A.S. in Accounting

The Associate's Degree in Accounting prepares students for entry-level accounting positions in businesses, private industries, and government agencies.  It is also beneficial for individuals seeking promotions and advancements in their current positions. Employment opportunities include positions in general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, bookkeeping, and taxation. 

By completing the degree requirements, students acquire the ability to apply concepts, principles, and regulations related to financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation. Students will also acquire technical skills through the use of general ledger software, tax preparation software, and other computer applications used in businesses. Additional accounting subject areas that students can explore include cost accounting, auditing, and fraud examination. 

A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Accounting A.S. Degree will:

  1. Analyze and evaluate financial information to support stakeholder decision-making.
  2. Apply financial rules and procedures for financial reporting purposes and income tax regulations for compliance and planning purposes.
  3. Apply basic accounting concepts with a business organization and prepare financial reports to support business decision-making.

Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete the District General Education Pattern or Cal-GETC.
    If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the Cal-GETC General Education Pattern. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection.
  2. Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
  3. Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
  4. Meet the 12-unit residency requirement. 
Required courses:
ACCT 101Financial Accounting4
or ACCT 101H Financial Accounting - Honors
ACCT 102Managerial Accounting4
or ACCT 102H Managerial Accounting - Honors
ACCT 110Income Tax Accounting4
ACCT 111Taxation of Business Entities4
ACCT 203Intermediate Accounting I3
ACCT 204Intermediate Accounting II3
BUS 152Business Communications3
Select three (3) or more units from the following courses:
Microcomputer Applications I4
Introduction to Microsoft Office Applications3.5
Microsoft Excel3
Select nine (9) or more units from the following courses:
Accounting4
Computerized Income Tax Preparation2
QuickBooks2
Tax Practices and Procedures3
Payroll Accounting3
Cost Accounting 3
Auditing3
Fraud Examination3
Accounting Ethics4
Business Law and the Legal Environment I3
Business Law and the Legal Environment I - Honors
Total Units37-40

2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall Term 1Units
ENGL C1000
Academic Reading and Writing
or Academic Reading and Writing
or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors
4-5
STAT C1000
Introduction to Statistics
or Introduction to Statistics - Honors
4
ACCT 101
Financial Accounting
or Financial Accounting - Honors
4
ITIS 130 Microcomputer Applications I 4
 Units16-17
Spring Term 1
ACCT 102
Managerial Accounting
or Managerial Accounting - Honors
4
ACCT 110 Income Tax Accounting 4
Citrus GE Area A2: Oral Communication and Critical Thinking 3-4
Citrus GE Area C: Arts and Humanities 3
Citrus GE Area F: Ethnic Studies 3
 Units17-18
Second Year
Fall Term 2
ACCT 111 Taxation of Business Entities 4
ACCT 112
Computerized Income Tax Preparation
or QuickBooks
or Tax Practices and Procedures
or Payroll Accounting
or Cost Accounting
or Auditing
3-4
ACCT 203 Intermediate Accounting I 3
Biological or Physical Science 3
 Units13-14
Spring Term 2
ACCT 100
Accounting
or QuickBooks
or Tax Practices and Procedures
or Payroll Accounting
or Cost Accounting
or Auditing
3-4
ACCT 204 Intermediate Accounting II 3
BUS 160
Business Law and the Legal Environment I
or Business Law and the Legal Environment I - Honors
3
Citrus GE Area D: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Citrus GE Area E: Personal Health and Wellness 3
 Units15-16
 Total Units61-65

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.