Accounting & Business Law

The Department of Accounting and Business Law (ACCBL) has ten full-time faculty members teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in accounting and business law. Both a baccalaureate degree and a masters degree are offered in accounting. Students may also pursue a minor in accounting.

The accounting major is designed to provide entry-level knowledge, skills and concepts to prepare students for professional careers in accounting. These careers are generally in four broad areas: public accounting, management accounting, government and not-for-profit accounting, and accounting education. An accounting career can include such activities as auditing, budgeting, cost management, financial analysis, tax planning and compliance, and design and analysis of financial systems.

Practicing accountants generally acquire one or more certifications available to members of the profession. The most common certification is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), conferred by the State Board of Public Accountancy of the state in which the individual maintains his or her license. Other certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy has set the minimum educational requirements for taking the CPA examination at 150 semester hours. Students aspiring to an accounting career should give serious consideration to pursuing advanced studies at the graduate level to enhance their potential for a successful accounting career.

AACSB International Accreditation

The Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the most widely recognized and highly regarded accreditation agency for degree programs in business and accounting. The College of Business programs in business and accounting are accredited by AACSB. AACSB accreditation signifies our commitment to excellence through the continuous improvement in curriculum, faculty, and student quality. Less than 10 percent of the world's business schools have achieved business and accounting accreditation from AACSB.

Mission

The Department of Accounting and Business Law supports the missions of the College and University by focusing on the higher educational needs of accounting students in the region. Programs are designed to help students advance their education in accounting to become more productive citizens, further they accounting careers, and pursue advanced studies within a changing global environment. Based on a broad business core, the Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting (BBA-Accounting) prepares graduates for entry positions in industry, government, and not-for-profit organizations. The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program offers advanced accounting studies. The Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) provides a more focused degree path for obtaining the undergraduate and graduate accounting degrees. To meet the educational qualifications necessary to qualify as a candidate to take the Uniform CPA Examination for the State of Texas, accounting students need coursework beyond the bachelor's degree. Both the MAcc and PPA academically qualify students for and encourage students and graduates to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination in the State of Texas.

Student learning is the highest priority of the Department. To that end, the Department emphasizes intellectual contributions of applied scholarship and instructional development. The Department supports faculty development, community service and involvement in professional organizations resulting in service to key stakeholders. The Department solicits input from its primary stakeholders to continuously improve its programs.