Minor in Accounting

Hours: 21 On-Campus Online

About

Fort Hays State University offers a Minor in Accounting designed to give students, whether majoring in business or another field, a solid foundation in accounting principles. The minor integrates key concepts in financial and managerial accounting, helping students develop skills that are valuable in any business setting. It enhances their ability to succeed in their primary profession by providing a broader understanding of how accounting influences all areas of an organization.

The minor includes seven core courses that cover both foundational and intermediate accounting topics. These courses are carefully selected to ensure students gain a well-rounded understanding of both theoretical principles and practical applications. This minor is ideal for students looking to expand their knowledge of accounting and strengthen their overall business acumen.

Why pursue a Minor in Accounting at Fort Hays State University?

Pursuing a Minor in Accounting at FHSU provides students with a strong foundation in essential accounting practices, complementing their major field of study and enhancing both their academic profile and career readiness. The program offers a deep understanding of fundamental accounting principles, including financial and managerial accounting, making it a valuable supplement for those looking to excel in a variety of professional environments. This minor broadens career options, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.

The structure of this minor is carefully designed to meet the needs of both business majors seeking specialized knowledge and non-business majors interested in the accounting field. The program enhances students' expertise in financial theories while sharpening their practical skills through rigorous coursework and real-world applications. As students progress, they gain valuable insights into the complexities of financial operations and decision-making in business.

Who is this program for?

The Minor in Accounting is designed for a diverse range of students seeking to enhance their understanding and proficiency in accounting. Whether a business major looking to specialize further or a non-business major aiming to broaden their skill set, this program equips students with the tools and insights necessary to advance their careers.

Students majoring in business seeking specialization
Non-business majors interested in accounting careers
Students looking for a career in financial analysis or management.

Learning Outcomes

The Minor in Accounting is carefully structured to deliver learning outcomes that meet the demands of the accounting profession and broader business practices. Each course in the program is designed to build on the latest industry standards, ensuring students gain the knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and practical skills needed for success in various accounting roles. By the end of the program, students will possess a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and be fully prepared to apply this knowledge in a professional setting.

Financial Acumen

Students develop the ability to critically analyze financial statements, enabling them to assess an organization's economic health and performance. This skill involves understanding key financial metrics, evaluating trends over time, and identifying both strengths and weaknesses within the organization. Mastery of these financial concepts equips students to make strategic contributions to business decision-making and financial planning processes.

Critical Thinking Skills

Students develop strong critical thinking skills through hands-on learning, including analyzing case studies and simulations that reflect real-world accounting challenges. These skills are essential for success in today’s dynamic business environment.

Real-World Applications

This minor is grounded in practical application, preparing students to effectively tackle real-world financial challenges upon graduation. The courses bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills through case studies, analysis of real-world financial data, and simulations. Students learn to apply accounting principles to a variety of scenarios, ranging from corporate financial management to public accounting.

Additionally, the curriculum focuses on developing skills that ensure students are both knowledgeable and confident in performing essential accounting functions across different business environments. Students will strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are vital for success in any accounting role, while building the confidence and competence needed to excel as future business professionals.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum is regularly updated to align with industry standards and technological advancements, ensuring that students are learning the most current accounting practices and staying ahead of the curve.

Additionally, faculty at FHSU are committed to integrating emerging trends into their teaching, ensuring that students are prepared to apply their accounting knowledge effectively alongside their primary field of study. This adaptability equips graduates with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

Hands-on Activities

Our Minor in Accounting places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, enabling students to tackle real-world challenges they will encounter in the accounting profession. This includes preparing financial statements, analyzing balance sheets and income statements, and applying tax law to individual cases. These practical experiences help students build confidence and proficiency in essential accounting skills.

What You’ll Learn:

Mastery of financial and managerial accounting fundamentals
Intermediate-level financial accounting concepts
Income tax preparation skills

How You’ll Learn:

Through upper-division specialized courses
Engaging in real-world case studies
Interaction with experienced faculty

Courses

The Minor in Accounting features a carefully structured curriculum that covers both foundational and intermediate-level accounting concepts. The program includes seven core courses, each designed to build the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the accounting field.

ACCT 303: Cost Accounting

This course emphasizes the use of accounting data for (1) planning and controlling routine operations, (2) non-routine decisions, policy making, and long-range planning, and (3) inventory valuation and income determination.

ACCT 305: Intermediate Accounting I

This course presents an overview of the foundation of accounting theory, a study of the accounting cycle, financial statements, and mathematical principles. A comprehensive study of assets is made.

ACCT 402: Income Tax Procedure

This course is a study of a broad range of federal tax concepts and types of taxpayers, including the role of taxation in the business decision-making process. This follows the AICPA model tax curriculum.

Discover the full Minor in Accounting course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Students pursuing a Minor in Accounting may also benefit from exploring other related programs offered at Fort Hays State University. These programs complement the minor and provide additional opportunities to broaden knowledge and skills in related fields. Whether their interests lie in finance, economics, or non-business areas that benefit from accounting expertise, FHSU offers a variety of options that can be tailored to support students’ academic and career goals.

FAQ

What can you do with a Minor in Accounting?

A Minor in Accounting equips you with essential financial skills applicable across various industries, enhancing your versatility in the job market. By integrating accounting with your primary field of study, you can strengthen your resume and, once employed, achieve a more comprehensive understanding of your organization's accounting functions.

Can you get a CPA with a Minor in Accounting?

Obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license requires fulfilling specific educational requirements, which typically include a set number of accounting and business-related credits, often equivalent to a bachelor's degree in accounting. A Minor in Accounting can provide foundational knowledge and some of the necessary coursework; however, it does not meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

Can students pursue this minor regardless of their major?

Yes, students can pursue a Minor in Accounting at Fort Hays State University regardless of their major. This program complements various fields of study, allowing students from diverse academic backgrounds to enhance their understanding of accounting principles. Whether a student is majoring in a closely related field like business or an entirely different area, such as the arts or sciences, they can benefit from the critical financial skills that an accounting minor offers.

How does adding a Minor in Accounting enhance career prospects?

Adding this minor significantly enhances career prospects by expanding a graduate’s expertise and appealing to potential employers. It demonstrates a strong understanding of fundamental accounting principles and financial practices, skills that are highly valued across all business sectors. For non-business majors, the minor offers a competitive advantage by broadening their skill set and improving their ability to manage the financial aspects of diverse roles.

Information about the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting

FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting provides expertise in effectively and ethically managing money in both public and private sectors for a highly versatile, in-demand career path. Our department provides highly sought-after degrees in accounting, finance, and international business and economics. These programs are backed by career-centered internship opportunities, in-depth mentoring by faculty and staff, and flexible online degrees. Our programs prepare students for in-demand jobs, with courses that span the entire business landscape. The Robbins Banking Institute further enhances career preparation in the area of banking, offering a practical, real-time curriculum for rewarding careers. Our faculty, who are experts in their field and student-focused, support students to maximize individual growth.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

Accounting Club: This club offers a valuable opportunity for accounting students to connect with peers and prepare for their future careers. It aims to help members explore the various opportunities available in the field of accounting and introduce them to potential employers. Meetings frequently feature guest speakers who hold accounting degrees and are actively working in the profession.
Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: The ACFE organization brings together students from many disciplines to promote the detection and prevention of fraud in business.
Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is available to all students regardless of their major or knowledge of economics with the goal of promoting the study of and interest in economics. The signature activity of the club is to create a “Student Price Index” through a collaborative research project on FHSU student economic expectations. The club members typically take a trip to a major city in the U.S. every year.
Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club strives to assist in the professional, educational, and social development of college students interested in finance. The club also encourages interaction between the business sector, faculty, and students at FHSU. As part of club operations, they bring in speakers and take trips around the U.S. to learn more about the finance field.
International Business Club: This club strives to improve students’ awareness and understanding of global business practices and economic issues. These issues are explored from diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the club aims to develop global citizen-leaders by enhancing students’ professional, educational, and social development through its discussions, activities, and international travel experiences.

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