Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Hours: 120 On-Campus Online
About
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting at Fort Hays State University provides students with a comprehensive foundation in accounting principles and practices. The program offers in-depth training in financial, cost, auditing, tax, and systems accounting, equipping students with the skills needed for success in a variety of accounting roles.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers across multiple sectors, including private industry, government, education, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions. By emphasizing technical expertise and practical application, the program ensures students are ready to take on diverse professional opportunities in business and industry.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing a BBA in Accounting provides a rigorous academic foundation paired with practical, real-world relevance, making it an ideal choice for aspiring accounting professionals. The program features a comprehensive curriculum that covers all core accounting areas, along with specialized training in tax accounting, auditing, and systems accounting. This broad scope prepares students to tackle a wide range of professional challenges, from routine financial reporting to complex regulatory compliance.
The program also supports students pursuing professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). To meet certification requirements, students are encouraged to choose electives strategically. With the combination of high-quality instruction and affordable tuition, the program provides exceptional value, offering a cost-effective yet comprehensive path to a successful career in accounting.
Who is this program for?
This program is intended to accommodate a wide range of learners, from newcomers to the accounting field to experienced professionals aiming to expand their expertise. The program is particularly beneficial for:
- Students pursuing careers in the accounting field
- New professionals seeking entry-level positions
- International students seeking quality education in accounting
Real-World Applications
The program emphasizes real-world application by combining a solid theoretical foundation with practical skill development. The curriculum features simulations and case studies that reflect authentic business scenarios, enabling students to apply accounting principles in professional contexts and prepare for careers in public accounting, corporate settings, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Students are also encouraged to participate in internships with accounting firms and local businesses, gaining valuable hands-on experience while building professional networks. These opportunities enable students to refine their workplace skills, manage financial data with accuracy, and make informed decisions under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University continually updates the curriculum to reflect industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with relevant, competitive skills. It emphasizes the use of modern technology to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and conduct in-depth financial analysis. By staying aligned with innovations in the field, the program equips students with the digital competencies essential for today’s accounting profession.
Faculty actively incorporate emerging developments into their teaching, whether in tax regulation changes, advances in auditing technology, or evolving financial management practices. This forward-thinking, adaptive approach ensures graduates are prepared to navigate the changing accounting landscape and ready to lead progress within it.
Hands-on Activities
The BBA in Accounting program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, engaging students in hands-on activities that simulate key accounting tasks from the very beginning. This approach enables students to develop practical skills and confidence, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle complex accounting responsibilities in professional settings.
Students are also encouraged to participate in student-led accounting organizations, which provide opportunities to strengthen résumés and develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, competencies vital to long-term success in the accounting profession.
What You’ll Learn:
- Essential financial accounting techniques
- Managerial accounting skills
- Tax preparation and planning
- Auditing and assurance principles
- Accounting information systems management
How You’ll Learn:
- Hands-on accounting projects
- Real-world case studies and applications
- Elective courses for specialized knowledge
- Direct engagement with business practices
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in accounting. The program provides a strong foundation in accounting principles, practices, and applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success in the professional world.
ACCT 303: Cost Accounting
This course emphasizes the use of accounting data for (1) planning and controlling routine operations, (2) non-routine decisions, policy making, and long-range planning, and (3) inventory valuation and income determination.
ACCT 360: Accounting Information Systems
In this course, students explore the design, implementation, and evaluation of processing methods for accounting information, including computing, managerial, and auditing considerations.
ACCT 412: Auditing
In this course, students examine the procedures and practices of public accountants involved in verifying accounts and supplementary data, as well as receiving training in the preparation and analysis of reports suitable for the specific purpose of the external audit. The emphasis will primarily focus on adhering to U.S. GAAS standards and complying with the pronouncements of the AICPA and the PCAOB.
Discover the full Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates enter the job market with a competitive edge, valued by employers for their blend of technical expertise, analytical ability, and hands-on experience. Their preparation allows them to thrive in diverse professional settings, from public accounting firms and corporations to government and nonprofit sectors.
Corporate Accountant
Corporate accountants oversee a company’s financial operations, focusing on tax strategy, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. They help optimize performance, manage budgets, and prepare reports that support informed decision-making by leaders. These professionals work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure the organization’s financial stability.
Government Accountant
Government accountants play a vital role in managing public funds and navigating complex fiscal policies unique to government entities. They ensure the efficient and lawful use of public money, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing for government agencies.
Management Accountant
Management accountants analyze financial data to inform strategic decisions and improve profitability. They provide insights on cost control, investments, and operational efficiency, presenting trends and forecasts to senior leadership to inform their long-term business strategy.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate economic data, financial statements, and market trends to inform investment decisions, enhance profitability, and mitigate risk. They provide data-driven insights that enable organizations to make informed financial and strategic decisions.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers several related programs that complement the BBA in Accounting, providing students with opportunities to broaden their expertise. These programs enhance professional skills and open new career pathways, appealing to current accounting students and those considering a career in the field.
- BBA in Finance
- BBA in International Business and Economics
- BBA in Management Information Systems
- BBA in Marketing
- BBA in Management
Students can prepare for CPA, CMA, CGMA, CFE, CIA, CISA, and EA exams.
Yes, it is possible to become an accountant with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, provided the degree includes a major in accounting. A BBA in Accounting provides a comprehensive understanding of business practices, along with specialized training in financial reporting, cost accounting, and taxation, skills essential for many accounting roles. However, to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or obtain other professional certifications, additional state-specific requirements may apply, such as completing a required number of accounting credits or extra business courses.
A typical accounting curriculum combines core business courses with specialized accounting education. Students begin with foundational business subjects, such as economics, business law, marketing, and management, to develop a solid understanding of business operations and strategy. They then progress to focused accounting courses, starting with fundamentals like financial and managerial accounting, and advancing to more complex topics, including intermediate accounting, auditing, accounting information systems, and taxation. These courses cover the detailed aspects of financial statements, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional accounting careers.
Information about the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting
The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively and ethically across both public and private sectors. The department offers highly sought-after degree programs in accounting, finance, and international business and economics—each designed to prepare students for versatile and in-demand career paths.
Students benefit from career-focused internship opportunities, personalized mentoring from expert faculty, and the flexibility of fully online degree options. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of the business world, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate a competitive job market.
Additionally, the Robbins Banking Institute enhances professional development in the banking sector by offering a practical, real-time curriculum tailored for rewarding careers in finance and banking. With a strong emphasis on student success and growth, the department’s faculty provides dedicated support to help each student reach their full potential.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Accounting Club: This club provides accounting students with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, explore career paths, and prepare for professional success. The club helps members gain insight into the diverse opportunities within the accounting field and facilitates introductions to potential employers. Regular meetings often feature guest speakers, professionals with accounting degrees, who share real-world experiences and career advice.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): The ACFE organization brings together students from a variety of disciplines to promote awareness, detection, and prevention of fraud in the business world.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is open to all students, regardless of major or prior knowledge of economics. Its mission is to promote interest in and understanding of economic concepts through engaging activities and discussions. A hallmark project of the club is the creation of the “Student Price Index,” a collaborative research initiative that explores FHSU students’ economic expectations. Each year, club members also have an opportunity to travel to a major U.S. city, enhancing their academic and professional development through real-world experiences.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club is dedicated to supporting the professional, educational, and social development of students with an interest in finance. The club fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, and professionals in the business and finance sectors. Through guest speakers and educational trips across the U.S., members gain valuable insights into the finance industry and explore potential career opportunities.
- International Business Club: This club aims to enhance students’ understanding of global business practices and economic issues from a variety of cultural and international perspectives. Through discussions, activities, and international travel experiences, the club fosters professional, educational, and social development. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate globally minded citizen-leaders prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program, housed within the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU, is led by a faculty expert in financial planning. This initiative offers free, confidential financial guidance provided by a team of trained, financially knowledgeable student mentors dedicated to helping their peers manage personal finances effectively.
Through one-on-one sessions, Tiger Money Mentors assist students with a wide range of financial topics, including:
- Organizing personal finances and managing expenses
- Creating and maintaining a realistic budget
- Developing plans to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding student loans and exploring repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing credit reports
- And more!
- Certificate
- Minor
- Bachelor's
- MBA
- On-Campus
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