Accounting Courses (AC) - Graduate

AC 500 Introduction to Accounting Concepts and Practices 3 Cr.

This course provides an introduction to basic financial and managerial accounting concepts and practices. Students examine the role of accounting in producing information to support stakeholder decisions. Topics include transaction analysis and the accounting cycle, preparation and analysis of the financial statements, as well as several managerial accounting topics, such as cost definitions and behaviors, product costing, and budgeting. 3 credits. Co-req: AC501.

AC 501 Financial Accounting and Reporting 3 Cr.

This course provides a more in-depth study of accounting theory and application. It examines the historical development of accounting and the conceptual framework that underlies GAAP and its applications, including the standards-setting process and reviews the accounting process and the reporting and disclosure requirements of financial statements. The analysis of the financial statements in the areas of liquidity, solvency, profitability, and quality of earnings is also covered. The course provides an in-depth examination of revenue recognition principles and covers time value of money concepts and their accounting applications. An introduction to M.S. Excel as a useful accounting and analytical tool is provided. 3 credits. Co-req: AC500.

AC 502 Financial Accounting and Reporting II 3 Cr.

In this course, students examine the conceptual framework underlying financial reporting by businesses, the processes by which authoritative accounting guidelines are promulgated, and the preparation, presentation, interpretation and use of financial statements. This course is a continuation of AC501 and focuses on accounting and disclosures issues related to specific asset, liability and equity transactions as well as accounting changes and error corrections. 3 credits. Pre-req: AC 501 or by permission of the Program Director. Co-req: AC 503.

AC 503 Federal Income Taxation 3 Cr.

This course provides an introduction to general theory and fundamentals of federal income taxes as applied to individuals with an emphasis on individuals engaged in business activities. In addition, a brief review of tax laws applicable to business entities such as partnerships, S-Corporations, LLC, and corporations will be provided. 3 credits. Pre-req: AC 501, Advanced Standing status, or by permission of the Program Director. Co-req: AC 502.

AC 510 Tax Planning and Research 3 Cr.

This course will prepare students to engage in tax planning and research activities. Students will utilize the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, rulings, and interpretations to research topics related to individuals and entities. Students will also focus on communicating results.COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 511 Contemporary Auditing Theory and Practice 3 Cr.

This course provides an in-depth study of auditing and other assurance services and rules for engagement. The course will review legal, regulatory, and other requirements imposed on the accounting profession. In addition, the course examines the auditing process, including risk assessment, gathering evidence, sampling as well as auditor communication and reporting. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 512 Advanced Cost and Managerial Accounting 3 Cr.

This course examines the compilation and use of information to support management decisions, cost definitions, classifications, and behaviors. Topics examined in this course include product costing, activity-based costing, budgeting, pricing, incremental analysis; capital budgeting and other decision costing. 3 credits. Pre-req: AC503, Advanced Standing status, or by permission of the Program Director. Co-req: AC515.

AC 513 Development of Financial Accounting Thought 3 Cr.

This course examines contemporary financial reporting issues in terms of the institutional, ethical, and regulatory environment and provides a framework for exercising judgment when literature provides no direct prescription for correct reporting. The course provides students the opportunity to identify, organize and integrate diverse sources of information to reach a conclusion or make a decision, and to analyze accounting issues by reviewing information and data. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 514 Accounting Information Systems and Control 3 Cr.

This course provides an examination of the use of information systems in the accounting process, with an emphasis on the design, implementation, operation, control, security, and audit of such systems. This seminar introduces relational database management (RDBMS) systems using Microsoft® Access®. RDBMS integrates all business functions by using tables and establishing relationships between records (rows) and fields (columns). Structured Query Language (SQL, or “sequel”) is used to establish those relationships, but knowledge of SQL is not required for this course. MS Access runs it in the background. Students will learn how to create tables and establish relationships. 3 credits. Pre-req: AC 502, Advanced Standing status, or by permission of the Program Director. Co-req: AC 522.

AC 515 Ethics and Professional Responsibilities for Accountants 3 Cr.

An examination of the relationship of ethical reasoning, objectivity, independence, and other core values required of an accounting professional is the central focus of this seminar. The AICPA and other regulatory bodies' ethical standards and their integration into an accounting professional's life are reviewed and analyzed. 3 credits. Pre-Req: AC503, Advanced Standing or by permission of the Program Director. Co-Req: AC512.

AC 521 Accounting and Reporting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit Entities 3 Cr.

The course examines accounting and reporting standards for governmental and non-profit entities. The course will specifically address how generally accepted accounting principles are applied to state and local governments and other non-governmental not-for-profit organizations. Other topics include fund accounting, the creation and use of non-financial performance measures and governmental auditing standards and reports. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 522 Advanced Financial Accounting, Reporting, and Analysis 3 Cr.

In this course, students examine selected topics in advanced financial accounting theory and applications. Topics include business combinations, interim reporting, and partnership accounting. The course reviews financial statement disclosure practices under US GAAP with an emphasis on how management choices affect the quality of earnings and financial position and overall financial statement analysis. 3 credits. Pre-req: AC 502 or Advanced Standing, or by permission of Program Director. Co-req: AC 514.

AC 523 Contemporary Topics in Accounting 3 Cr.

This course will explore various current issues in accounting and auditing. Topics that may be discussed include international accounting, forensic accounting, sustainability accounting, accounting for cryptocurrency and Block-chain transactions. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 530 Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination I 3 Cr.

This course discusses the skills need to the forensic accountant including investigation, dispute resolution, and litigation support. Emphasis is placed on theories, practice and methods of fraud prevention and detection. Interviewing techniques are discussed. The course provides an overview of the legal environment relevant to forensic investigations. Cases will be used throughout this course. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 531 Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination II 3 Cr.

The course is a continuation of AC530. This course examines occupational abuse and other specialized areas of fraud. Other forensic accounting services, such as cyber-crime and business valuations and dispute resolutions, such as bankruptcy and divorce are examined. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 532 Data Analytics and Communications for Accountants 3 Cr.

This course provides an understanding of data analytic terminology and structure as well as use of available technologies. In addition, the course will review the foundations of communications in business accounting. Students will demonstrate effective business writing principles, prepare documents and presentations that are concise and accurate and supportive of the subject matter and the conclusions drawn. The course will include an intensive writing component. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 534 Computer Forensics Investigations I 3 Cr.

This course focuses on various tools and techniques used to investigate digital incidents whether in a civil or criminal environment. Information assurance professionals are expected to have a broad understanding of digital incidents, their management, investigation and analysis. COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 535 Computer Forensic Investigations II 3 Cr.

This course builds on the materials issues and practices covered in AC534. (Pre-req: AC534) COURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AWAITING APPROVAL BY UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

AC 595 Residency 0 Cr.