Accounting (B.S.)

Description

The University offers an online bachelor of science (B.S.) in accounting that serves as excellent preparation to become a licensed certified public accountant. Study for a variety of accounting-related certifications also is enhanced by completion of the major. In addition, the program serves as excellent background for students who plan to complete an M.B.A. or a master's in accounting.

  • The online bachelor's degree in accounting includes 120 credits. Coursework includes required accounting courses plus electives in areas such as accounting information systems, auditing, financial and management accounting, nonprofit accounting, and taxation. Students also complete a core of business courses required of all business students—and the University's Foundational Studies Program, which provides the knowledge students need in critical thinking, leadership, and interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Optional minors are offered online in areas such as forensic accounting, finance, and insurance and risk management. For a list of online minors, visit programs.
  • The program is open to entering freshmen (with no previous college experience) as well as transfer students. Previously earned college credit can be applied toward completion of the program per these transfer guidelines.
  • The program can be completed in four years (full time) if the student follows our recommended sequence. Students also have the option of part-time study. Applicable transfer credit may be used to satisfy some program requirements, thus shortening the completion time.
  • The Accounting Program is open to eligible students in the U.S. (including the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories). The program is closed to students residing in countries other than the U.S. except for U.S. military and State Department personnel and their family members with APO/FPO addresses.

Note: To be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, Indiana residents must complete the accounting major plus an additional 30 credits, also offered online at Indiana State University. Coursework in the forensic accounting minor, finance minor, and insurance and risk management minor can be used to partially satisfy this requirement. Each student works with an academic advisor to build a program of study based on the student's professional goals. Out-of-state students should contact their state board of accountancy to verify requirements. Students also may contact the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy to determine their state’s requirements. Out-of-state students must read this Licensure or Certification Information.

Required Courses

Careers

Accounting careers are available in all sectors of society from business and industry to government or nonprofit organizations. The Accounting Program also offers opportunities for continuing study that leads to certifications in accounting, finance, and management; to licensure as a CPA; or to graduate study in business administration and accounting. The most common career paths for accounting majors are listed below.

Public Accounting

  • Assurance services
  • Consulting services
  • Information technology services
  • Forensic accounting
  • International accounting
  • Tax and financial planning

Corporate Accounting

  • Budgeting
  • Cost analyst
  • Financial reporting
  • Internal auditing
  • Tax
  • Treasury

Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting

  • FBI
  • IRS
  • GAO
  • State Board of Accounts
  • Hospitals

Education

  • High school
  • College

In addition, the Scott College of Business is accredited by the AACSB International.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.

Further Information

For further information and assistance, contact:

Indiana State Online
(812) 237-2345
IndianaStateOnline@indstate.edu

 

The Graduate Catalog and Undergraduate Catalog of Indiana State University are the documents of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalogs supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.