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Accounting and Information Assurance Major

Accounting and Information Assurance Degree

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The Accounting and Information Assurance degree is a unique program that combines an accounting major with additional coursework principally in computer information science. This expanded degree will prepare you with a fundamental understanding of accounting practices, information system design, data forensic principles, data management and security, which will open up countless opportunities for you!

Small class sizes (typically 8-10 students in the upper-level courses) ensure that you receive quality, individualized instruction. SBU Accounting faculty genuinely care about their students and work closely with them for success in the classroom as well as to help them obtain internship and career positions.

The Accounting and Information Assurance degree is offered through SBU's Robert W. Plaster College of Business. 

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

100%
Job
placement
rate

(The 2018 accounting graduates from SBU achieved a 100% job placement before graduation!)

SBU students outside at table

The SBU Advantage

  • More than 80% of SBU Accounting students achieve the required 150 credit hours for the CPA certification exam within four years
  • The 2020 accounting graduates achieved an 93% first-time pass rate on the CPA exam — compared to the national average of just 57%!
  • SBU Accounting alumni stay connected with the program, which benefits current students through scholarship offers, mentoring programs and networking opportunities

Faith Integration

As an SBU Accounting student, you will be equipped for a successful career as dedicated Christian faculty teach you the application of accounting concepts in current practice through a Christian worldview so that you are prepared to be both a skilled employee and a servant leader in the workplace.

Psalm 15 — SBU's College of Professional Programs and the Robert W. Plaster College of Business have a Psalm 15 initiative, which provides intentional integration of faith and academic discipline. Using Psalm 15 as a basis, the Colleges have identified eight character traits that should be the hallmark of the students and graduates. These character traits are emphasized in coursework and in a special lecture series. The highlighted character traits are: Integrity, Service, Respect, Charity, Faithfulness, Truthfulness, Humility and Perseverance.

Ethics and Professional Development — As part of an intentionally Christian education, students in the Robert W. Plaster College of Business take a senior-level course in Ethics and Professional Development. The course teaches Christian personal and professional ethics and equips students with life skills such as career development, etiquette, and servant leadership, with the goal of producing ethical business leaders who will be servant leaders in the workplace.

Careers

  • Laura Sappington '16 — account manager and payroll specialist at Miller Management Systems in Kansas City, Mo.
  • Rebecca (McNabb) Green '14 — accounting manager at Wilhoit Properties in Springfield, Mo.
  • Ashley Morgan '17 — audit associate at BKD CPAs & Advisers in Springfield, Mo.

Internships

  • Grant Thorton, LLC, Tulsa, Okla.
  • KPMG, Kansas City, Mo.
  • Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, Mo.
  • Missouri State Auditor's Office, Jefferson City, Mo.
  • Ozarks Community Health Center, Hermitage, Mo.

Full-Time Faculty

Kristin Hamm

Kristin Hamm, Instructor
 
Jenell Wagner

Jenell Wagner, Assistant Professor
 

Clubs and Organizations

Accounting Club

Join the SBU Accounting Club and participate in various activities throughout the year including an interview blitz, field trips to visit prestigious accounting firms, social gatherings, networking opportunities, and more!

Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

You are encouraged to join SBU's student chapter of IMA and may also join the national IMA organization to receive additional professional development benefits.

Accounting Scholarships

SBU Accounting students may apply for several privately funded departmental scholarships. Additionally, some incoming freshmen accounting majors are selected to receive scholarships funded by SBU Accounting alumni.

Taylor Center

The Robert W. Plaster College of Business is housed in the Gene Taylor National Free Enterprise Center. The Taylor Center was expanded and renovated to provide the following benefits for our students:

  • Increased number of dedicated study areas and presentation rooms that can be reserved in advance
  • Keycard access for certain majors increases building security while allowing you to access space and equipment after hours to effectively study and work on group projects
  • Student lounge and open spaces to study, relax and hang out

Accounting and Information Assurance Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

BIB 1013 Old Testament 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
CIS 1033 Foundations of Computer Science 3
BUS 1193 Business Calculus 3
PSY 1013 General Psychology 3
BUS 2013 Business Communications 3
Total hours 16

WinterFest

POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
HIS 2223 U.S. History II 3

Spring Semester

BUS 2023 Business Statistics 3
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
ACC 2013 Principles of Financial Accounting 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
CIS 1144 Computer Science I 4
Total hours 17
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

ACC 2043 Managerial Accounting 3
ECO 2023 Principles of Microeconomics 3
MGT 3013 Principles of Management 3
CIS 1163 Introduction to Cybersecurity 3
BIO 1004 Biology 4
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
Total hours 18

WinterFest or Summer

COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3

Spring Semester

MKT 3023 Principles of Marketing 3
ECO 2033 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
ACC 3033 Accounting Information Systems 3
CIS 2213 Systems Analysis & Design 3
PHS 1004 Introduction to Physical Science 4
Total hours 16
 

Junior

Fall Semester

ACC 3024 Intermediate Accounting I 4
FIN 3053 Business Finance 3
LDR 4043 Ethics and Professional Development 3
CIS 3303 Systems Management 3
CIS 4503 Principles of Information Assurance (fall, even) 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

ACC 3034 Intermediate Accounting II 4
CIS 3323 Database Management Systems Design 3
MGT 3033 Operations Management 3
ACC 3073 Tax Accounting II 3
CIS 4513 Digital Forensics Principles and Practices (spring, odd)   3
Total hours 16
 

Senior

Fall Semester

ACC 3063 Tax Accounting I 3
BUS 3073 Business Law I 3
ECO 3023 Money and Banking 3
ACC 4013 Advanced Accounting 3
SPF 2012 Spiritual Formation 2
ACC 3023 Cost Accounting 3
Total hours 17

WinterFest

ACC 3133 Financial Information Applications & Analysis 3

Spring Semester

ACC 4053 Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting 3
BUS 3083 Business Law II 3
ACC 4044 Auditing 4
MGT 4083 Strategic Management 3
SOC 2012 Human Diversity 2
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
Total hours 17

NOTE: This plan assumes high school completion of ENG 1113 English Composition 1, ENG 2213 English Composition II, and MAT 1143 College Algebra (usually not required if ACT Math scores are high enough.)

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Accounting and Information Assurance Plan (PDF)