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Accounting and Information Assurance Major

Accounting and Information Assurance Degree

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The Accounting and Information Assurance degree is a unique program that combines an accounting major with additional coursework principally in computer information science. This expanded degree will prepare you with a fundamental understanding of accounting practices, information system design, data forensic principles, data management and security, which will open up countless opportunities for you!

Small class sizes (typically 8-10 students in the upper-level courses) ensure that you receive quality, individualized instruction. SBU Accounting faculty genuinely care about their students and work closely with them for success in the classroom as well as to help them obtain internship and career positions.

The Accounting and Information Assurance degree is offered through SBU's Robert W. Plaster College of Business. 

Resources

Degree Plan

100%
Job
placement
rate

(100% of SBU accounting & information assurance majors graduating in 2021-22 had employment in their field at the time of graduation.)

SBU College of Business Job Placement and Salary Data (PDF)

SBU students outside at table

The SBU Advantage

  • More than 80% of SBU Accounting students achieve the required 150 credit hours for CPA licensure within four years
  • SBU students have a 70% first-time pass rate on the CPA exam versus the national average of only 53%! (Five-year rolling average, 2017-2021 grads; information available as of October 2022)
  • SBU Accounting alumni stay connected with the program, which benefits current students through scholarship offers, mentoring programs and networking opportunities

Faith Integration

As an SBU Accounting student, you will be equipped for a successful career as dedicated Christian faculty teach you the application of accounting concepts in current practice through a Christian worldview so that you are prepared to be both a skilled employee and a servant leader in the workplace.

Psalm 15 — SBU's College of Professional Programs and the Robert W. Plaster College of Business have a Psalm 15 initiative, which provides intentional integration of faith and academic discipline. Using Psalm 15 as a basis, the Colleges have identified eight character traits that should be the hallmark of the students and graduates. These character traits are emphasized in coursework and in a special lecture series. The highlighted character traits are: Integrity, Service, Respect, Charity, Faithfulness, Truthfulness, Humility and Perseverance.

Ethics and Professional Development — As part of an intentionally Christian education, students in the Robert W. Plaster College of Business take a senior-level course in Ethics and Professional Development. The course teaches Christian personal and professional ethics and equips students with life skills such as career development, etiquette, and servant leadership, with the goal of producing ethical business leaders who will be servant leaders in the workplace.

Career Examples

  • FORVIS
  • Miller Management Systems
  • Silver Dollar City

Internship Examples

  • KPMG
  • Missouri State Auditor's Office
  • Ozarks Community Health Center

Full-Time Faculty

Kristin Hamm

Kristin Hamm, Assistant Professor
 
Jenell Wagner

Jenell Wagner, Assistant Professor
 

Clubs and Organizations

Accounting Club

Join the SBU Accounting Club and participate in various activities throughout the year including an interview blitz, field trips to visit prestigious accounting firms, social gatherings, networking opportunities, and more!

Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

You are encouraged to join SBU's student chapter of IMA and may also join the national IMA organization to receive additional professional development benefits.

Accounting Scholarships

SBU Accounting students may apply for several privately funded departmental scholarships. Additionally, some incoming freshmen accounting majors are selected to receive scholarships funded by SBU Accounting alumni.

Scholarships

The College of Professional Programs and the Robert W. Plaster College of Business offer many privately funded scholarship opportunities for their students. During a recent academic year, more than $89,000 was awarded in private scholarships to students from these college-level scholarships. Some scholarships available to accounting students include:

  • FORVIS Public Accounting Scholarship
  • Elliott, Robinson & Co. Public Accounting Scholarship
  • Glenn A. & Kimberly B. Miller Excellence in Non-profit Accounting Scholarship
  • Integrity Tax & Accounting Scholarship
  • KPM, CPAs Scholarship
  • Paul A. Mott, CPA, Accounting Scholarship
  • Van & Pearl Clark Memorial Accounting Student Aid
  • SBU Accounting Alumni Scholarship

Accounting & Information Assurance Four Year Plan

Discover Core Curriculum