Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting are provided a structure and environment in which they develop skills, acquire knowledge, expand their ability to understand complex business situations, and achieve a level of overall maturity and sophistication expected of a business professional. The curriculum focuses on fundamental theories and concepts in the fields of Accounting and Business Administration as well as applications of the informational skills and tools necessary for problem solving and decision making. Graduates are enabled to:
- Communicate effectively and articulately in written, oral and electronic form as appropriate for business functions
- Think critically about business issues, theory and application
- Use effective human relationship skills to work in a diverse culture and function positively in a team environment
- Apply critical thinking skills to identify what information is needed and how to obtain this information through appropriate technology, evaluating the quality and relevance of the sources and using the information effectively and ethically
- Evaluate business problems, gather, manipulate and interpret data, analyze alternatives, decide on most effective solution, implement solution and monitor results for continuous improvement
A variety of careers are available to to graduates having earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting including, but not limited to: Internal Auditor, Management Accountant, Comptroller / Controller, Cost Accountant, IRS Agent, State Auditor, Bank Examiner, Municipal Accountant, FBI Agent, University Accountant, Charitable Organization Accountant, Hospital Accountant, Audit/Assurance Service Professional, Tax Accountant and Consulting / Management Advisory Services.
In addition to the Bachelor of Science Degree with a concentration in Accounting, interested students may have the opportunity to enroll in the following:
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Accounting – 33 Hours
This program is designed to facilitate career changes and/or advancement for business and non-business baccalaureate degree holders. All coursework required in the program must carry a grade of C or better to count toward fulfillment of the requirements. Test-out credit in required courses is not permitted, and at least 21 credits of required courses must have been completed at West Virginia State University after completion of a bachelor degree. Based upon an undergraduate transcript evaluation, a faculty advisor may require applicants for admission to the program to complete those cognate courses necessary for success in the required certificate courses. For those who have met the prerequisites for the required courses, the certificate program will include the following courses: BA 210, 215, 216, 314, 315, 325, 363, 364, 365, 403 and 418.
- Certificate in Forensic Accounting - 15 hours
This certificate is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate students at West Virginia State University who seek a credential in Forensic Accounting. The certificate program is also open to post-baccalaureate and post-associate degree holders who wish to seek professional development or additional credentials in the area of business, specifically specialized accounting knowledge of fraud examination, complex accounting topics and financial instruments. For those who have met the prerequisites for the required courses the certificate will include the following courses: BA 319 or 414, 365, 403, 404, and 418.
- Students Wishing To Take The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam
Individuals sitting for the CPA exam may be subject to additional college coursework requirements to be eligible to take the exam. Several models exist for acquiring those additional hours specified by the West Virginia Board of Accountancy. See one of the Accounting advisors for discussion of your options and recommendations for the model that best fits your situation. To obtain information about qualifications to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in West Virginia, please visit: https://www.boa.wv.gov/exam/AcademicRequirements.asp
The Accounting Department is part of the Business Administration Program which has received additional academic accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP is a specialized accrediting organization that reviews the quality and integrity of business degree programs. Accreditation by ACBSP is based on an independent evaluation of an institution’s business school or program by a group of professionals, which include faculty and academic administrators in the field of business
ACBSP Accreditation
The Business and Economics Departments have received an additional academic accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP is a specialized accrediting organization that reviews the quality and integrity of business degree programs. Accreditation by ACBSP is based on an independent evaluation of an institution’s business school or program by a group of professionals, which include faculty and academic administrators in the field of business. This additional accreditation provides the following benefits:
Benefits for the Institution
- The pursuit of accreditation reinforces a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and scholarship.
- The process of preparing an accreditation self-study enhances the focus on quality of student learning and renews a commitment to the educational mission.
- The recognition of effective business units through accreditation contributes to a more positive review by regional accreditors, as specialized accreditation is a confirmation of quality programming in specific divisions.
- Accredited status creates greater visibility for the institution.
- Accreditation provides prestige and credibility when seeking funding resources from donors, foundations, governments.
- In some states accredited status counts heavily in performance-based funding.
- Accreditation leads to more successful articulation of business credits.
- The accredited institution can utilize press releases to advertise accreditation status.
- Accredited status is printed in the college catalog.
- Accredited status is printed on business cards.
- Accredited status is posted on the college website.
- Accreditation provides a sense of pride within the institution.
Benefits for the Business & Economics Units
- Accreditation creates a process for continuous departmental improvement.
- Accreditation provides the impetus for identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Accreditation keeps the programs current through curriculum development.
- Accreditation provides a forum for review and analysis of the business unit.
- Accreditation promotes an outcomes assessment process linking goals, activities, and outcomes.
- Accreditation creates guidelines for faculty credentials, which leads to higher standards in hiring, increased scholarly and professional activities, and more focused faculty development decisions.
- Accreditation creates guidelines when structuring programs.
- Accreditation provides a platform to share ideas and to question the status-quo, leading to effective change.
- Accreditation is a source of pride among program faculty and staff.
- Accreditation validates quality of work in the business unit.
- The business unit realizes greater local prestige through accreditation.
- Accreditation provides leverage when seeking on-campus resources.
- Accredited status leads to more effective acquisition of technology.
- Accreditation status is referenced when submitting budgets, grant proposals, and course/program proposals.
- Accredited status assists in recruitment of faculty.
- Accreditation activities are communicated to the Board of Trustees.
- Accredited status is printed on Business Division stationery.
- Accredited status is printed on course syllabi.
- The certificate of accreditation is prominently displayed.
- Accredited status is printed on brochures and newsletters.
Benefits for Faculty and Staff
- Accreditation provides a sense of pride within the business faculty and staff when national peers have validated a program.
- Faculty at accredited institutions are provided opportunities to keep current in quality procedures through seminars such as Baldrige training.
- Faculty experience a boost of self-esteem when teaching in an accredited business unit.
- Accreditation provides professional development and leadership opportunities for faculty and administrators in development of outcome assessments and conducting site visits to other institutions.
Benefits for Students
- Accreditation creates the impetus for relevancy and currency of faculty, programs, and courses to best serve students.
- The pursuit of accreditation enhances the ability to serve students by assuring a focus on quality performance.
- Accredited status requires an ongoing effort to provide excellent equipment, software, and learning resources for students.
- Accredited status reaffirms the commitment to effective student services.
- Students refer to accreditation status on resumes and in employment interviews.
- Accredited status provides the ability to host a chapter of Delta Mu Delta or Kappa Beta Delta honorary society, recognizing accomplishments of business students.
- Students who join these honorary societies can cite their special recognition when pursuing scholarships and writing resumes.
Benefits for the Community
- Accredited status provides recognition of the ability to serve community stakeholders.
- Accreditation creates the impetus for relevancy and currency of faculty, programs, and courses to best serve employers.
- External advisory committees learn the importance of accreditation.
- External advisory committee members can transfer the accreditation process to their continuous improvement efforts.
ACBSP Reports
2008-2009 Quality Assurance Report
ACBSP Response from 2008-2009 Quality Assurance Report
WVSU Report Requested 2011
ACBSP Response Jan 2012
2008 - 2011 Quality Assurance Report
ACBSP Response 2013
2015 Reaffirmation Letter
West Virginia State University - November 2017 QA Board Response
ACBSP Assessment
Standard 3 - Business & Economics Assessment Results Fall 2017
Standard 4 - Business & Economics Assessment Results Fall 2017
Standard 6 - Business & Economics Assessment Results Fall 2017
Standard 3 - Business & Economics Assessment Results Spring 2021
Standard 4 - Business & Economics Assessment Results Spring 2021
Standard 6 - Business & Economics Assessment Results AY 2019-2020
ACBSP Accredited Program Graduates
Graduates by ACBSP Accredited Program 2012-2017
Program Review - Public Information
BSBA Program Review Responses - Public-Information 2017 - 2021
Delta Mu Delta
Delta Mu Delta is a business honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities to create a DMD community that fosters the well-being of its individual members and the business community through life-time membership. The WVSU DMD Chapter Faculty Adviser is Michael Lewis. To learn more about DMD visit
http://deltamudelta.org/ and contact Michael Lewis via email at
lewis@wvstateu.edu.
Alpha Sigma
Alpha Sigma is an accounting honor society that recognizes academic excellence in Accounting coursework for students pursuing a carer in Accounting or a closely related field. Additionally, Alpha sigma is purposed to inform its members about the future an accounting degree offers, networking with local, regional and national accounting professionals, and opportunities for professional skillset development. The WVSU Alpha Sigma Faculty Adviser is Matthew Carroll. To learn more about Alpha sigma contact Matthew Carroll at
mcarrol2@wvstateu.edu.
Faculty & Staff