Accounting

College of Business Undergraduate Programs

This program prepares students to participate immediately in the business world. The accounting program stresses communication, management, and technical accounting skills. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered. Students acquire skills in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, information systems, computer operations, and specialized areas. At the conclusion of their degree program, students possess the knowledge required to sit for any of the certifying examinations in the field of accounting -- the CPA, CMA, or CIA.

Internship courses provide students with a unique opportunity to use accounting skills before graduation. While earning course credit, qualified students are placed in accounting jobs where they learn on the job and receive a salary from the employer. The type of position and length of employment varies to meet the needs of participants and employers.

Program Requirements
Program requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentration in Accounting, include the general education program required of all SFSU students, the Business core prerequisite courses and the Business core courses required by the College of Business, and the Accounting concentration courses required by the Department of Accounting. The objectives of these requirements are to provide students with 1) essential knowledge of the society in which they live, 2) generalized knowledge of business philosophies and methods, and 3) professional skills and knowledge relating to providing services to clients, business enterprises, non-profit organizations, and government at all levels.

Information concerning the 48-unit general education program and the 42-unit Business core course requirements may be secured from a current copy of the University Bulletin. Community college students are encouraged to complete as many GE requirements as possible before transferring. Except for BUS 120, none of the Accounting concentration courses may be completed at a community college. High school students are encouraged to take the college preparatory program of their school.

Accounting concentration courses consist of 24 semester units beyond the Business core, including 9 units (three courses) required of all students and 15 units (five courses) of upper-division support courses.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Concentration in Accounting

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration requires a minimum of 123 units for graduation. All majors in business are required to complete a minimum of 63-66 lower and upper division units in business and economics, including work in the major field and elective courses, as well as six units of prerequisite courses.

Approved community college courses may be substituted for the courses marked with an asterisk (*). Lists of acceptable courses from nearby community colleges may be obtained by visiting the College of Business Student Services website: www.sfsu.edu/~cobssc For colleges not included on the list a detailed description of the course must be submitted to an advisor in the College of Business for evaluation. Community college courses are not accepted to meet the requirements of any upper division course (numbered 300 or above).

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration:
Concentration in Accounting

Minor in Accounting

Certificate in the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing

Master of Business Administration

Master of Science in Business Administration

** Previoulsy FIN 309 Financial Data Analysis

NOTE: When transferring to SFSU, bring a copy of your transcripts. This facilitates advising and helps verify prerequisites for admission to courses.

Minor Program
A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for the Accounting minor and at least 50% of courses must be taken in residence. Except in cases of credit by examination, no more than six units of the Accounting minor may be offered on a CR/NC basis.

The 24-unit minor in Accounting is designed to provide non-accounting majors with technical skills necessary to make a smooth transition to the business world. It provides a bridge allowing students to obtain entry-level employment skills. Accounting, the "language of business," should be understood by anyone seeking a business career. The minor in Accounting not only provides some general business background but also affords sufficient depth in accounting to qualify the graduate for a broad spectrum of positions requiring specific competence.

Certificate in the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing
The Certificate in the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing program targets those individuals who work or are interested in the field of internal auditing. This program will assist students in becoming a Certified Internal Auditor, a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

TO THE TOP

A wide variety of business and financial enterprises engage the services of accountants. The major areas are in:

Public accounting, as independent practitioners, partners or staff members in public accounting firms-CPAs.

Private commerce and industry, as executives or employees responsible for various accounting activities.

Non-profit organizations (charitable, scientific and educational foundations), as administrators or accountants responsible for recording funds of a quasi-public nature.

Government, as administrators or employees performing accounting duties and functions prescribed by law and regulation.

Department of Accounting
Location: Science Building Room 300
Phone: 415/338-1107
E-mail: acctg@sfsu.edu
Web: www.sfsu.edu/~acctg/

How to apply
You may pick up an undergraduate application from any California State University campus, community college, or high school. You may have one sent to you by calling 415/338-7238 or access it online at www.sfsu.edu/apply.htm.

Reaching SFSU by mail
To reach any SFSU department or program by mail, write to the specific office, followed by:
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132

By phone
University Information
415/338-1111

Admissions Office
415/338-1634 or 6486
E-mail: ugadmit@sfsu.edu

SFSU on the Internet

• University Bulletin (catalog)
• Class Schedule
• SFSU

Last Revision Date: 9/02

1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132    (415) 405-3531
Last modified September 5, 2002, by the College of Business Student Services Center