Minor in Accounting
Hours: 21 On-Campus Online
About
Fort Hays State University offers a Minor in Accounting designed to provide students, whether they are majoring in business or another field, with a strong foundation in accounting principles. The program integrates key concepts from both financial and managerial accounting, helping students develop skills that are valuable in any business environment. By gaining a deeper understanding of how accounting impacts all areas of an organization, students enhance their ability to succeed in their chosen careers.
The minor consists of seven core courses that cover foundational and intermediate accounting topics. These courses are carefully selected to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications. This program is an excellent choice for students seeking to expand their accounting knowledge and strengthen their overall business expertise.
Why pursue a Minor in Accounting at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing the Minor in Accounting equips students with a strong foundation in essential accounting practices, complementing their major field of study while enhancing their academic profile and career readiness. The program offers a comprehensive understanding of core accounting principles, encompassing both financial and managerial accounting, making it a valuable asset for those seeking to succeed in a diverse range of professional environments. By broadening career options, this minor helps students gain a competitive edge in the job market.
The minor is carefully structured to serve business majors seeking specialized expertise and non-business majors interested in accounting. It strengthens students’ understanding of financial theories while developing practical skills through rigorous coursework and real-world applications. As students progress through the program, they gain valuable insights into the complexities of financial operations and develop informed decision-making skills.
Who is this program for?
This minor is structured 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.
Real-World Applications
The minor is grounded in practical application, preparing students to tackle real-world financial challenges effectively 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 various scenarios, including corporate financial management and public accounting.
Additionally, the curriculum focuses on developing skills that enable students to be knowledgeable and confident in performing essential accounting functions across various business environments. Students will strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are vital to success in any accounting role, while building the confidence and competence necessary to excel as future business professionals.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University continually updates its curriculum to align with industry standards and technological advancements, ensuring that students acquire the most current accounting practices and remain at the forefront. Faculty are dedicated to incorporating emerging trends into their teaching, preparing students to apply their accounting knowledge effectively alongside their primary field of study. This adaptability equips graduates with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Hands-on Activities
The 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
The curriculum covers foundational and intermediate-level accounting concepts. It includes seven core courses, each carefully structured to develop the skills and knowledge students need to succeed 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 provides an overview of the foundations of accounting theory, including a study of the accounting cycle, financial statements, and mathematical principles. A comprehensive survey of assets is made.
ACCT 402: Income Tax Procedure
This course offers an in-depth examination of a wide 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.
The Minor in Accounting is designed to complement a student’s primary field of study, rather than serve as an independent program. While career prospects will largely depend on the student’s major, the added accounting expertise enhances their appeal to employers and expands job opportunities.
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.
Related Programs
Students pursuing a Minor in Accounting can also explore related programs at Fort Hays State University, which complement the minor and broaden skills in areas such as finance, economics, or other fields that benefit from accounting expertise.
- Certificate in Finance
- Certificate in Economics
- Certificate in Banking
- Master of Business Administration (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.
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.
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, such as business, or an entirely different area, like the arts or sciences, they can benefit from the critical financial skills that an accounting minor offers.
Adding this minor significantly enhances career prospects by expanding a graduate’s expertise and making them more 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
The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively and ethically across both public and private sectors. The department offers highly sought-after degree programs in accounting, finance, and international business and economics—each designed to prepare students for versatile and in-demand career paths.
Students benefit from career-focused internship opportunities, personalized mentoring from expert faculty, and the flexibility of fully online degree options. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of the business world, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate a competitive job market.
Additionally, the Robbins Banking Institute enhances professional development in the banking sector by offering a practical, real-time curriculum tailored for rewarding careers in finance and banking. With a strong emphasis on student success and growth, the department’s faculty provides dedicated support to help each student reach their full potential.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Accounting Club: This club provides accounting students with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, explore career paths, and prepare for professional success. The club helps members gain insight into the diverse opportunities within the accounting field and facilitates introductions to potential employers. Regular meetings often feature guest speakers, professionals with accounting degrees, who share real-world experiences and career advice.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): The ACFE organization brings together students from a variety of disciplines to promote awareness, detection, and prevention of fraud in the business world.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is open to all students, regardless of major or prior knowledge of economics. Its mission is to promote interest in and understanding of economic concepts through engaging activities and discussions. A hallmark project of the club is the creation of the “Student Price Index,” a collaborative research initiative that explores FHSU students’ economic expectations. Each year, club members also have an opportunity to travel to a major U.S. city, enhancing their academic and professional development through real-world experiences.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club is dedicated to supporting the professional, educational, and social development of students with an interest in finance. The club fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, and professionals in the business and finance sectors. Through guest speakers and educational trips across the U.S., members gain valuable insights into the finance industry and explore potential career opportunities.
- International Business Club: This club aims to enhance students’ understanding of global business practices and economic issues from a variety of cultural and international perspectives. Through discussions, activities, and international travel experiences, the club fosters professional, educational, and social development. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate globally minded citizen-leaders prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program, housed within the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU, is led by a faculty expert in financial planning. This initiative offers free, confidential financial guidance provided by a team of trained, financially knowledgeable student mentors dedicated to helping their peers manage personal finances effectively.
Through one-on-one sessions, Tiger Money Mentors assist students with a wide range of financial topics, including:
- Organizing personal finances and managing expenses
- Creating and maintaining a realistic budget
- Developing plans to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding student loans and exploring repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing credit reports
- And more!
- Certificate
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- On-Campus
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