Associates in Accounting

Land key accounting jobs with the ABA in accounting

Associate of Business Administration - Accounting (64 credits)

Learn to use accounting as a decision-making tool through our associate of business administration in accounting at Davenport University. This career-focused associate of accounting is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and provides you with skills needed to develop and maintain accounting records and prepare financial statements.

You'll learn from expert faculty members with professional experience in accounting, including management and other leadership positions. You’ll gain hands-on experience through service learning projects, such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). And through networking events, you’ll also make connections that could lead to accounting jobs in your future.

You can earn your associate degree in accounting on the Warren Campus in Detroit, the W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids, or the Lansing Campus. You can also earn an associate in accounting online through Davenport’s Global Campus.

What can you do with an associate degree in accounting?

Thrive in a field where accounting jobs are expected to rise at least 6% through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adding to the rising demand, the increasing tax and regulatory complexities create job opportunities across all industries for people who have the most up-to-date accounting practices, training and knowledge. Companies are also hiring accounting graduates to work in finance, opening up even more accounting jobs to you with your associate of accounting.

Explore classes for Davenport’s associate accounting degree

As early as your first semester at Davenport, you’ll take courses directly related to accounting, such as accounting foundations. In your second year of the associate accounting degree, your studies will intensify with accounting courses like accounting information technology, intermediate accounting, cost accounting, federal taxation and payroll and state tax.

See Full Course List

Foundations of Excellence		21 Credits
ACES100 or OPEN	Achieving Career and Education Success or (if exempt) Open Elective ACES100 - This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.) Open Elective - Any course at the 100 level or above that is not already required in program.	3
COMM120	Presentation Techniques This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
ECON200 or ECON201	Microeconomics or Macroeconomics ECON200 Microeconomics 3 CR This course introduces students to economics. Students learn the basics of supply and demand; the market economy; elasticity; the foundation of consumer demand; the theory of the business firm and costs of production; the market structures of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition; theories of labor unions and wages; antitrust policy; and the microeconomic view of international business. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125 ECON201 Macroeconomics 3 CR This course introduces students to economics, the schools of economic thought, and international economics. Students learn the methodology, concepts, and terminology of macroeconomics, including principles, theories, and tools. They also study banking, money, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary theory. In addition, macroeconomic problems such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and globalization are discussed. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125	3.0
ENGL109	Composition This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.	3
ENGL110	Advanced Composition This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109	3
SOSC201	Diversity in Society This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MATH120	College Mathematics Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. This course aims to increase students' appreciation of the utility and application of mathematics. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. Fees: Additional course fees apply. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores, placement criteria, or successful completion of MATH 030	3

Foundations of Business		22 Credits
ACCT201	Accounting Foundations I This course is an introduction to accounting principles emphasizing the operation of a business as a sole proprietorship and covers the complete accounting cycle for merchandising and service entities. Partnership accounting is also covered. The application of computer technology to accounting processes is integrated into this course. Grade Note(s): A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Co-requisite(s): BITS 211	4
ACCT220	Accounting Information Tech	3
BITS211	Microcomp Appl Spreadsheet Students create and manipulate spreadsheets with MS Excel to solve business applications. It is expected that students have a familiarity with spreadsheet software, as the course quickly progresses to advanced features, including data validation, linked workbooks, pivot tables, lookup functions, solver, and scenario manager. By the end of the semester, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125	3
BUSN210	Professional Ethics This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and technology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
GPMT287	Principles of Project Mgmt Students gain an essential understanding of the discipline and approach to the management of projects in a global environment. Topics explained include project definition, resource planning, project scheduling with Gantt charts, project control, as well as planning and scheduling with limited resources. Topics are explored from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Students learn and utilize project software throughout the course. Various techniques used in planning, scheduling, ROI, and controlling projects will be explored and applied through the use of simulations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211, MGMT211 or CISP111	3
MGMT211	Management Foundations This course provides a foundation in basic management principles with special application and focus on the supervisory level of management. The four universal functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are explored. Students learn the theories and study their impact on the history of management practices. Proper case analysis process is also examined and applied through the discussion of various supervisory/managerial case situations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3
MKTG211	Marketing Foundations This course explores the role of marketing in society and in the success of an organization. Students learn and apply the strategies, tactics and terminology used by market-oriented businesses. Through critical thinking exercises and case analysis, students become familiar with the primary tools of marketing including market segmentation, product, pricing, marketing communication, research, and marketing channel strategies. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3

Major		21 Credits
ACCT202	Accounting Foundations II	4
ACCT213	Cost Accounting This course is designed to provide an introduction to cost accounting and cost management techniques. The concepts of cost assignment to goods and services in the context of job order, process, and activity-based costing are covered. The behavior of costs, standard costing and variations-as well as schedules, summaries, and reports used in costing systems-are also introduced to the student. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT202	3
ACCT301	Intermediate Accounting I This course reviews the fundamental accounting process studied in ACCT202 and continues with a more comprehensive study of the major categories of the balance sheet and statement of cash flow and income statements. Students will also be introduced to applicable APB and FASB pronouncements and related topics. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ACCT202 with a C or better grade.	4
ACCT302	Intermediate Accounting II This course continues ACCT301 with a comprehensive study of the major categories of the balance sheet, statement of cash flow, and income. In addition, students will be introduced to the accounting, analysis, and reporting of special topics such as pension/retirement, leases, inflation, income taxes, earnings per share and revenue recognition. Students will also be introduced to applicable APB and FASB pronouncements and related topics. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ACCT301 with a C grade or above	4
ACCT315	Federal Taxation I This course provides an explanation of the federal tax structure and provides training in the application of tax principles as they pertain to individuals. In addition, the course will provide an introduction to taxation for businesses, federal tax laws and regulations, taxation theory, and tax research and planning techniques. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT202	3
ACCT318	Payroll & State Tax This course is the study of the federal and state laws and regulations that govern the payroll tax arena. This will include learning about the rules and regulations that make-up the tax structure, as well as tax policy. Wage and overtime computations, tax filing compliance applications for federal, state, and local withholdings taxes and employer payroll are covered, along with analyzing and journalizing payroll transactions. State income tax computations will also be covered. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT315	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

100%

Earn your associate in accounting online with our Global Campus

92%

of Davenport students receive a scholarship or gift aid that, unlike student loans, does not have to be repaid

Why pursue an associate degree in accounting at Davenport?

Davenport’s associate of accounting gives you a thorough understanding of the accounting field through rigorous courses and hands-on learning. You'll also gain knowledge from professors who hold key management positions at accounting firms. Graduate ready to land accounting jobs through the associate degree in accounting at Davenport.

Experience the Davenport difference:

Career-focused associate accounting degree

Prepare for a range of accounting jobs — from accounts receivable and accounts payable clerks to general accountants — through the associate of accounting at Davenport.

Real-world experience

Build your resume before you graduate with your associate of accounting with classroom projects and research experiences that build the skills you need to stand out for accounting jobs.

Learn from some of the best

Work with highly credentialed accounting professors with doctoral degrees and professional certifications, many of whom also have careers in cost accounting and managerial accounting.

Make career connections

Develop professional relationships that could lead to accounting jobs through networking events and career fairs as well as job shadowing at public accounting firms and private companies.

Comprehensive associate of accounting degree

Take courses that introduce accounting theory and the business accounting cycle. Acquire both the technical knowledge and professional experience you need for accounting jobs around the world.

Make a difference

Serve others and gain valuable accounting experience by providing free tax filing assistance for individuals and families through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).