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2014-2015 University Catalog
Accounting, BS
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Banner Code: BU-BS-ACCT
Phone: 703-993-1880
Web: som.gmu.edu
The BS in accounting (ACCT) prepares students for professional careers in the private and public sectors. The accounting major is designed to produce accounting professionals who can both generate and apply financial information to solve business problems. Our students learn principles of business and accounting as well as the specific skills and specialized technical knowledge necessary for success in the dynamic field of accounting. Our program emphasizes ethics, critical thinking, written and verbal communication, and effective use and understanding of technology. Our graduates are employed by the assurance, tax advisory, and consulting groups of the top accounting firms as well as Fortune 100 companies. Our proximity to the nations’ capitol provides unique opportunities for our graduates to work in government and in the federal practices of public accounting firms. The accounting degree program is separately accredited by AACSB International.
Students interested in CPA certification can apply to the MSA degree to meet the 150 hour requirement for CPA certification in most states. The MSA offers a graduate degree in accounting that allows students to meet the 150 hour requirement for CPA certification in most states in only nine months.
This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s degree program. See Accounting, BS/Accounting, Accelerated MS for specific requirements. |
Admission to BS Status within the School of Management
Students entering the School of Management are initially designated as “bachelor-pre” (BPRE) until they have successfully completed the SOM application requirements and obtained bachelor of science (BS) degree status. After acceptance to Mason, students who wish to pursue a major in accounting (ACCT), finance (FNAN), information systems and operations management (ISOM), management (MGMT) or marketing (MKTG) must complete a prebusiness curriculum and submit a separate application to the School of Management.
Application to Bachelor of Science status in one of School of Management’s (SOM) degree programs is a process involving two applications: the George Mason University Undergraduate Application and the School of Management Departmental Application. Acceptance to BS status is contingent upon admission to the university, but admission to the university does not guarantee admission to BS status. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to BS status- it only allows the application to be considered.
Acceptance to SOM Bachelor of Science status is competitive, based on applicants’ cumulative GPAs from all institutions attended. SOM Application Requirements
Students are responsible for the application requirements in effect at the time of application to SOM and should check som.gmu.edu for changes to the requirements. The following requirements are for the academic year 2014-15:
- Successfully complete at least 48 credits with at least 9 credits earned at Mason prior to the semester of admission.
- Successful completion of the following courses with a grade of C or better:
Deadlines for Application to BS Degree Status
Students should submit their formal application to the School of Management before the deadline of the semester they are completing the requirements listed above. The deadlines are:
- November 1 for acceptance the following spring semester;
- July 1 for acceptance the following fall semester.
For more information about the application process, contact the Office of Academic and Career Services, 703-993-1880, or visit som.gmu.edu. Academic Advising
Academic planning for undergraduate students is available in the SOM Office of Academic and Career Services, Enterprise Hall, Room 008. Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor regularly. Any student who wishes to change to a major in SOM must consult a SOM academic advisor for degree requirements. For more information about walk-in advising hours or scheduling an appointment, call 703-993-1880, or go to som.gmu.edu. BU-BS Degree Requirements
SOM students pursuing a BS degree must complete a minimum of 120 credits, including the Mason Core requirements, SOM general education, SOM core courses, and major requirements. In addition, the following requirements must be met:
- A minimum of 45 credits at the 300- or 400-level.
- A minimum of 30 credits of SOM core and major courses at Mason.
- At least 9 credits required for the specific major and SOM 498 taken at Mason.
- A grade of C or higher earned in the SOM core and major requirements.
Students should carefully examine prerequisites for SOM courses. Students may be removed from a course if they enroll without having fulfilled the prerequisites. Mason Core Requirements (31-32 credits)
SOM students must complete the Mason Core requirements, plus 1 additional credit of natural science (the SOM natural science requirement must be fulfilled by completing two 4-credit laboratory sciences). SOM General Education (15-16 credits)
SOM Core Courses (35 Credits)
A grade of C or higher is required in each of the School of Management core courses listed below. Students will not be permitted to make more than three attempts to achieve a C or higher in the following School of Management core courses: ACCT 301 , BULE 302 , FNAN 301 , MGMT 301 , MIS 301 , MKTG 301 , OM 301 , and SOM 301 . Those who do not successfully complete these core courses within three attempts will be terminated from their major and will not be eligible to receive a degree from the School of Management. For more information about this, see the “Termination from the Major” section under Academic Policies .
General Electives (20 credits)
General electives may be selected from any University or SOM course, except courses designated for the Business minor (MSOM). Credits awarded as Associate Degree Elective Credit (ADEC) as part of a student’s transfer evaluation are also excluded from general electives. Major Requirements in Accounting
Required Courses (18 Credits)
Note: Completion of ACCT 301 with a grade of B- or higher is required for ACCT 311, 331 and 361.
A grade of C or higher is required in each of the upper-level accounting major courses listed below. Students will not be permitted to make more than three attempts to achieve a C or higher in the following required Accounting courses: ACCT 311 , ACCT 331 , ACCT 332 , ACCT 351 , ACCT 361 , and ACCT 461 . Those who do not successfully complete these required courses within three attempts will not be eligible to receive a degree in Accounting from the School of Management. Electives
The following courses are available if students wish to take more than the 18 required accounting credits. Materials are available in the Office of Academic and Career Services to provide guidance regarding recommended electives. Students who anticipate taking the CPA, CMA, CIA, or other professional exam should consult the applicable regulations and meet with their advisor. State regulations regarding professional examinations may dictate course selections. Honors in Accounting
The School of Management Accounting Honors Program provides highly motivated students majoring in accounting with an enriched academic experience integrating curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular development. Admission to the Honors Program is by invitation only. Students who have been found responsible for an Honor Code violation are not eligible for the program. Admission Requirements
- ACCT 301 with a grade of A- or better
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA or GPA in the top 10 percent in the accounting major
- Submission of a personal statement/essay
- Two academic/professional references
Curricular Requirements
- Maintain a 3.5 or better GPA in all upper-level accounting courses with no grade less than a B- in any upper-level accounting course
- An overall Mason GPA of 3.0 or better
- ACCT 204 (or ACCT 203 or equivalent) with a minimum A- grade
- OM 211 (or OM 210 or equivalent) with a minimum A- grade
- SOM 301 with a minimum A- grade
- A grade of A- or better in TWO of the following courses: BULE 302 , FNAN 301 , MGMT 301 , MIS 301 , MKTG 301 , OM 301
- ACCT 462 Honors seminar
Co-Curricular Requirements
The student must complete ONE of the following in addition to the curriculum requirements (for at least 3 credits):
- Study abroad
- Internship
- Research paper/Thesis as an independent study (ACCT 499 ) course.
Extra-Curricular Requirements
- Participation in at least 3 honors events per semester
- High ethical standards are evidenced by the absence of Honor Code violations. Students are required to immediately report to the Accounting Program Director any Honor Code violation for which they are held responsible.
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