Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) in Accounting

The primary missions of the program is to build a better future for students, transforming their lives through excellence in relationship-driven instruction of accounting principles and practices needed for entry into and success in the accounting profession. Secondary purposes are to advance accounting knowledge through academic inquiry and research and to perform service activities to benefit the School of Business, the college of business and applied sciences, the University, the accounting profession, and the community. Accounting is the art and practice of measuring, interpreting, and communicating information about financial activity. The skill set that students acquire in the study of accounting at Eastern Illinois University is both powerful and flexible, providing students with a wide variety of employment options upon graduation. Most commonly, graduates of EIU?s accountancy program assume positions at public accounting firms or as ?private sector? accountants. Public accounting firms conduct audits, assist in tax preparation, and consult with clients over a variety of business and internal business process issues. Successful individuals in public accounting rise through the ranks to the role of manager and then to partner. Private sector accounting (or ?corporate accounting?) positions are as diverse as business itself, spanning roles from vice president of finance and chief financial officer to positions of management and oversight over internal audit, cost accounting, payroll, payables/receivables, and general ledger activities. The EIU accountancy program is fully committed to training students in a manner that will enable them to take and pass any and all professional certification programs in the marketplace -including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) examinations. Students who succeed as accountancy majors are: planners; goal-oriented; outstanding problem solvers and analysts; skilled at interpersonal communications; excellent technical writers; comfortable with detail, but grasp the "big picture"; objective and rational and leaders. The accountancy major curriculum emphasizes: technical knowledge of accounting principles, standards, procedures, and other applications; critical and analytical thinking skills; ethical understanding and reasoning abilities; proficiency in the use of information technology; written and oral communication skills and awareness of cultural diversity.