned in this course will count toward the maximum of 12 hours of internship credit a student may earn during their undergraduate experience at Baker. Prerequisite: AC 141. R; P/NC

AC 456 – Advanced Accounting 3 hrs.
This course provides an in-depth study of business combinations and the preparation of consolidated financial statements. Other topics include foreign currency transactions, translation of foreign currency financial statements, and accounting for governmental and not-for-profit organizations. Prerequisite: AC 352.

AC 457 – Auditing 3 hrs.
This course provides an introduction to the auditing process and the role of auditors. Auditing standards and current auditing practices are examined through class discussion and completion of an audit simulation project. Prerequisite: AC 352.

AC 458 – Seminar in Accounting Topics 3 hrs.
This course examines accounting and tax issues not covered in previous accounting courses. Particular attention is paid to current accounting issues challenging practitioners. Specific topics will vary from year to year as accounting standards evolve to handle a changing business environment. Prerequisites: AC 352 and 355. R

Accounting Student Achievement

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.)