Accounting Bachelor of Science Degree

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Accounting
Bachelor of Science Degree

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In RIT’s BS accounting degree, you’ll learn to determine an organization’s wealth, profitability, and liquidity as you guide short- and long-term financial business decisions.

100%

Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree

$59.6K

Average First-Year Salary of RIT Graduates from this degree

#1

Undergraduate business programs in Western New York; 67th overall nationally. U.S. News & World Report, 2021

2 in 5

Earn two degrees in five years with the accelerated BS/MS accounting degree

Overview for Accounting BS

Why Pursue an Accounting Bachelor’s Degree at RIT

  • Strong Career Paths: Network with professionals from the Big Four and regional accounting firms when you join RIT's student chapter of the Next Generation of Accountants.
  • Pursue Your CPA: Get started on the right path to completing specific requirements of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
  • Alumni Relationships: Connect with Saunders alumni and key professionals through the Accounting Advisory Board.
  • Career Connections: Attend RIT’s accounting career fair to connect with representatives in finance and banking, and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.
  • Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.

Accountants are multidisciplinary professionals. They are responsible for determining an organization's overall wealth, profitability, and liquidity. Without accounting, organizations would have no foundation upon which daily and long-term business decisions could be made.

What is Accounting?

From technology and entertainment and travel and government, accounting is a key function to all businesses. It’s the collection, organization, and analysis of data that can reveal the financial state of a business. It can tell a company how well its products and services are performing, and if the products are making a profit. Financial data can help accountants make short- and long-term projections and estimate an organization’s tax liabilities. Accounting also helps an organization plan for its future. Short- and long-term profit projections can help guide an organizations’ growth and in which areas new employees will be needed. It can also help guide decision-making on which product lines to change and grow and which to downsize or eliminate. Accounting is essential to understanding which areas of your business are making money and which are not.

Explore RIT’s Accounting Degree Curriculum

RIT’s BS accounting degree covers financial and managerial accounting disciplines, while:

  • Introducing you to the technology used within the profession
  • Developing account management and service skills, using digital tools to communicate with, attract and retain clients.
  • Exposing you to courses in the liberal arts, sciences, and management
  • Leveraging our nationally ranked management information systems (MIS) major to give you the technical skills needed to design, operate, and control accounting information systems

Accounting Certifications: How to Become a CPA

The accounting bachelor’s degree starts you on the right path to completing specific requirements of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Additional graduate work is required in order to fulfill New York State CPA exam requirements. Students who complete the 24-credit hour minimum at the bachelor’s degree level will need to complete at least nine credit-hours of graduate accounting courses in order to meet the requirements to sit for the exam. Students completing 30 undergraduate-level accounting credit hours may only need one graduate accounting course to meet NYS CPA exam eligibility rules.

While the CPA license is not required to work in the field of accounting it is highly recommended for students. Learn more about becoming a CPA, CPA requirements, the CPA Exam, and other certifications.

The BS accounting program prepares students for success, as demonstrated by CPA Exam passing rates for RIT students that are consistently above passing rates overall and for all New York state candidates.

Furthering Your Education in Accounting

RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years, giving you a competitive advantage.

  • The Accounting BS/Accounting and Analytics MS: Gain a solid accounting background and enhance your knowledge of the accounting technologies that will help you analyze an organization's data so you can gain significant insights, predict future outcomes, and ascertain risk.
  • +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway: Successful RIT applicants who are offered admission into the accounting bachelor’s degree as an incoming first-year student may also be offered conditional early acceptance into the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway. This option enables you to earn both your BS degree and an MBA in as little as five years of study. Learn how the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway adds a competitive advantage to your studies.
  • +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

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Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

Accountant Auditor Credit Card/Cashless Accountant
Financial Specialist Junior Accountant Senior Auditor
Tax Accountant

Industries

  • Accounting

  • Financial Services

  • Insurance
Post-Graduation Salary and Career Info for Accounting BS

Cooperative Education

What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.

Co-op takes your knowledge and turns it into know-how. Business co-ops provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your knowledge of business, management, finance, accounting, and related fields in professional settings. You'll make valuable connections between course work and real-world applications as you build a network of professional contacts.

Students in the accounting BS are required to complete at least one cooperative education experience.

Accounting Career Fair

RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts an accounting-specific career fair that connects accounting majors with employers in finance and banking. During this day-long event, you’ll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.

Co-op and Experiential Learning Options for Accounting BS

Featured Work and Profiles

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Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Accounting BS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Accounting, BS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ACCT-110
Financial Accounting
An introduction to the way in which corporations report their financial performance to interested stakeholders such as investors and creditors. Coverage of the accounting cycle, generally accepted accounting principles, and analytical tools help students become informed users of financial statements. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
ACCT-210
Management Accounting
Introduction to the use of accounting information by managers within a business. Explores the value of accounting information for the planning and controlling of operations, assessing the cost of a product/service, evaluating the performance of managers, and strategic decision making. (Prerequisites: ACCT-110 or NACC-205 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
ECON-101
Principles of Microeconomics (General Education – Global Perspective)
Microeconomics studies the workings of individual markets. That is, it examines the interaction of the demanders of goods and services with the suppliers of those goods and services. It explores how the behavior of consumers (demanders), the behavior of producers (suppliers), and the level of market competition influence market outcomes. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
ECON-201
Principles of Macroeconomics (General Education)
Macroeconomics studies aggregate economic behavior. The course begins by presenting the production possibilities model. This is followed by a discussion of basic macroeconomic concepts including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth and fluctuations. The next topic is national income accounting, which is the measurement of macroeconomic variables. The latter part of the course focuses on the development of one or more macroeconomic models, a discussion of the role of money in the macroeconomy, the aggregate supply-aggregate demand framework, and other topics the individual instructor may choose. (Prerequisites: ECON-101 or completion of one (1) 400 or 500 level ECON course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
INTB-225
Global Business Environment (General Education)
Being an informed global citizen requires an understanding of the global business environment. Organizations critical to the development of the global business environment include for-profit businesses, non-profits, governmental, non-governmental, and supranational agencies. This course introduces students to the interdependent relationships between organizations and the global business environment. A holistic approach is used to examine the diverse economic, political, legal, cultural, and financial systems that influence both organizations and the global business environment. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
MGIS-130
Information Systems & Technology
To be successful in our globally-networked business environment, contemporary management professionals must have a strong grounding in the principles of information and information technology. This course provides an introduction to the field of management information systems (MIS), including the tools and techniques for managing information and information technologies within organizations. We place a particular emphasis on the nature of systems, the role of information in business processes, the management of data, and the planning of MIS design projects. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
MGMT-101
Business 1: Introduction to Business Communication, Planning & Analysis
This is the first of a two-course sequence, 4 credit year long experience, comprising the freshman-integrated experience. In Business 1, students will be introduced to the key functional areas of business, discuss current factors, events, and trends that impact business, build professional, personal leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, and evaluate business decisions, and the business plan process. By understanding the key functions of business and analyzing business decisions in Business 1, students will be able to then develop their own business ideas in Business 2. Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MGMT-102
Business 2: Business Planning and Professional Development
This course, the second in the First-year Business 4 Credit Experience, applies business and technology tools to create a modified business plan. Supported by guest speakers on a variety of professional development topics, along with student and professional mentors, students in this project-centered course use the Business Model Canvas innovation tool and learn to identify and communicate the nine key elements of a business model. Students will complete a team project that outlines the business case for a new product or service to address a selected challenge or opportunity. Student teams present a business case in both a one-page document and a 10-minute presentation pitch. (Prerequisites: MGMT-101 or MGMT-150 or equivalent course.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
 1
STAT-145
Introduction to Statistics I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used. (Prerequisites: Any 100 level MATH course, or NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or (NMTH-250 with a C- or better) or a Math Placement Exam score of at least 35.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
MATH-161
Applied Calculus (General Education)
This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills. (Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH-101, MATH-111, MATH-131, NMTH-260, NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or Math Placement Exam score greater than or equal to 45.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
 4
YOPS-10
RIT 365: RIT Connections
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
 0
 
General Education – First Year Writing (WI)
 3
Second Year
ACCT-305
Accounting Profession
This course consists of a series of workshops designed to introduce accounting students to the skills needed to be successful in job and co-op searches and the transition into professional life and careers. Students will establish their career goals, create relevant documents such as resumes and cover letters, and develop skills needed to succeed in pursuing accounting positions or graduate school. Students will be expected to interact with business professionals, study materials related to current and emerging trends in accounting and business, and develop professional deportment. Active class participation is required. Note: Matriculated in Saunders undergraduate accounting program. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to students with at least 2nd year standing in ACCT-BS program. Co-requisite: ACCT-360 or equivalent course.) Lecture 1 (Fall).
 1
ACCT-360
Intermediate Financial Accounting I
Extensive exposure to the accounting cycle with full integration of the data flow in an accounting information system. Accounting theory developed by accounting standard-setting bodies is covered in-depth. Generally accepted accounting principles are discussed as they apply to the preparation of financial statements and the recognition and measurement of financial statement elements, primarily assets. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter. (Prerequisites: ACCT-210 or NACC-206 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
ACCT-445
Accounting Information Systems
This course combines information systems concepts and accounting issues. In this course, we discuss the conceptual foundations of information systems, their applications, the control and auditing of accounting information systems, and the system development process. Topics include the business process, e-business, relational database, database design, computer fraud and security, accounting cycle, system analysis and AIS development strategies. Students analyze accounting information systems topics through problem solving, group project, presentations, exams, and case studies. (Prerequisites: ACCT-110 or NACC-205 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
BLEG-250
Law, Business, and Society (General Education)
This course provides an introductory survey of significant aspects of how select laws in the U.S. affect and are affected by society and commercial enterprises. The focus is on legal principles and societal considerations. Ethical issues in certain contexts will be discussed as well. Students will be introduced to basic legal research. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
COMM-253
Communication (General Education)
An introduction to communication contexts and processes emphasizing both conceptual and practical dimensions. Participants engage in public speaking, small group problem solving and leadership, and writing exercises while acquiring theoretical background appropriate to understanding these skills. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
FINC-220
Financial Management
Basic course in financial management. Covers business organization, time value of money, valuation of securities, capital budgeting decision rules, risk-return relation, Capital Asset Pricing Model, financial ratios, global finance, and working capital management. (Prerequisites: (ECON-101 or ECON-201) and ACCT-110 and (STAT-145 or STAT-251 or CQAS-251 or MATH-251 or MATH-252 or STAT-205) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
STAT-146
Introduction to Statistics II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
This course is an elementary introduction to the topics of regression and analysis of variance. The statistical software package Minitab will be used to reinforce these techniques. The focus of this course is on business applications. This is a general introductory statistics course and is intended for a broad range of programs. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or equivalent course.) Lecture 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 4
MGMT-215
Organizational Behavior
As an introductory course in managing and leading organizations, this course provides an overview of human behavior in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level with an emphasis on enhancing organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, work teams, motivation, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and organizational change. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
MKTG-230
Principles of Marketing
An introduction to the field of marketing, stressing its role in the organization and society. Emphasis is on determining customer needs and wants and how the marketer can satisfy those needs through the controllable marketing variables of product, price, promotion and distribution. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
 
General Education – Artistic Perspective
 3
 
Accounting Elective
 3
Third Year
ACCT-365
Intermediate Financial Accounting II
In-depth consideration of generally accepted accounting principles and theory as they apply to the recognition and measurement of common liabilities and stockholders’ equity, as well as income taxes, pensions and leases. Issues related to dilutive securities, earnings per share, accounting changes, revenue recognition, and the statement of cash flows are also addressed. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter. (Prerequisites: ACCT-360 or 0101-408 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
ACCT-420
Personal and Small Business Taxation
A basic introductory course in federal income taxation. Emphasis is on taxation of individuals and sole proprietorships. Topics include income measurement and deductibility of personal and business expenses. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
ACCT-499
Accounting Co-op (summer)
One semester of paid work experience in accounting. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 3rd year standing.) CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 0
BANA-255
Data Literacy, Analytics, and Decision Making (General Education)
This course serves as an introduction to the uses (and potential misuses) of data in a wide variety of social settings, including the exploration of contemporary techniques to analyze such data. Data acquisition, cleansing, management, analysis, and visualization will be addressed through hands-on projects. Project work will include contemporary social problems addressed using a dynamic set of resources and technologies. An emphasis will be placed on how insights gleaned from data analysis can be used to guide individual and group decision-making scenarios. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
DECS-310
Operations Management
A survey of operations and supply chain management that relates to both service- and goods- producing organizations. Topics include operations and supply chain strategies; ethical behavior; forecasting; product and service design, including innovation and sustainability; capacity and inventory management; lean operations; managing projects; quality assurance; global supply chains; and the impacts of technology. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or MATH-251 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
MGMT-340
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (General Education – Ethical Perspective)
This course applies concepts of ethics to business at the macro level and at the micro level. At the macro level the course examines competing business ideologies exploring the ethical concerns of capitalism as well as the role of business in society. At the micro level the course examines the role of the manager in establishing an ethical climate with an emphasis on the development of ethical leadership in business organizations. The following topics are typically discussed: the stakeholder theory of the firm, corporate governance, marketing and advertising ethics, the rights and responsibilities of employees, product safety, ethical reasoning, business's responsibility to the environment, moving from a culture of compliance to a culture of integrity, and ethical leadership. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
 
Open Elective
 3
 
General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective†
 3
 
General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
 3
 
General Education Immersion 1, 2
 6
Fourth Year
ACCT-430
Cost Accounting (WI-PR)
Intermediate-level coverage of operational budgeting and performance evaluation. Development and use of cost data for external reporting and internal planning and control. Topics include operational budgeting, performance evaluation, job costing, process costing, joint product, and by-product costing, service department cost allocation, standard costing, activity-based costing, back-flush costing, and transfer pricing. Development of relevant cost information for special purposes is also considered. (Prerequisites: ACCT-210 or NACC-206 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
ACCT-490
Auditing
A study of the legal, ethical, and technical environment in which the auditor works. Current auditing theory, standards, procedures, and techniques are studied. The audit process is studied to ascertain how it leads to the development of an audit opinion. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and internal control issues are examined. Students are also introduced to accountants’ professional responsibility. (Prerequisites: ACCT-365 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
MGMT-560
Strategic Management
A capstone course drawing upon major business functions—accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and organizational theory and how strategic managers integrate functional theories and concepts to create competitive advantage. The course provides an integrated perspective of business organizations toward the achievement of enhanced profitability and a sustainable competitive advantage. Topics include the analysis of business environments, industry attractiveness, and competitive dynamics. Students learn how to formulate and implement effective business-level, corporate-level, and global strategies using theories, cases and a simulation. (Prerequisites: MGMT-215 and MKTG-230 and FINC-220 and DECS-310 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
 
General Education – Social Perspective
 3
 
General Education – Immersion 3
 3
 
Open Electives
 9
 
General Education – Electives
 6
Total Semester Credit Hours
124

Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

† Students will satisfy this requirement by taking either a 3 or 4 credit hour lab science course. If a science course consists of separate lecture and laboratory sections, students must take both the lecture and lab portions to satisfy the requirement.

‡ Students must also complete one semester of cooperative education.

Accounting Electives

ACCT-440
Advanced Taxation
Emphasis is on tax treatment of property transactions and taxation of business entities. Also covers the use of technology to prepare complex returns and to research tax issues. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
ACCT-489
Seminar in Accounting
Study of accounting topics reflecting contemporary issues and/or current technological advancements impacting the development, implementation and management of accounting, taxation, and auditing systems in organizations. Seminar topics have ranged from ethics to computerized accounting systems. Topics for a specific semester will be agreed to prior to the course offering. (Prerequisites: ACCT-210 or NACC-206 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
ACCT-550
Accounting for Government and Not-for-profit Organizations
This course provides a detailed examination and discussion of the accounting principles used by governmental and not-for-profit entities. The course focuses on the use of special funds for such entities as state and local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals and other health care entities, voluntary health and welfare organization, and other organizations. Students will learn what characterizes an entity as one for which the GASB is the authoritative standard-setting body versus one for which the FASB is the authoritative standard-setting body and develop an understanding of why two unique sets of accounting principles were developed to serve these entities. (Prerequisites: ACCT-365 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
ACCT-560
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
This course provides an introduction to the principles and methodologies of fraud detection and prevention. Topics may include the nature and types of fraud, fraud investigation and detection, financial statement fraud, consumer fraud, asset misappropriation, corruption, and tax evasion. (Prerequisites: ACCT-210 or NACC-206 or equivalent course and 3rd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
FINC-320
Professional Financial Planning and Management
Project-based course in which accounting and finance students develop an integrated understanding of personal financial planning and management. Topics include budgeting and cash flow, personal taxation (including basics of flow-through entities), mortgage financing and real estate, consumer credit, insurance (including life, health, property and casualty) and retirement and estate planning. Also addresses financial investments made by individuals, including stocks, bonds, money market instruments and mutual funds. Emphasis is on understanding these topics as a financial professional, commensurate with undergraduate study in finance or accounting. (Prerequisites: ACCT-210 and FINC-220 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Summer).
FINC-361
Financial Institutions and Markets
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the major financial markets and institutions in the U.S. and abroad. This course analyzes the important structural features of the major markets and notes the interaction of the financial markets with the decisions of financial institutions, corporations, and the government. (Prerequisites: FINC-220 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
FINC-420
International Finance
Discusses the problems posed by the international financial environment in which corporations operate. In particular, students learn to quantify and manage risks arising from shifting exchange rates. Other topics include exchange rate systems, international trade finance, international capital budgeting, country risk analysis, and long-term international financing. (Prerequisites: FINC-220 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
FINC-425
Stock Market Algorithmic Trading
The course is a “hands-on” lab-based class designed to help students develop algorithmic trading strategies to invest in the stock market that can be implemented by retail and professional traders.The course has a strong emphasis on practical application with the purpose of building marketable skills for careers in finance. Students learn how to design algorithmic trading models through the use of a computerized trading platform that allows back-testing of data on thousands of different stocks. The software platform includes an automated wizard for building advanced technical trading models without programming knowledge; but also has an embedded programming language, similar to C-sharp, for those students that have those skills and elect to use them. (Knowledge of programming is not required; and there are no pre or co-requisites; but a laptop is strongly recommended.). Lecture 3 (Spring).
FINC-470
Introduction to Options and Futures
This course explores risk management from the viewpoint of a finance professional. The primary tools used are derivative instruments including options, futures, forward and swaps. Students learn about the basic features of derivative instruments: how to value them, how they are traded, and how to use them to mitigate various types of financial risk. (Prerequisites: FINC-220 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
FINC-489
Seminar in Finance
Special topics seminars offer an in-depth examination of current events, issues and problems unique to finance. Specific topics will vary depending upon student and faculty interests and on recent events in the business world. Seminar topics for a specific semester will be announced prior to the course offering. These seminars may be repeated for credit since topics will normally vary from semester to semester. (Instructor determined) (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Lecture 3 .
FINC-559
Financing New Ventures
The course focuses on financial issues affecting an entrepreneur. The course emphasizes, identifies and follows the wealth creation cycle. The wealth creation cycle begins with an idea for a good, product or service, progresses to an initial company startup, passes through successive stages of growth, considers alternative approaches to resource financing, and ends with harvesting the wealth created through an initial public offering, merger or sale. Identification and valuation of business opportunities, how and from whom entrepreneurs raise funds, how financial contracts are structured to both manage risk and align incentives, and alternative approaches by which entrepreneurs identify exit strategies are reviewed. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
FINC-580
Financial Analytics
Financial analytics is the use of business analytics methods and tools on financial data to solve problems such as investment and risk analysis, portfolio optimization, valuation, default modeling, and so on. This course introduces a contemporary tool (R or Python) and its use in solving these problems. In this hands-on course, students also learn about the field of fintech. (Prerequisites: FINC-220 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees

The curriculum below outlines the typical course sequence(s) for combined accelerated degrees available with this bachelor’s degree.

Accounting, BS degree/Accounting and Analytics, MS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ACCT-110
Financial Accounting
An introduction to the way in which corporations report their financial performance to interested stakeholders such as investors and creditors. Coverage of the accounting cycle, generally accepted accounting principles, and analytical tools help students become informed users of financial statements. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
ACCT-210
Management Accounting
Introduction to the use of accounting information by managers within a business. Explores the value of accounting information for the planning and controlling of operations, assessing the cost of a product/service, evaluating the performance of managers, and strategic decision making. (Prerequisites: ACCT-110 or NACC-205 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
ECON-101
Principles of Microeconomics (General Education – Global Perspective)
Microeconomics studies the workings of individual markets. That is, it examines the interaction of the demanders of goods and services with the suppliers of those goods and services. It explores how the behavior of consumers (demanders), the behavior of producers (suppliers), and the level of market competition influence market outcomes. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
ECON-201
Principles of Macroeconomics (General Education – Elective)
Macroeconomics studies aggregate economic behavior. The course begins by presenting the production possibilities model. This is followed by a discussion of basic macroeconomic concepts including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth and fluctuations. The next topic is national income accounting, which is the measurement of macroeconomic variables. The latter part of the course focuses on the development of one or more macroeconomic models, a discussion of the role of money in the macroeconomy, the aggregate supply-aggregate demand framework, and other topics the individual instructor may choose. (Prerequisites: ECON-101 or completion of one (1) 400 or 500 level ECON course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
INTB-225
Global Business Environment (General Education – Elective)
Being an informed global citizen requires an understanding of the global business environment. Organizations critical to the development of the global business environment include for-profit businesses, non-profits, governmental, non-governmental, and supranational agencies. This course introduces students to the interdependent relationships between organizations and the global business environment. A holistic approach is used to examine the diverse economic, political, legal, cultural, and financial systems that influence both organizations and the global business environment. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
MATH-161
Applied Calculus (General Education – Elective)
This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills. (Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH-101, MATH-111, MATH-131, NMTH-260, NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or Math Placement Exam score greater than or equal to 45.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
 4
MGIS-130
Information Systems & Technology
To be successful in our globally-networked business environment, contemporary management professionals must have a strong grounding in the principles of information and information technology. This course provides an introduction to the field of management information systems (MIS), including the tools and techniques for managing information and information technologies within organizations. We place a particular emphasis on the nature of systems, the role of information in business processes, the management of data, and the planning of MIS design projects. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
MGMT-101
Business 1: Introduction to Business Communication, Planning & Analysis
This is the first of a two-course sequence, 4 credit year long experience, comprising the freshman-integrated experience. In Business 1, students will be introduced to the key functional areas of business, discuss current factors, events, and trends that impact business, build professional, personal leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, and evaluate business decisions, and the business plan process. By understanding the key functions of business and analyzing business decisions in Business 1, students will be able to then develop their own business ideas in Business 2. Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MGMT-102
Business 2: Business Planning and Professional Development
This course, the second in the First-year Business 4 Credit Experience, applies business and technology tools to create a modified business plan. Supported by guest speakers on a variety of professional development topics, along with student and professional mentors, students in this project-centered course use the Business Model Canvas innovation tool and learn to identify and communicate the nine key elements of a business model. Students will complete a team project that outlines the business case for a new product or service to address a selected challenge or opportunity. Student teams present a business case in both a one-page document and a 10-minute presentation pitch. (Prerequisites: MGMT-101 or MGMT-150 or equivalent course.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
 1
STAT-145
Introduction to Statistics I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used. (Prerequisites: Any 100 level MATH course, or NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or (NMTH-250 with a C- or better) or a Math Placement Exam score of at least 35.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
YOPS-10
RIT 365: RIT Connections
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
 0
 
General Education – First Year Writing (WI)
 3
Second Year
ACCT-305
Accounting Profession
This course consists of a series of workshops designed to introduce accounting students to the skills needed to be successful in job and co-op searches and the transition into professional life and careers. Students will establish their career goals, create relevant documents such as resumes and cover letters, and develop skills needed to succeed in pursuing accounting positions or graduate school. Students will be expected to interact with business professionals, study materials related to current and emerging trends in accounting and business, and develop professional deportment. Active class participation is required. Note: Matriculated in Saunders undergraduate accounting program. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to students with at least 2nd year standing in ACCT-BS program. Co-requisite: ACCT-360 or equivalent course.) Lecture 1 (Fall).
 1
ACCT-360
Intermediate Financial Accounting I
Extensive exposure to the accounting cycle with full integration of the data flow in an accounting information system. Accounting theory developed by accounting standard-setting bodies is covered in-depth. Generally accepted accounting principles are discussed as they apply to the preparation of financial statements and the recognition and measurement of financial statement elements, primarily assets. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter. (Prerequisites: ACCT-210 or NACC-206 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
ACCT-365
Intermediate Financial Accounting II
In-depth consideration of generally accepted accounting principles and theory as they apply to the recognition and measurement of common liabilities and stockholders’ equity, as well as income taxes, pensions and leases. Issues related to dilutive securities, earnings per share, accounting changes, revenue recognition, and the statement of cash flows are also addressed. International Financial Reporting Standards are introduced as they relate to course subject matter. (Prerequisites: ACCT-360 or 0101-408 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
BLEG-250
Law, Business, and Society (General Education – Elective)
This course provides an introductory survey of significant aspects of how select laws in the U.S. affect and are affected by society and commercial enterprises. The focus is on legal principles and societal considerations. Ethical issues in certain contexts will be discussed as well. Students will be introduced to basic legal research. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
COMM-253
Communication (General Education – Elective)
An introduction to communication contexts and processes emphasizing both conceptual and practical dimensions. Participants engage in public speaking, small group problem solving and leadership, and writing exercises while acquiring theoretical background appropriate to understanding these skills. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
FINC-220
Financial Management
Basic course in financial management. Covers business organization, time value of money, valuation of securities, capital budgeting decision rules, risk-return relation, Capital Asset Pricing Model, financial ratios, global finance, and working capital management. (Prerequisites: (ECON-101 or ECON-201) and ACCT-110 and (STAT-145 or STAT-251 or CQAS-251 or MATH-251 or MATH-252 or STAT-205) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
MGMT-215
Organizational Behavior
As an introductory course in managing and leading organizations, this course provides an overview of human behavior in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level with an emphasis on enhancing organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, work teams, motivation, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and organizational change. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
MKTG-230
Principles of Marketing
An introduction to the field of marketing, stressing its role in the organization and society. Emphasis is on determining customer needs and wants and how the marketer can satisfy those needs through the controllable marketing variables of product, price, promotion and distribution. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
STAT-146
Introduction to Statistics II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
This course is an elementary introduction to the topics of regression and analysis of variance. The statistical software package Minitab will be used to reinforce these techniques. The focus of this course is on business applications. This is a general introductory statistics course and is intended for a broad range of programs. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or equivalent course.) Lecture 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 4
 
Accounting Elective
 3
 
General Education – Artistic Perspective
 3
Third Year
ACCT-420
Personal and Small Business Taxation
A basic introductory course in federal income taxation. Emphasis is on taxation of individuals and sole proprietorships. Topics include income measurement and deductibility of personal and business expenses. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
ACCT-430
Cost Accounting (WI-PR)
Intermediate-level coverage of operational budgeting and performance evaluation. Development and use of cost data for external reporting and internal planning and control. Topics include operational budgeting, performance evaluation, job costing, process costing, joint product, and by-product costing, service department cost allocation, standard costing, activity-based costing, back-flush costing, and transfer pricing. Development of relevant cost information for special purposes is also considered. (Prerequisites: ACCT-210 or NACC-206 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
BANA-255
Data Literacy, Analytics, and Decision Making
This course serves as an introduction to the uses (and potential misuses) of data in a wide variety of social settings, including the exploration of contemporary techniques to analyze such data. Data acquisition, cleansing, management, analysis, and visualization will be addressed through hands-on projects. Project work will include contemporary social problems addressed using a dynamic set of resources and technologies. An emphasis will be placed on how insights gleaned from data analysis can be used to guide individual and group decision-making scenarios. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
DECS-310
Operations Management
A survey of operations and supply chain management that relates to both service- and goods- producing organizations. Topics include operations and supply chain strategies; ethical behavior; forecasting; product and service design, including innovation and sustainability; capacity and inventory management; lean operations; managing projects; quality assurance; global supply chains; and the impacts of technology. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or MATH-251 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
MGMT-340
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (General Education – Ethical Perspective)
This course applies concepts of ethics to business at the macro level and at the micro level. At the macro level the course examines competing business ideologies exploring the ethical concerns of capitalism as well as the role of business in society. At the micro level the course examines the role of the manager in establishing an ethical climate with an emphasis on the development of ethical leadership in business organizations. The following topics are typically discussed: the stakeholder theory of the firm, corporate governance, marketing and advertising ethics, the rights and responsibilities of employees, product safety, ethical reasoning, business's responsibility to the environment, moving from a culture of compliance to a culture of integrity, and ethical leadership. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
 
General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective†
 3
 
General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
 3
 
General Education – Immersion 1, 2
 6
 
Open Elective
 3
Fourth Year
ACCT-490
Auditing
A study of the legal, ethical, and technical environment in which the auditor works. Current auditing theory, standards, procedures, and techniques are studied. The audit process is studied to ascertain how it leads to the development of an audit opinion. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and internal control issues are examined. Students are also introduced to accountants’ professional responsibility. (Prerequisites: ACCT-365 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
ACCT-745
Accounting Information and Analytics
The objective for this course is helping students develop a data mindset which prepare them to interact with data scientists from an accountant perspective. This course enables students to develop analytics skills to conduct descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis for accounting information. This course focuses on such topics as data modeling, relational databases, blockchain, visualization, unstructured data, web scraping, and data extraction. (Prerequisites: ACCT-110 or ACCT-603 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).
 3
MGMT-560
Strategic Management
A capstone course drawing upon major business functions—accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and organizational theory and how strategic managers integrate functional theories and concepts to create competitive advantage. The course provides an integrated perspective of business organizations toward the achievement of enhanced profitability and a sustainable competitive advantage. Topics include the analysis of business environments, industry attractiveness, and competitive dynamics. Students learn how to formulate and implement effective business-level, corporate-level, and global strategies using theories, cases and a simulation. (Prerequisites: MGMT-215 and MKTG-230 and FINC-220 and DECS-310 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
 
General Education – Electives
 6
 
General Education - Immersion 3
 3
 
General Education - Social Perspective
 3
 
Open Electives
 9
Fifth Year
ACCT-710
Tax Analysis and Strategy
A continuation of Basic Taxation. Emphasis is on taxation of business entities, as well as estate and gift taxation and planning. Students use technology to prepare complex returns and to research tax issues. Tax analysis and planning are integrated throughout. Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
ACCT-738
Information Systems Auditing and Assurance Services
An examination of the unique risks, controls, and assurance services resulting from and related to auditing financial information systems with an emphasis on enterprise resource systems. (Prerequisites: ACCT-705 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
ACCT-740
Comparative Financial Statement Analysis
This course is designed to prepare students to interpret and analyze financial statements effectively. Explores in greater depth some of the financial reporting topics introduced in the core accounting course and includes a discussion of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: ACCT-603 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
ACCT-745
Accounting Information and Analytics
The objective for this course is helping students develop a data mindset which prepare them to interact with data scientists from an accountant perspective. This course enables students to develop analytics skills to conduct descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis for accounting information. This course focuses on such topics as data modeling, relational databases, blockchain, visualization, unstructured data, web scraping, and data extraction. (Prerequisites: ACCT-110 or ACCT-603 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).
 3
ACCT-796
Accounting Capstone Experience
The principal focus of this course is students completing several projects provided by members of CPA firms and industry employers. Employers provide assignments, which may include data or require students to gather relevant data, and students use defined technology, which may include a variety of applications common in technological accounting practice, to complete projects in teams. Students also write comprehensive individual reports and analyses related to the projects. Peripheral work in the course includes examination of theoretical concepts, definitions, and models espoused in the accounting literature and relevant to analyzing various contemporary issues in financial accounting and reporting. The historical development of accounting standards and contemporary issues in financial reporting are integrated. The course requires writing and student presentations. Subject to approval by the Program Director, an individual student internship/coop followed by an in-depth report may obtain equivalent credit. Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
FINC-780
Financial Analytics
This course provides a survey of financial analytics applications in contexts such as investment analysis, portfolio construction, risk management, and security valuation. Students are introduced to financial models used in these applications and their implementation using popular languages such as R, Matlab, and Python, and packages such as Quantlib. A variety of data sources are used: financial websites such as www.finance.yahoo.com, government sites such as www.sec.gov, finance research databases such as WRDS, and especially Bloomberg terminals. Students will complete projects using real-world data and make effective use of visualization methods in reporting results. There are no pre or co-requisites; however, instructor permission is required – student aptitude for quantitative work will be assessed; waived for students enrolled in quantitative programs such as the MS-Computational Finance which have pre-requisites in the areas of calculus, linear algebra, and programming. Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MGIS-650
Introduction to Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
This course serves as an introduction to data analysis including both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Contemporary data analytics and business intelligence tools will be explored through realistic problem assignments. Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
 
Graduate Electives
 6
Total Semester Credit Hours
151

Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

(WI-PR) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

† Students will satisfy this requirement by taking either a 3 or 4 credit hour lab science course. If a science course consists of separate lecture and laboratory sections, students must take both the lecture and lab portions to satisfy the requirement.

‡ Students must also complete one semester of cooperative education.

Admissions and Financial Aid

First-Year Admission

A strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. This includes:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of social studies and/or history
  • 3 years of math is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus is preferred.
  • 2-3 years of science

Transfer Admission

Transfer course recommendations without associate degree
Courses in economics, accounting, liberal arts, science, and mathematics

Appropriate associate degree programs for transfer
AS degree in accounting or business administration

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

Accreditation

Saunders College of Business undergraduate and graduate programs are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the premier accrediting organization for business schools. Less than five percent of the institutions granting business degrees have received this accreditation.

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Saunders College of Business