Bachelor of Science (BS)

Accounting

Program

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service.  Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a copy of the high school diploma, high school transcript (official or unofficial), GED certificate, or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC) or a state- issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma. In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores or state-issued certificates designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Conditional Acceptance

Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancelation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with less than a 2.0 GPA may be admitted provisionally for two quarters.  Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here

Offered at Online Programs.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at South University is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in corporate and/or public accounting. Additional graduate level coursework may be required to qualify to take the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Examination in the states where South University has campuses offering the program. Students should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the State Board of Accountancy in the particular state in which they wish to take the exam. South University does not guarantee third-party 
certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate an awareness of how culture, society, ethics, law, politics, technology and economic principles provide a context for and affect the actions and decisions of business leaders and accounting professionals.
  2. Exhibit: expertise in accounting standards, financial statements, auditing functions, budgeting, and taxation; an ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles; and the practical skills to be effective in entry-level positions.
  3. Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, their understanding of and solutions for common business problems.
  4. Apply quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills to analyze business problems within and across functional business disciplines to positively affect financial performance.
  5. Determine the extent of information needed, assess the needed information, evaluate information and its sources critically, use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose, and access and use information ethically and legally.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits

Professional Development

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Credits : 4

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Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Basic Communications

Course Code
Title
Credits
Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, researching and writing essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, types of essay and on effective writing procedures. Selected readings supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Focusing on the construction of effective researched written argument, this course refines composition techniques, develops abstract thinking processes, and promotes critical thinking. By locating and evaluating sources and incorporating appropriately vetted academic sources into their work, students will create well-supported arguments within appropriately documented academic essays. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare the student to develop and improve the ability to communicate. Self-expression, preparation of effective speeches, and development of speaking and listening skills will be the focus.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Mathematics and Statistics

Course Code
Title
Credits
The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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College Algebra provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts required as background for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The course emphasizes the graphs and properties of functions in general, with emphasis on linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12

Natural Sciences (choose one)

Course Code
Title
Credits

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, biotechnology, and the principles of evolution. Students will also complete writing assignments that develop their skills as scientifically literate citizens.

Credits : 4

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CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem-solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Arts and Humanities

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course introduces the study of human social development, social organizations and social institutions by looking at our own self as the investigated or member of the society. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine themselves around the development of self-concept, group dynamics, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education. Through open discussion of current societal events, students will explore the constructs and consequences of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Course Code
Title
Credits
Microeconomics is the study of how individuals, households and firms make decisions about consumption and production which affect the supply and demand of goods and services. Other topics include the costs of production, behavior of firms, organization of industries, economics of labor markets, and theories of consumer choice.

Credits : 4

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The study of macroeconomics includes the basic aspects of economic analysis of the business world. Students will develop an understanding of the monetary system, recession, inflation, and the main cycles of business activity

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Area II Foundation Requirements 36 Credits

Course Code
Title
Credits

ACC1001 is the first of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision-making activities. ACC1001 introduces accounting as the "language of business" the tool used to communicate the effects of an organization's business activities on its income, financial position, and cash flows. The course provides an overview of the financial accounting system, including: the role of accounting in business; the format, content, and use of financial statements; the impact of transactions on the financial statements; the regulatory environment of accounting; and the accounting standard-setting process.

Credits : 4

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ACC1002 is the second of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision-making activities. ACC1002 continues the study of the financial accounting system, including a study of the time value of money and the effects of various financing, investing, and operating activities on a firm's earnings, financial position, and cash flows. It also begins the study of managerial accounting systems as an invaluable source of information to support managers' decision-making activities and introduces a host of alternative cost concepts, including the concept of different costs for different purposes.

Credits : 4

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ACC1003 is the third of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision-making activities. ACC1003 continues the study of the managerial accounting system, including a focused study of product costing using both traditional and activity-based approaches, the uses of cost-based information in decision making, the use of budgeting to accomplish organization objectives, traditional and contemporary approaches to performance management for all levels of responsibility centers, and capital budgeting.

Credits : 4

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Business Law I is a survey of American law and procedure covering the legal environment, operation of the legal system, completion of contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, intellectual property and more. Both the text and case study methods may be utilized.

Credits : 4

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A basic exposure to business principles, functions, and practices that prepares students with the knowledge to pursue specific areas of study associated with business enterprise such as economics, marketing, finance, human resource management, information technology, operations, ethics, and entrepreneurship. Awareness of the significance of business in the free enterprise system is developed through topical research, discussion, and writing projects.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare students to organize and compose effective business correspondence and business. Focus will be on various types of business communication encountered in management functions, including creating documents, preparing presentations, managing meetings, providing leadership, and building teams. The course will address both internal and external organizational communications as well as professional career preparation.

Credits : 4

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This course exposes the student to a wide range of important issues in managerial and personal finance, including such topics as the role of finance in organizations, principles of financial analysis, forecasting and working capital management, and the basics of analysis and evaluation of investments such as stocks, mutual funds and bonds.

Credits : 4

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The latest major approaches and techniques of management are studied, including planning, systems management, new organizational concepts, computer influence, controlling, and quantitative measurement.

Credits : 4

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This is an introductory course in the primary activities and practices of domestic and global marketing. It provides an overview of the marketing environment, consumer behavior, market segmentation and target marketing, branding, the distribution of goods and services, the pricing system, promotional and communication activities, and new product development.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
36

Area III Major Requirements: 96 Credits

Course Code
Title
Credits

This course provides students with an integrated view of business processes/cycles, information processes, and accounting procedures. Topics may include how business and information processes impact business strategy, with internal controls embedded to mitigate different types of risk. Emphasis is placed on linkages between financial and managerial accounting techniques and business processes.

Credits : 4

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This course explores Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) associated with preparing and reporting a corporation's balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Topics may include the regulatory environment surrounding financial accounting, measurement and reporting of balance sheet assets, and fundamental revenue and expense recognition principles.

Credits : 4

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This course continues the exploration of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) associated with a preparing and reporting corporation's balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Topics may include the measurement and reporting of balance sheet liabilities and equity, more advanced revenue and expense recognition situations, and accounting corrections and changes.

Credits : 4

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This course explores cost accumulation and budgeting systems applicable to manufacturing, service, and informational organizations. Students relate cost accounting information to management planning and decision-making activities. Topics may include job order, process, and activity-based costing systems.

Credits : 4

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This course continues the exploration of cost management techniques and approaches used in manufacturing, service, and information organizations. Topics may include performance measurement and reporting systems, Total Quality Management (TQM), cost allocations, decision support for managerial decision making, theory of constraints, and economic valued added.

Credits : 4

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This course explores the U.S. Internal Revenue Code applicable to individual income taxes. Topics may include taxable income, deductions, exemptions, property transactions, filings, and individual tax planning.

Credits : 4

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This course explores accounting principles applicable to governmental (state and local), health care, educational, and other not-for-profit organizations. Topics may include the regulatory environment (which includes standard setting bodies such as the Governmental Accounting Standards Board [GASB]), fund accounting, reporting requirements, financial management, and budgets.

Credits : 4

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This course emphasizes fundamental assurance theories, concepts, and techniques associated with internal auditing. Topics may include the regulatory environment applicable to internal auditing, risk assessment, internal controls, evidential matter, audit reporting, and fraud.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to present ethical principles and decision-making models for people in organizations. Making ethical choices in a variety of personal and organizational situations is covered.

Credits : 4

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This course will help students to develop leadership skills through improved communication. Focus will be on those types of communication encountered in management functions: creating documents, presentations, leadership, managing meetings, building teams, internal and external organizational communication and professional career preparation.

Credits : 4

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The course presents a comprehensive study of advanced legal topics in commercial transactions for students interested in pursuing careers in accounting or other professions, which require detailed understanding of business law concepts. Topics covered include types of business organizations, securities regulations, sales, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, bankruptcy, insurance, accountants' liability and employment law.

Credits : 4

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In this course, students act as managers of a firm operating in a simulated industry. They are responsible for developing a strategic plan, creating execution plans, monitoring results and modifying execution plans to achieve success in competition with others in the simulated industry.

Credits : 4

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This course focuses on the production and operations component of business. Topics include operations strategy, forecasting of demand, design of goods and services, process, capacity and location planning, scheduling of jobs and projects, and job design. Students will learn to use basic decision tools to analyze and make decisions in these topic areas.

Credits : 4

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Students study the basis for transacting business among countries, the mechanics of international trade and foreign exchange transactions, the characteristics of international management, and the different perspectives on organizational behavior, human resource management, management styles and business ethics practiced in different cultural settings. Business in the international environment is interpreted from a strategic management and marketing perspective that yields practical guidance concerning the management of firms and social responsibility.

Credits : 4

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This capstone course is intended to integrate subject matter from more specialized business courses and related areas of study to help students develop conceptual skills needed in management. Major topics include the development of organizational strategy, decision making within a strategic framework, the planning process, formulation of objectives and policies, and the management of change. Use of the case method will draw significantly on students' prior management study and experience. Students will review business concepts for all areas of the business curriculum and demonstrate proficiency in the common professional components required of effective business managers and leaders through a standardized business test.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
64

Elective Pool 32 Credits

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices. 

Suggested Electives:

Course Code
Title
Credits

This course is designed to provide students with a sound conceptual understanding of the role that quantitative analysis plays in the decision-making process. It emphasizes the application of a variety of techniques to the solution of business and economic problems to help students become effective users and evaluators of quantitative and qualitative information in making decisions.

Credits : 4

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This course will introduce students to the philosophy and techniques of total quality management applied to business, governmental, and not-for-profit organizations. Students will explore the fundamentals of quality management with emphasis on the best practices of high-performing organizations as measured by assessment tools such as the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. Students will learn the proper application and use of techniques such as Statistical Process Control, Six Sigma, and process management.

Credits : 4

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An introductory course in the financial management of non-financial corporations, this course focuses on the role of interest rates and capital markets in the economy. A variety of topics are addressed, including the structure and analysis of financial statements, time value of money circulations, and the valuation of income-producing physical assets.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to the fundamental areas of Information Technology, including computer organization, computer system hardware and software, operating systems, and current computing technologies. This course is designed as a general framework for information technology and serves as a foundation for the Information Technology major.

Credits : 4

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This course advances the concepts learned in the Principles of Management course. In addition, behavioral concepts are applied to motivation, leadership, work groups, and communication.

Credits : 4

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This course represents a realistic study of the principles and practices of personnel management, major factors in personnel problems and labor relations, and the organization of personnel work. Attention is also given to the task of procuring, developing, maintaining, and using an effective team.

Credits : 4

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This course examines the art and science of leadership in complex organizations. The roles of leaders and managers at different levels of the organizational structure are analyzed. Students are given opportunities to investigate personal characteristics of effective leaders. Through experiential activities, students discover the implications of collaborative management and effective leadership on the organization's performance and gain insights into their own leadership styles.

Credits : 4

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This course provides an analysis of supply chain and operations management for products and services and the dynamic interaction of companies along an integrated supply chain. Topics include supply chain strategy, outsourcing, inventory management, aggregate planning, Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), scheduling, advanced production planning, and maintenance and reliability.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
32
Total Credits
180