Accounting

$30,000 - $38,000*

These estimated earnings are for employees who have completed their associate degree in Accounting. Career advancement is available if you transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or similar profession. As experience and education increase, you can expect to earn significantly more during your career.

For more information on regional jobs and pay for accounting graduates, go to NC State’s Career Coach page.

*Earnings figure is based on EMSI employment information for north central Ohio.

$14,824 - $12,690 = $2,134 in net cost*

The calculation above includes the following:

  • The estimated current cost of tuition, fees and books to complete this two-year associate degree at NC State is $14,824.
  • Minus the average amount of financial aid ($6,345 x 2 years) students received. NOTE: Your financial aid could be higher or lower than this average.
  • Leaving just $2,134 to be funded by other sources — which may include additional scholarships, grants and loans. Many students opt for payment plans to avoid debt. Employed students should inquire with their employers about the possibility of reimbursement for educational expenses.

Three out of four NC State graduates have $0 college debt. We will work with you to explore every source of financial aid available.

*These figures were calculated using data available when this information was published.

$47,336*

Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year public institution in Ohio.

$86,064*

Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year private institution in Ohio.

*This estimate is an average of the cost including room and board for residential students.

Accounting graduates advise and assist management in controlling the financial operations of a business and in planning for its growth. They prepare accounting entries from source documents as well as post and summarize that information into meaningful financial statements. Accounting is well‐suited to persons who like their problem solving skills to be challenged and enjoy working with detail.

Accountants provide professional services as advisors to management on financial matters affecting the firm in the areas of planning, forecasting, cost control, taxes, and inventory control. They prepare federal, state, and local income and payroll tax reports. An important part of the management team, accountants today work primarily in an environment that includes using professionally prepared accounting, tax, and payroll computer programs. They also use spreadsheet programs to assemble information and prepare reports.

The Accounting curriculum at North Central State College provides the student with the basic tools in all areas of accounting and expertise in the area of assembling information to prepare meaningful reports. Accounting students at North Central take numerous courses including accounting principles, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, principles of finance, taxation, governmental accounting, auditing, and a capstone course. Students are also exposed to the two key software programs used in the industry. Students have the opportunity to complete a cooperative work experience to gain practical work experience.

Students are also introduced to a wide variety of basic subjects which accountants need to know to function well in today's complex business world. Each Accounting student must take two writing courses, one oral communications course, and one general course.

Program graduates are well qualified for entry level accounting positions in business and industry. Some graduates choose to pursue a four‐year baccalaureate degree while others pursue the C.P.A. (Certified Public Accountant) designation. Contact the Ohio CPA Board in Columbus for details.

The Associate of Applied Business degree is awarded for the completion of this program. Long‐range plans for the department will be reviewed and updated. The Accounting program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

  1. Demonstrate competency with basic financial and managerial accounting principles.
  2. Use accounting software applications to record financial transactions and prepare financial statements.
  3. Prepare general journal entries, including adjusting and closing entries, for both business and governmental entities covering an entire accounting cycle according to accounting standards.
  4. Prepare correct financial statements from a general ledger.
  5. Prepare correct taxation documents, including tax returns and payroll records.
  6. Summarize a company's financial position using accounting and finance data.
  7. Demonstrate competency with successfully managing a business: finance, economics, and word processing/spreadsheet applications.
Business Mission Statement

The mission of the Business Department is to support the mission of the College by providing quality programs, delivering a curriculum that is current and relevant, and affording opportunities for professional growth for faculty and staff. The faculty in the disciplines within the department maintains close contact with practitioners to ensure the curriculum meets the demands of area employers with the help of the advisory committee. Each discipline maintains contacts with adjunct faculty who are often employed within their own area of specialization. All faculty members are involved in professional development activities and are constantly looking for new and innovative ideas to incorporate into their instructional delivery.

It is the expressed goal of the division to provide student-centered learning approaches that encourage logical thinking and creative techniques for problem-solving while promoting personal initiative, responsibility, perseverance, and respect for others.

Career Outlook

Your associate degree in Accounting will equip you with the building blocks for a successful career in the field. Successful graduates have gone on to become school treasurers, county auditors, tax professionals, and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

Where You Could Go

NC State has over 40 agreements with four-year colleges and universities, to provide a smooth transition for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Through university partnerships, some four-year courses are also offered on the NC State campus or online. NC State has a unique 3+1 agreement with Franklin University allowing Business Management, Marketing, and Accounting graduates to complete their bachelor’s degree at the Kehoe Center.

Business Division Mission Statement

The mission of the Business Department is to support the mission of the College by providing quality programs, delivering curriculum that is current and relevant and affording opportunities for professional growth for faculty and staff. The faculty in the disciplines within the department maintain close contact with practitioners to ensure the curriculum meets the demands of area employers with the help of the advisory committee. Each discipline maintains contacts with adjunct faculty who are often employed within their own area of specialization. All faculty members are involved in professional development activities and are constantly looking for new and innovative ideas to incorporate into their instructional delivery.

It is the expressed goal of the division to provide student centered learning approaches that encourage logical thinking and creative techniques for problem solving while promoting personal initiative, responsibility, perseverance, and respect for others.

Program Accreditation

This program is Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

ACBSP_Logo

Graduate Testing

Graduates take the Major Field Test covering accounting, management, marketing and economics. The test is administered by Education Testing Services (ETS), the same company that oversees SAT testing. NC State graduates have scored in the top 15% of community college students taking this exam nationwide.

Preparatory Courses

Courses

ENGL 0040 - Integrated Reading and Writing

This is a course designed to build thinking skills through reading and writing. It emphasizes that reading assists writing and writing assists reading in repetitive ways. Reading and writing are similar in that both are acts of composing. This is done through planning, drafting, aligning, revising, and monitoring. Close reading teaches students the focus and depth of analysis required by college-level reading. Attentive and close reading of sources as well as critical editing provide a focus on the language of the text. The course helps students to gain access to information and to use this information variously to lead articulate lives and to identify, think through, refine, and solve problems. Classroom instruction integrates writing and reading activities with an emphasis on essays, reading strategies, research, critical thinking, analysis, and metacognition.

Credit Hours: 4
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2

FYEX 0070 - College and Career Success

The goal of FYEX 0070 is to increase the student's ability to stay on course in college by examining soft skills necessary for success in life and assisting the student in obtaining the personal success strategies and practical skills necessary to reach his/her educational and life objectives. Topics in the course include personal responsibility, self-motivation, self-management, interdependence, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, college expectations, time utilization, test-taking, communication skills, study techniques, listening skills, library use, and use of College resources. This course is required for all first-time college students.

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2

MATH 0065 - Algebra for Applied Geometry & Trigonometry

This course is designed to enhance students' algebraic methods and procedures that will be used in Applied Geometry and Trigonometry. The topics will include demonstrations in using the calculator, scientific notation, order of operations, polynomials, inequalities, exponents, radicals, solving equations, graphing, factoring, and rational expressions.

Credit Hours: 1
Lecture Hours: 1
Required Prerequisite Course: Take MATH 0072 or MATH 0073 with a minimum grade of C-
Required Concurrent Course: Take MATH 1070;

MATH 0075 - Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning

Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning is a quantitative literacy course designed to provide students with the skills and conceptual understanding to succeed in a college-level statistics course.  Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning is organized around big mathematical and statistical ideas.  The course will help students develop conceptual understanding and acquire multiple strategies for solving problems.  The course will prepare students for success in future courses and will help them develop skills for the workplace and as productive citizens.  

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Concurrent Course: MATH 0030 

MATH 0084 - Introductory and Intermediate Algebra

The course consists of a brief review of arithmetic concepts, signed numbers, fractions and decimals. It also includes linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and equations, coordinate graphing, systems of linear equations, simplification of radicals, functions (including linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic), exponents and complex numbers.

Credit Hours: 5
Lecture Hours: 5
Required Prerequisite Course: MATH 0072 or MATH 0073 (Minimum grade of C- required) or qualifying placement test scores.

STAT 0086 - Algebra for Probability & Statistics

This course is designed to teach students the algebraic methods and procedures that will be needed in a probability and statistics course. The topics will include demonstrations in using the calculator, scientific notation, order of operations, converting decimals to percents, inequalities, and exponents, radicals, solving equations, graphing lines using slope and y-intercept, solving equations using the quadratic formula, sequences and variation.

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Required Prerequisite Course: Take MATH 0072 or MATH 0073 with a minimum grade of C- OR COMPASS Algebra score of 1-30 OR ACT Math score of 19 or higher OR ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra score of 45 or higher.

Year One

Fall Semester

ACCT 1010 - Financial Accounting

This is an introductory course of study in financial accounting and financial reporting for business entities. (TAG# OBU010)

Credit Hours: 4
Lecture Hours: 4

BUSM 1010 - Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship

In this course the student is exposed to a broad view of the business enterprise. Special emphasis is placed upon the role and importance of entrepreneurship and small-business management. The student will gain insight into the necessity and mutual interdependence of such key business functions as management, human resources, operations and quality, marketing, accounting, and finance. Additionally, the topics of globalization and economics are introduced. Throughout this course, the student will gain extensive experience in problem solving by means of applying basic business math skills to typical business scenarios. 

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: ENGL 0040, (minimum grade of C-), or qualifying placement test score

CISS 1210 - Microsoft Word

This course is an introductory course in word processing using Microsoft Word for Windows. Through a series of hands-on exercises, the student will create, edit, format, and print documents. Topics include: creating, saving, retrieving, formatting, editing, printing, inserting graphic elements, merging, maintaining file organization, and using the help system. 

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 2

CISS 1220 - Microsoft Excel

This course is an introductory course in spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for Windows. Through a series of hands-on exercises, the student will create, edit, format, and print worksheets. Topics include: creating, saving, retrieving, formatting, editing, printing, creating formulas, using functions, naming cells and ranges, creating tables, creating charts, defining range names, validating data, sorting and filtering data, maintaining file organization, and using templates. 

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 2

ENGL 1010 - English Composition I

This is a basic course in expository writing and critical reading. Students read a variety of nonfiction works and write summaries, analysis, essays, and a researched argument in response to their reading. Students learn to read actively and accurately and to organize, develop, and revise coherent papers appropriate for a college-educated audience. (OTM for First Writing Course TME001) 

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: ENGL 0040; (minimum grade of C-), or qualifying placement test scores

STAT 1010 - Probability and Statistics

This course provides the student with an overview of probability and statistics. Probability terminology, concepts and rules are emphasized in solving probability problems. Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, charts, tables and diagrams are used to summarize data. The student is introduced to the binomial, Poisson, hyper-geometric, normal and t-distributions. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and linear regression are used to make conclusions concerning population parameters from sample data. This course meets the requirements for OTM Introductory Statistics TMM010.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

Spring Semester

ACCT 1030 - Managerial Accounting

This course provides information for assisting the management of a business entity in making decisions and for evaluating the effectiveness of those decisions by developing a student's understanding of managerial accounting principles. (TAG# OBU011)

Credit Hours: 4
Lecture Hours: 4
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 1010 

ACCT 1052 - Computerized Accounting

A comprehensive approach to teaching accounting concepts in a software environment utilizing data files designed to simulate real-world businesses so that students gain "hands-on" experience with performing accounting activities, producing financial statements, and analyzing company performance.

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 1010 

ACCT 1070 - Payroll Accounting

This course covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions. Emphasis is placed on computing wages; calculating social security, income, and unemployment taxes; preparing appropriate payroll tax forms; and journalizing/posting transactions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze data, make appropriate computations, complete forms, and prepare accounting entries using appropriate technology.

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2

BUSM 1110 - Business Law & Ethics

This course is a study in the legal and ethical environment in which businesses operate. (TAG # OBU004)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

COMM 1010 - Speech

This course involves instruction and experience in giving a presentation. Students are taught the principles of speech content and delivery so that they can effectively participate in a variety of practical speaking situations. Presentations will include the informative speech, persuasive speech, visual aid/demonstration speech, impromptu speech, and group presentation. (OTM for Oral Communication TMCOM and TAG# OCM013)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

ENGL 1030 - English Composition II

This is a course in argument and research writing. Students read issue-based works and write summaries, responses, and an argument and research paper. Students learn to organize research projects, find and evaluate sources, incorporate ideas and quotations from sources, document their sources in MLA and APA style, analyze and use argumentative strategies and persuasive appeals, and prepare and revise effective, coherent papers. (OTM for Second Writing Course TME002)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ENGL 1010 with a minimum grade of C- or better.

BUSM 1170 - Business Communications

This course introduces foundational business communication principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze different communication situations; to plan and design oral and written communications; to communicate effectively using appropriate formats, styles, and technologies; and to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to achieve desired communication objectives. (TAG# OBU005)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ENGL 1010;

Year Two

Fall Semester

ACCT 2012 - Taxation I

Income tax concepts will be stressed in the course, such as income, exclusions, deductions, adjusted gross income, capital gains and losses, exemptions, tax credits, and determination of income from business, trade, or profession. Attention is given to the reasoning behind major tax regulations and their effects upon the business firm and the impact of tax regulations upon managerial decision-making.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

ACCT 2030 - Intermediate Accounting I

An analysis of current accounting treatments of financial statement items. Emphasis is given to an evaluation of the theory underlying modern accounting practices, as well as to the comprehensive study of the accounting techniques involved.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 1010 

ACCT 2050 - Governmental Accounting

The topics in this course include the principles and operation of fund accounting including financial reporting and budgetary control for state and local governments.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 1010 

CISS 1280 - Microsoft Excel Advanced

This second level course covers expert Excel features, including formatting with advanced techniques, working with templates and workbooks, working with lists, using analysis tools, managing and auditing worksheets, collaborating with workgroups, and using advanced format functions. 

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 2
Required Prerequisite Course: Take CISS 1220 

ACCT 2016 - Taxation II

This course is a continuation of Taxation I.  Special emphasis is placed on taxation of corporate entities, partnerships, and sub-chapter S corporations.  Other specific topics will include state and local income taxes and wealth planning.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: ACCT 2012 

Spring Semester

ACCT 2031 - Intermediate Accounting II

An analysis of current accounting treatments of financial statement items. Emphasis is given to an evaluation of the theory underlying modern accounting practices, as well as to the comprehensive study of the accounting techniques involved.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 2030 

ACCT 2060 - Principles of Finance

An introduction to the basics of finance with an emphasis on the structure of financial statements, taxes, cash flows, ratio analysis, time-value-of-money, annuities, bond valuation, stock valuation, and capital budgeting.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 1010 

ECON 1510 - Microeconomics

This course of study focuses upon how the condition of scarcity affects the decisions of individuals, households, and business firms in their roles as producers and consumers. In particular, the price mechanism is addressed at length and explained by the conceptual and graphical representations of supply and demand. Applications of such concepts as elasticity of demand, as well as marginal cost and revenue calculations are used by the student to determine optimum pricing, profit, and revenue strategies for the firm. The advantages and disadvantages of relative economies of scale in both the long-run and short-run are explored. The market conditions of monopoly, oligopoly as well as perfect competition are analyzed with the goal of giving the student an understanding and appreciation of their socio-economic implications. (TAG# OSS004)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: MATH 0084 (minimum grade of C-) or qualifying placement test scores

ECON 2510 - Macroeconomics

This course will prepare the student to understand, critique, and predict how the various schools of macro-economic thought would diagnose and attempt to solve questions of national economic interest. Extensive investigation of the underlying principles of Keynesian, Neo-Keynesian, Monetarist, supply-side and Austrian perspectives is accomplished using both an analytical as well as a socio-economic/historical approach. Understanding these perspectives will enable the student to both understand and successfully participate in rational discussion regarding such issues as fiscal policy, monetary policy, trade policy, taxation, taxation theory and economic growth. (TAG# OSS005)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: MATH 0084 (minimum grade of C-) or qualifying placement test scores

ACCT 1090 - Certified Bookkeeper Prep

This review course is designed to prepare students to sit for the Certified Bookkeeper exam administered by American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 1010, ACCT 2012, CISS 1220;

ACCT 2092 - Accounting Capstone

Students will demonstrate their accounting knowledge through various class projects. Students will complete a portfolio and a presentation analyzing a major company.

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ACCT 2030 and ENGL 1010 

ACCT 2095 - Cooperative Work Experience

The cooperative work experience is an opportunity for students to obtain practical work experience in the Accounting field while earning college credit. This on or off campus employment experience can be paid or unpaid. The work experience is coordinated by a faculty member who visits the job site for a conference with the student and the supervisor at least once per semester. Students must complete 150 hours of work experience. This class is Pass/No Pass (P/NP).

Credit Hours: 1
Required Prerequisite Course: Must be concurrent with ACCT 2096 - Seminar . Student must have completed 20 semester credit hours of ACCT classes with a C- or better. Students should have a 2.0 GPA. All forms required for the Cooperative Work Experience must be submitted upon registering for this class. Students are required to attend an orientation class the first week of the semester. Students must get permission of the instructor in order to enroll in this class.
Required Concurrent Course: Take ACCT 2096;

ACCT 2096 - Seminar

This course is taken concurrently with ACCT 2095 - Cooperative Work Experience . Students will discuss their work place experiences that occur during their Co-op Work Experience. Students must get permission of the instructor in order to enroll in this class. This class is Pass/No Pass (P/NP).

Credit Hours: 1
Seminar Hours: 1
Required Concurrent Course: Take ACCT 2095;

HIST 1010 - American History I

This American Studies course is an introductory survey course covering the development of American politics, law, religion, philosophy, art and literature from 1600 to 1877. The goal of the course is to help students understand the cultural development of the United States especially in relation to its religion, art, philosophy, law, and political system. (TAG# OHS043 or if combined with HIST1030 OHS010. This course also meets the requirements for the OTM Arts and Humanities - TMAH)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

HIST 1030 - American History II

This American Studies course is an introductory survey course covering the development of American politics, law, religion, philosophy, art and literature from 1877 to the present. The goal of the course is to help students understand the cultural maturity of the United States especially in relation to its religion, art, philosophy, law, and political system. (TAG# OHS044 or if combined with HIST1030 OHS010. This course also meets the requirements for the OTM Arts and Humanities - TMAH)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

PHIL 1010 - Western Philosophy

This course involves an examination of the great philosophical ideas that have shaped the development of Western Civilization. These ideas include those promoted during the ancient Greek period of Western development, the early Christian era, the Protestant Reformation, the Enlightenment, the Nineteenth Century, the Modern Age, the Age of Existentialism, the Postmodern era, and the Age of Recovery. The philosophers covered include Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Paul, Augustine, Occam, Aquinas, Erasmus, Luther, Descartes, Hobbes, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Feuerbach, Marx, Emerson, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Bergson, Dewey, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, Teilhard, Habermas, Pera, Guardini, Zizek, and Ratzinger. This course meets the requirements for OTM Arts and Humanities TMAH and also TAG# OAH405.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

PHIL 1110 - Ethics

This course involves an examination of several ethical theories, including ethical relativism, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, social contract ethics, theological ethics, and rational ethics. Subjects covered may include the ethics of nuclear war, the ethics of suicide, ethical issues in abortion, the ethics of euthanasia, ethical issues in genetic engineering, sexual ethics, racism and sexism, capital punishment, ethics and the environment and so on. This course meets the requirements for OTM Arts and Humanities TMAH and slso TAG# OAH046.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

Total Credit Hours: 64