Accounting, Bachelor of Science
Program Purpose
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Accounting is designed to prepare students for entry into careers in public, private, or governmental accounting. The curriculum will provide basic accounting theory with an emphasis on developing analytical skills and technological competency. Experienced certified public accountants and other professionals in the accounting field will address both theoretical and practical issues to enhance employment opportunities in today’s accounting environment.
Course offerings emphasize skills and competencies that will be needed in actual business situations. Students also have the opportunity to pursue internships and cooperative experiences related to the operating practices and policies of accounting organizations. In addition, the General Education Requirements courses, required of all Wilmington University undergraduates, provide a well-rounded academic foundation.
Wilmington University students benefit from the experience of certified public accountants and other accounting professionals employed in businesses and governmental agencies. Whether the topic is managerial, financial, audit, or tax accounting, the information shared by professionals actively involved in the accounting field is invaluable to an understanding of practical issues and problems.
Program Competencies
- The student will demonstrate their oral and written communication skills, presenting financial information clearly and accurately, collaborating with teams, and delivering professional reports that meet industry standards, including GAAP compliance.
- The student will demonstrate leadership qualities through mentorship, self-reflection, and experiential learning, using these skills to influence and lead within professional accounting environments, promoting ethical practices and sound decision-making.
- The student will apply analytical thinking and adaptability to solve complex financial problems, making informed decisions that align with financial theories, accounting standards, and real-world industry challenges.
- The student will demonstrate proficiency in research, data analysis, and digital tools, utilizing advanced technology to efficiently analyze and communicate accounting information in a way that is aligned with the demands of an information-rich global economy.
- The student will apply ethical principles and a global perspective into accounting practices, demonstrating personal integrity and professional responsibility within the diverse and culturally dynamic field of accounting.
Minimum Grade Policy
The College of Business and Technology sets a required minimum grade of "C-" for program core courses. Students earning a grade lower than "C-" in a core course must repeat the course.
Cooperative Learning Experiences
Cooperative learning experiences (co-ops) are available in the Accounting program for BBM 301: Organizational Behavior and BAC 435: Accounting Information Systems. Elective courses may also be structured as co-ops. Each co-op experience is expected to last for two consecutive semesters and earn the student six credits toward their 120-credit degree.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning at Wilmington University takes a 360° approach to applied education. Whether you bring significant professional experience and pursue Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), or you complete a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experience such as an internship or cooperative education placement embedded within your academic program, these opportunities provide meaningful pathways toward completing your degree.
Curriculum - General Education Requirements
English Composition (12 Credits)
Humanities Elective (6 credits)
| VFP 313 | Aesthetics of Film | 3 |
| DSN 110 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 3 |
| TEC 215 | Basic Photography | 3 |
| COM 245 | Writing for the Media | 3 |
| Culinary Arts Elective | 3 |
| Drama Elective | 3 |
| Ethnic Studies Elective | 3 |
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Foreign Language Elective | 3 |
| History Elective | 3 |
HUM
| Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Literature Elective | 3 |
| Music Elective | 3 |
| Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Religion Elective | 3 |
Social Science (6 credits)
Mathematics (3 Credits)
| MAT 205 | Introductory Survey of Mathematics | 3 |
Natural Science (3 or 4 Credits)
| Natural Science Elective | 3 or 4 credits |
Computer Operations (3 Credits)
| CTA 326 | Integrating Excel into Business Problem Solving | 3 |
Critical Analysis (3 Credits)
| PHI 100 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
Citizenship (3 Credits)
Business Core (30 credits)
Accounting Program Core (39 credits)
The College of Business and Technology sets a required minimum grade of "C-" for program core courses. Students earning a grade lower than "C-" in a core course must repeat the course.
Choose one of the following two courses:
| BAC 435 | Accounting Information Systems (AIS) | 3 |
| OR | |
| BAC 490 | Internship in Accounting | 3 |
Business Electives (6 credits)
| Business Elective | 3 |
| Business Elective | 3 |
Free Electives (6 credits; certain courses may be available as a co-op)
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
Students with less than 16 transfer credits are required to take
FYE 101 as one of their electives.
Accounting Completion Degree
What is a Completion Degree?
A completion degree is a personalized version of a bachelor's degree created exclusively for students who have completed an associate degree at an accredited institution. Completion degrees are available for most Wilmington University Bachelor of Science degrees. A student who expects to transfer a completed associate's degree should communicate with a Wilmington University academic advisor before registering for courses. A transcript with documentation of the conferred degree must be received by Wilmington University to confirm eligibility.
Curriculum
Transfer students who hold an associate degree from a partner institution are required to take the following Accounting courses.
The College of Business and Technology sets a required minimum grade of "C-" for program core courses. Students earning a grade lower than "C-" in a core course must repeat the course.
Business Accounting Program Core Courses
Choose one of the following two courses:
| BAC 435 | Accounting Information Systems (AIS) | 3 |
| BAC 490 | Internship in Accounting | 3 |
Completion Degree Required Courses
Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ Accelerated Option
Through Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™, this accelerated program option allows eligible College of Business and Technology students to take up to four selected graduate-level courses in place of selected undergraduate courses. It provides the opportunity to be formally accepted into a related WilmU master's degree program prior to completion of their bachelor’s degree.
To be eligible, students must have completed 75 undergraduate credits, obtained an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and have specific undergraduate courses remaining in their program. Please schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor to learn if you are eligible to participate in this program and determine your concentration-specific course substitutions and requirements.
Note: These graduate-level courses will fulfill undergraduate and graduate degree program requirements. Students are required to maintain a 3.0 in all graduate programs.