ACCT- Accounting course descriptions
Faculty
Maggie Schlerman (chair), Crystal Bruntz, Graham Lemke, Tuan Nguyen, George Nwaogu, Jaclyn Rundle, Julie Summers
Central’s accounting curriculum begins with a solid foundation in financial and managerial accounting rooted in the theoretical bases of economics and other liberal arts, including ethics, communication, mathematics and statistics. In upper-level courses, students grow through coverage of a variety of theoretical and applied financial accounting topics, as well as cost, tax systems and auditing. Computers are used both within and outside the classroom as learning and professional productivity tools, emphasizing the use and preparation of spreadsheets and databases for accounting applications. Small classes facilitate interactive learning processes. The accounting seminar provides opportunities for students to polish their research and presentation skills.
The program prepares students professionally for careers in public, private, government and not-for-profit accounting. Students are encouraged to study abroad to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago and Washington, D.C. internship programs, and to become active in various student educational and/or service organizations and other co-curricular activities.
As demonstrated by recent success, Central’s accounting graduates are well qualified for national standardized professional exams such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or to enter graduate or professional programs. Students can choose to complete the 150 semester hours required by most states, and of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), at Central or pursue a graduate degree.
Accounting majors who intend to participate in the study abroad program should discuss the options with their faculty advisors early in their college careers.
Note: The accounting major may not be combined with the information systems major–AIS option.
A note about the CPA exam
Students who wish to take the CPA exam in Iowa are advised to also take BMGT 231, BMGT 332, and BMGT 261. Other students should consult the specific requirements of the state in which they intend to take the exam. Consult with a member of the accounting faculty concerning requirements of other national exams.
Note: The accounting minor may not be combined with the information systems major–AIS option.