Accounting (AS Degree S0502)

Business Division
Degree S0502

The Accounting Program provides many opportunities for students to design a plan for their individual goals through certificate and degree achievements. The associate degree in accounting is intended to prepare students for employment following graduation. The student will learn basic accounting skills combined with an in-depth training in a variety of accounting concepts, preparing the student for entry-level positions, professional advancement in their current job or transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Earning an Accounting Associate of Science degree will provide the knowledge and skills necessary for accounting jobs in general accounting, cost accounting, payroll, inventory management, asset management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, budgets and forecasting, financial analysis, etc. Students who wish to transfer and obtain a bachelor’s degree should consult with a counselor or advisor to discuss transferability of courses.

This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
BUSA 7Principles of Accounting - Financial5
BUSA 8Principles of Accounting - Managerial5
BUSA 52Intermediate Accounting I3
BUSA 52BIntermediate Accounting II3
BUSA 75QuickBooks for Accounting3
BUSA 76Excel for Accounting3
BUSM 20Principles of Business3
Required Electives
Choose one course from the following:3-4
Cost Accounting
Federal Income Tax Law
Personal Financial Planning
Total Units28-29

Program Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  • describe the basic accounting system and how it is used to serve business needs,
  • interpret accounting statements,
  • list and explain the foundations upon which business is built and the economic challenges facing the United States

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program

Looking for guidance? A counselor can help.This Guided Pathways for Success (GPS) is a suggested sequence of coursework needed for program completion. It is not an official educational plan. Schedule an appointment with a counselor or advisor as soon as possible to create an individualized Mountie Academic Plan (MAP) specific to your goals and needs.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
BUSA 7 Principles of Accounting - Financial 5
BUSM 20 Principles of Business 3
ENGL 1A Freshman Composition 4
 Units12
Winter Term 1
SPCH 1A OR SPCH 2 OR SPCH 8 4  
 Units0
Spring Term 1
BUSA 8 Principles of Accounting - Managerial 5
BUSA 52 Intermediate Accounting I 3
BUSA 21 OR BUSA 58 OR BUSA 71 4  
 Units8
Summer Term 1
AA/S LIFE Area E Lifelong Undrstg Course 3
 Units3
Fall Term 2
BUSA 52B Intermediate Accounting II 3
BUSA 75 QuickBooks for Accounting 3
BUSA 76 Excel for Accounting 3
AA/S ARTS Area C-1 Arts Course 3
Submit petition: inside.mtsac.edu, Student Tab #45 5  
Certificate in Accounting N0459 9  
 Units12
Winter Term 2
AA/S KINES Phys Ed (KIN) Activity Course .5
AA/S HUM Area C-2 Humanities Course 3
 Units3.5
Spring Term 2
AA/S MATH Meet AA/AS Math Comptcy Req 3
AA/S USHIS Area D-1 Hist/Pol Sc Course 3
AA/S SCNCE Area B-1 or B-2 Science Course 3
 Units9
Summer Term 2
AA/S BEHAV Area D-2 Elective Course 3
 Units3
 Total Units50.5
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