The College of Business accounting concentration prepares undergraduate students to practice as public, private, or governmental accountants, or work in business managerial positions that require an understanding of fundamental accounting concepts and principles. This concentration allows you to merge your academic focus with your career goals while working to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

23

Credits of accounting-specific courses needed

Curriculum

Students who choose the accounting concentration must take at least 23 credits of accounting-specific courses in addition to the All-University Core Curriculum and College of Business courses. You also are particularly encouraged to take additional course work in both finance and computer information systems. Take a look at the degree requirements.

The undergraduate accounting curriculum at CSU satisfies current educational requirements for you to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in the State of Colorado. Learn more about CPA licensing requirements in Colorado with the Colorado CPA Licensing Requirements checklist*. 

*Requirements to become a CPA are unique to each state and you should be aware of requirements of the state in which you intend to practice.

See more details about the accounting concentration (PDF).

See more details about First Destination & Satisfaction Results (PDF).

View Accounting by the Numbers (PDF).

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate knowledge of:

  • principles of auditing and attestation
  • fundamental concepts of financial accounting and reporting
  • fundamental concepts of managerial accounting and decision making
  • taxation (federal, state) and its application to business decisions
  • business ethics and principles of social responsibility
  • business organization, processes, and understanding of accounting-based systems integration issues

Courses

The courses below reflect the 2024-2025 Colorado State University catalog, published in August 2024 for students enrolling during the 2024-2025 academic year. Courses listed are updated each summer for incoming students.

The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement.

Freshman
AUCC
Credits
BUS 100 or BUS 105
Introduction to Business
Exploration of Business
Credits1
Select one course from the following:1
Credits1-3
BUS 201
Foundations of Sustainable Enterprise
BUS 225
Fostering Sustainable Organizations (GT-AH3)
AUCC3B
BUS 220
Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)
AUCC3B
Credits3
CO 150
College Composition (GT-CO2)
AUCC1A
Credits3
ECON 202
Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)
AUCC3C
Credits3
Complete 3 credits from the following:
Credits3
MATH 117
College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
MATH 118
College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
MATH 120
College Algebra (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
MATH 124
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
MATH 125
Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
MATH 126
Analytic Trigonometry (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
MATH 127
Precalculus (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
Calculus in Management Sciences (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
Biological and Physical Sciences
AUCC3A
Credits4
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
AUCC1C
Credits3
Electives
Credits7-9
Total Credits
Credits30
Sophomore
ACT 210
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Credits3
ACT 211
Accounting Professional Skills
Credits1
ACT 220
Introduction to Managerial Accounting
Credits3
BUS 260
Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business
Credits3
CIS 200
Business Information Systems
Credits3
ECON 204
Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)
AUCC3C
Credits3
STAT 204
Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)
AUCC1B
Credits3
Biological and Physical Sciences
AUCC3A
Credits3
Historical Perspectives
AUCC3D
Credits3
Electives
Credits5
Total Credits
Credits30
Junior
All freshman and sophomore required courses must be completed prior to or concurrent with first enrollment in required junior and senior courses.
ACT 301
Spreadsheet Applications in Accounting
Credits1
ACT 311
Intermediate Accounting I
Credits3
ACT 312
Intermediate Accounting II
Credits3
ACT 321
Cost Management
Credits3
ACT 350
Accounting Information Systems
Credits3
BUS 300
Business Writing and Communication (GT-CO3)
AUCC2
Credits3
CIS 370
Business Analytics
Credits3
FIN 300
Principles of Finance
AUCC4A,4B
Credits3
MKT 300
Marketing
AUCC4B
Credits3
Electives
Credits5
Total Credits
Credits30
Senior
ACT 330
Introduction to Taxation
Credits3
ACT 411
Advanced Accounting
Credits3
ACT 441
Auditing Practices
Credits3
BUS 479
Strategic Management
AUCC4A,4C
Credits3
MGT 301
Supply Chain Management
Credits3
MGT 320
Contemporary Management Principles/Practices
Credits3
Arts and Humanities
AUCC3B
Credits3
Electives4
Credits9
Total Credits
Credits30
Program Total Credits:
Credits120
This course listing is provided through the Colorado State University catalog and is updated each summer. New or modified courses offered for spring or summer may not be included, but you can find complete course information via the class schedule on RAMweb. Offerings are subject to change and the University reserves the right to make changes in catalog information when necessary and to correct errors. Always consult with an academic advisor to stay informed of curriculum details.