Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting – CPA Degree
Prepare for Your CPA With a Degree From GCU
The Colangelo College of Business’ Bachelor of Science in Accounting with an Emphasis in Public Accounting program is designed for students looking to become certified public accountants (CPA). This program prepares students to interpret and communicate financial information, assist organizations in complying with government and industry financial regulations, serve as ethical leaders within organizations and collaborate in business decision-making processes within organizations. This CPA degree program meets all five of GCU’s critical competencies: effective communication, critical thinking, Christian worldview, leadership and global awareness, perspectives and ethics.
Skills You Will Develop With a BS in Public Accounting
Students pursuing their BS in Accounting with an Emphasis in Public Accounting are taught by seasoned experts with extensive accounting knowledge. Through this 120-credit CPA program, students will learn about the accounting cycle, financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, accounting for mergers and acquisitions, governmental units, partnerships and foreign currency transactions, taxation, auditing, data analytics, assessment of risk, analysis of financial statements, internal accounting, cost-volume-profit analysis and capital budgeting. This online CPA degree provides a strong foundation of skills through relevant courses such as:
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Macroeconomics
- Fundamentals of Business Finance
- Microeconomics
- Business Statistics
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Ethics in Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
- Advanced Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
In addition to passing all courses, all students are required to apply the concepts they have learned in this program by completing an accounting capstone.
Benefits of Earning Your Bachelor’s in Public Accounting Online
GCU specializes in online learning. With over 200 online programs, GCU knows what it takes to provide a quality online education that helps students succeed in today’s busy, competitive world. GCU’s online CPA students are offered the same benefits as on-campus students including fully-training faculty members, affordable tuition rates and valuable resources. GCU’s online programs were built with working professionals in mind and provide the flexibility needed to get ahead of the competition. For more information on online learning at GCU, visit gcu.edu/why-gcu/online-learning.
Career Opportunities With a BS in Public Accounting
GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting with an Emphasis in Public Accounting is meant for students who plan to pursue CPA licensure. It is expected that most students will continue on to earn their master's degree in order to complete the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure that is mandated in most states and territories.
Graduates of GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting with an Emphasis in Public Accounting are prepared to work as accountants within the fields of public accounting, corporate accounting, financial analysis, tax preparation, auditing and consulting. Many CPAs remain in public accounting or go on to become controllers, finance managers or chief financial officers.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides the foundation of core knowledge within the field of information technology. Topics include technology-centric organizations, the type and role of fundamental information technology systems, data management to include privacy and security, e-business and m-business, hardware, software, and computer networks.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the accounting cycle and the construction of financial statements. Students explore the fundamental principles and practices of financial accounting as outlined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); the steps in the accounting cycle from journalizing transactions through the preparation of financial statements; and the use and interpretation of the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the use of managerial accounting data in the decision-making process. Topics include the use of cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis and relevant costs in decision making, using budgets and the balanced scorecard to evaluate performance, methods for setting prices of products and services, and analyzing capital investment opportunities. Prerequisite: ACC-250.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic domestic and global markets including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with emphasis on integrated marketing communications that effectively combine traditional advertising and promotion with digital marketing.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.
Course Description
This course focuses on the fundamental ideas of microeconomics. Students examine the market forces of supply and demand under different market structures in order to understand how economic agents make decisions about both consumption and production. The structure, conduct, and performance of markets are evaluated through analysis of consumer, producer, and societal welfare. Students explore the topic of factor markets in which the incomes of most workers and owners of capital and property are determined. Prerequisites: ACC-240 or ACC-250 and BUS-352.
Course Description
This course is an in-depth study of accounting objectives, principles, theory, and practice as related to the balance sheet and income statement. Students explore the accounting cycle, the preparation of detailed financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting for assets, and other items frequently addressed on the Uniform Certified Public Accounting Examination (Uniform CPA Exam). Prerequisite: ACC-260 or ACC-350.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.
Course Description
This course focuses on the national economy by examining macroeconomic data measuring national income, the cost of living, production and growth, and unemployment. Students examine the basic functions of the monetary system and analyze the macro economy in terms of long-run economic productivity and growth and in terms short-run fluctuations. The influence and effect of macroeconomic policy is studied within the context of current events. Prerequisite: ECN-361.
Course Description
This course provides a study of principles of internal accounting, including job order systems, process costing, activity-based costing, and budgeting. Prerequisite: ACC-260 or ACC-350.
Course Description
This course is an in-depth study of accounting objectives, principles, theory, and practice as related to the balance sheet and income statement. Students explore liabilities and equity items; the specific rules for accounting for pensions; postretirement benefits, leases, and accounting changes; and other items frequently addressed on the Uniform Certified Public Accounting Examination (Uniform CPA Exam). Prerequisite: ACC-370.
Course Description
This course provides a study of the theory and practices of accounting for income taxes of corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and individuals. Prerequisite: ACC-370 or FIN-350.
Course Description
Auditing is an examination of generally accepted auditing standards, procedures involved in the auditing process, and ethical issues faced by the auditor. Through class discussions, practical applications and case studies, students learn the responsibilities of the independent public auditor in the expression of opinion within the guidelines set by the AICPA’s Code of Professional Ethics. Topics include the nature and types of audits, auditor responsibilities and legal liabilities, audit reports, auditing procedures, ethical issues, contemporary issues in auditing, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Prerequisites: ACC-260 or ACC-350, and ACC-370.
Course Description
This course provides a study of accounting theory as it applies to partnerships and business combinations, international accounting, and governmental accounting. Prerequisites: ACC-370 and ACC-371.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management that includes the gradual development of a comprehensive and integrative business plan. This course is designed to assist students in their development as managers, servant leaders, and successful strategic thinkers. Management, marketing, accounting, finance, economics, global perspectives, law, and political issues are covered during this course. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This course is an in-depth study of ethical issues encountered in public accounting. Students develop a foundation for ethical decision making and explore ethical guidelines specific to the accounting profession. This course is designed to meet the requirements for licensure of certified public accountants in California. Prerequisite: BUS-340.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to data analytics and methodology frequently used by public accounting firms. Students learn about analytical techniques in preparation for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam.
Course Description
This course is a synthesis of concepts learned throughout the student’s prior coursework, with a focus on material tested on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam. Students reinforce concepts that have been introduced throughout the program and apply these concepts through completing questions and simulations like those found on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam. Prerequisites: ACC-485, ACC-460, and ACC-491.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.