Accounting, BA

Department of Accounting, College of Business and Economics

96-98 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Accounting?

Accounting is an important tool used by managers of organizations to plan, control and report financial activity. A thorough knowledge of Accounting is necessary to understand the operation and financial condition of any business, non-profit organization or governmental agency. In addition, the Accounting curriculum provides a foundation for students who plan to take examinations to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Why Consider an Accounting Major? 

The Accounting major offers a broad program of accounting courses, which coupled with required and elective courses in Economics and Business Administration, provides the graduate with a sound foundation for an accounting career or post-graduate studies. The Accounting graduate can expect to find employment in a number of areas including private business, public accounting, not-for-profit organizations or governmental units. Typical work may include areas such as cost analysis, taxation, auditing, accounting systems, taxation or cash management.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Pre-major: Students, who have confirmed admission to WWU, are in good academic standing with the University, have completed 45 credits and earned a GPA of 2.5 overall or 2.75 in the foundation courses they have completed, will be granted pre-major status. Pre-majors automatically become full majors upon completion of the minimum requirements.

Full major: Students must have completed the following requirements:

• Confirmed admission to WWU and have 45 credits or be in the CBE Distinguished Scholars program.

• Be in good academic standing with the University and meet one of the following GPA requirements: Either: 1) a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the eight Foundation Courses listed below, including grades from transfer courses and Advanced Placement credit or 2) a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 in all college-level course work including transfer work.

Provisional major: Major status is granted provisionally to students who are completing their last foundation course(s) and would be eligible for full major status upon successful completion of their current course work.

How to apply: For consideration as a pre-major, provisional major or full major, complete the online application form at: http://cbe.wwu.edu/cbe/students/application.shtml.

Advising tips: 1) Complete MATH 157 and DSCI 205 requirements early; 2) For information regarding the MIS 220 Equivalency Exam see the Department of Decision Sciences website fortest-out information: http://cbe.wwu.edu/dsci/mis-testout.shtml; 3) Meet with your faculty advisor (assigned following admission to the major).

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.