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Integrated M.ACC. and B.B.A. Degree Program (152 hours)

Purpose

Belmont University's 152-hour integrated M.ACC. and B.B.A. degree program is designed to meet today's needs of those wishing to make accounting a career choice. The accounting profession has experienced many changes in recent years including advances in computer and information technology, increased consulting opportunities, and growing competition in national and global markets. Today's accountants must possess much more than just technical accounting knowledge; they must also have a broad understanding of various business activities and possess strong communication, intellectual, and interpersonal skills.

In recognition of those additional skills most states, including Tennessee, have passed laws or issued regulations requiring at least 150 hours of higher education to sit for the uniform CPA examination. Also, effective in the year 2000, the AICPA will require new members to possess 150 hours of higher education.

Many businesses today are increasingly hiring new professionals who have master's degrees. These include public accounting firms, manufacturing companies, and service providers in healthcare, finance, and insurance, as well as governmental organizations. Belmont's 152-hour integrated accountancy degree is a program which meets employer needs and provides graduates with exceptional career opportunities.

Admission Requirements

1. Prior admission as a candidate for an undergraduate degree in the School of Undergraduate Business Administration.
2. Completion of 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with 30 of these hours being completed at Belmont University. The 90 hours should include: a. School of Business Tool Courses b. MTH 121 or MTH 214 c. FIN 321, and d. ACC 331, 332, 346 or 349, and ACC 352 or ISM 470.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all accounting courses completed.
4. An acceptable GMAT score.
5. Application to the Massey Graduate School of Business which includes two letters of recommendation, a written statement of professional and personal goals, an application fee of $50, and an interview with the Master of Accountancy coordinator.

Curricular Plan for the 152-Hour Program

The 152-hour program is only for accounting concentration students enrolled at Belmont University and is designed to be completed in a five-year time period. The application deadline for the program is November 1 of the fourth (senior) year of a student's undergraduate education, and the program is then formally entered into during the spring semester of the fourth year. Students who complete the program ultimately earn a Master of Accountancy (M.ACC.) degree and the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree with an accounting concentration. The integrated degree program will allow the student to earn both degrees in six fewer hours than if the degrees were obtained separately.

During the first three years of undergraduate coursework, the accounting student is to complete the normal schedule of all courses. Within the third year the following 15-hours of accounting and finance courses must be completed to fit in the five-year time frame of the program: ACC 331, ACC 332, ACC 346 or ACC 349, ACC 352 or ISM 470, and FIN 321. In the fall semester of the fourth year ACC 335 and ACC 435 must be completed. Upon admission into the program the student will enroll in ACC 650 and ACC 681 as part of the spring semester coursework of the fourth year. The student is then expected to continue with graduate courses in the summer term between the fourth and fifth years of study.