Do Business Administration Majors Have to Take Accounting Classes?

Regardless of the degree level, all business administration students will take certain accounting classes. The curriculum depth and total amount will depend on the specific degree program or specializations.

Read on to discover the accountancy classes that will provide future employment benefits.

Associates Degree

Most associate programs will require students to take college algebra and business calculus. Classes on statistical concepts will introduce students to business applications that need statistical and quantitative thinking. These courses will cover inferential and descriptive statistics, which includes basic probability, confidence intervals and central tendency measures. An associate’s degree will most likely require students to take one or two basic accounting classes, which will emphasize how accountants processes and presents data. Students will learn about adjusting balances, recording transactions and preparing financial statements. They will also learn how to measure a company’s performance and financial position based on accounting reports.

Bachelor’s Degree

Business administration bachelor degrees will usually start out with classes on business finance and advanced statistics. Classes on business finance will teach students about the conceptual theories behind corporate financial management. Common topics include financial risks, accounting principles and capital investment analysis. Classes on advanced statistics will train students how to graphically organize and interpret complex data representations. Students will know how to explain and assess the accuracy of statistical conclusions. Bachelor degree programs will have classes on advanced accounting principles that explain how to analyze financial transactions, use managerial accounting techniques and recognize interdependent accounting factors.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in business administration will most likely offer more specialized accounting choices. Students interested in technology may take classes on accounting information systems that explore how to implement new software systems or modify existing systems to meet changing business needs. Students who may be involved in audit accounting may learn about fraud examinations, which include forensic research and interviewing techniques, and classes on internal control assessments, which teach about risk compliance and management. Students who wish to learn more about taxation may take electives regarding the IRS that will teach them about revenue codes, treasury regulations and state tax standards. Overall, students will know how to recognize and systematically solve problems in order to make better business decisions.

Business Administration Degree Goals

The goal of all of these degree programs is to empower graduates to drive strategy, communicate shared visions and lead the way with decision making. Graduates will be prepared to support management with accounting plans and systems while also promoting compliance with applicable regulations. Graduates will know how to effectively evaluate qualitative and quantitative data, and then leverage this knowledge to implement policies and procedures that reduce costs and risks. Being familiar with accounting concepts will allow graduates to become supervisors of accounting teams. As managers, they will know effective employment, mentoring and team building practices. Finally, graduates will be ready to resolve chronic accounting issues and motivate staff to meet changing organizational needs.

Every type of business administration degree will require students to take certain accounting classes. Because of the importance of finance to a company’s overall success, students should take as many accounting electives as possible.