Course description
At Akron Institute we are focused on providing our students with marketable skills that will help them attain their career objectives. Our programs are designed to ensure that the skills and knowledge we teach our students parallel those in demand in the workplace. The best way to get more information about our programs is to visit our campus to meet with one of our admissions representatives.
Program Description
The program prepares students with the necessary skills and academic knowledge for entry-level positions in various business enterprises. These career opportunities may be in areas such as accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeper, cost accounting, and payroll accounting.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of their program, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to utilize industry standard accounting principles and accounting based software.
2. Demonstrate advanced mastery of industry standard work processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
3. Demonstrate the ability to define and articulate accounting, payroll, ethical and legal issues impacting contemporary business practices.
4. Think critically both conceptually and by using mathematical analysis; write and speak effectively; use basic computer applications; and understand human behavior in the context of the greater society.
Potential Job Position Titles
Potential entry-level job position titles include account specialist, accounting clerk, accounts payable/receivable clerk, cost accountant, bookkeeper, payroll clerk, and payroll accountant.
Program Length
The average length of time for a student taking a full course load is five semesters.
Program Content
A minimum of 74 semester credit hours is required for graduation.
Required Courses
All courses, 32 semester credit hours, are required.
AC 103 Accounting I
This introductory accounting course provides the practical application of the concepts and principles of the accounting cycle for service businesses. Topics include an overview of accounting concepts and procedures; analyzing and recording transactions; beginning the accounting cycle by journalizing, posting, and working with the trial balance; using worksheets, financial statements, and adjusting entries; completing the accounting cycle with adjusting, closing, and post-closing trial balance; working with cash and its control; working with accounting systems, journals, internal controls and an introduction to cash flow management. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: IS 102 Computers and Application Software.
AC 110 Payroll Accounting
This is a comprehensive payroll accounting course providing practical application of the concepts and principles of payroll accounting including payroll law. Payroll law topics include the Fair labor Standards Act, FUTA and SUTA tax, FICA, SECA, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Payroll accounting transaction topics include payroll record keeping and payroll law; computing payroll; computing payroll taxes, social security taxes, self-employment, FUTA and SUTA taxes and completing government forms (941); income tax withholding (employer and employee); and analyzing and journalizing payroll transactions as well as comprehensive hands-on project to reinforce practical application of these concepts. This course also provides a tutorial using current industry software. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 103 Accounting I.
AC 205 Accounting II
This accounting course provides practical application of the concepts and principles of the accounting cycle for merchandising businesses with an emphasis upon partnerships and the analysis of financial statements. Topics include accounting for partnerships, accounting for long-term assets and liabilities, managing inventory, investing in capital assets, preparing and using cash flow statements; and the analysis and interpretation of financial statements. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 103 Accounting I.
AC 312 Intermediate Accounting I
This accounting course provides instruction in practical application within the conceptual framework of financial accounting. Instruction in this course provides the theoretical supports as well as technical skills needed for decision making and problem solving within the financial reporting environment including discussion and application of accounting systems, changes of stockholders' equity, cost measurement and flow assumptions, revenue recognition, special valuation issues, acquisition and disposition of fixed assets, measuring and reporting intangible assets and valuation of depreciation and depletion methods. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 205 Accounting II.
BU 105 Business Principles and Management
This course introduces the environment of American business with an overview of various topics that serve as a foundation for further study of business. Topics include the environments in which businesses operate; the organizational structures of businesses; management functions in an enterprise; and the challenges of managing marketing, operations, information technology, finance, and human resources. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: none.
BU 206 Business Law I
This course provides a study of the American legal system and its effect on business and business organizations, as well as an overview of the ethical issues that businesses encounter. Topics include the foundation of the American legal system, the bill of Rights, business law and ethics, jurisdiction, the structure of the court system, torts, intellectual property, criminal law, cyber crimes, contracts, and sales and leases. Prerequisite: none.
EC 101 Principles of Economics
This course presents an overview of the American economic system. Topics include the principles of economics; the elements of supply and demand; the concepts of money, spending, output, and income; national income analysis; inflation, unemployment and related stabilization factors; the impact of trade and the function of prices in markets; and the relationship of economics to environmental issues. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: none.
IS 124 Database Applications
This course provides the study of the principles and features of a leading desktop database management system. Topics include creating and managing databases, data management and integrity, working with queries and forms, managing reports, using tools and macros, database and file management, analyzing and filtering data, relational databases, and linking databases to the Web. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: IS 102 Computers and Application Software.
IS 160 Spreadsheets
This course presents the practical application of the concepts and features of a leading spreadsheet package Topics include using and managing worksheets and workbooks; applying formatting and style features; working with data, formulas, and functions; managing charts and graphics; working with outlines, views, and reports; automating tasks with the macro feature; using auditing tools, collaborative tools, and hyperlinks; and integrating with other programs. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: IS 102 Computers and Application Software.
Elective Courses
A minimum of 19 semester credit hours is required.
AC 220 Finance
This course introduces corporate financial management and analysis. Topics include evaluating financial performance; measuring cash flow; forecasting and planning; and capital budgeting and the cost of capital. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 103 Accounting I.
AC 304 Cost Accounting
This course is designed to introduce the principles and concepts of a cost accounting system. Topics include cost accounting principles; accounting for materials, labor, and factory overhead; job-order cost accounting practices; process cost accounting procedures; standard cost accounting methods; and cost analysis for management decision-making. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 205 Accounting II.
AC 305 Managerial Accounting
This course focuses on managerial accounting concepts by determining costs of products and services for planning and controlling business operations. Topics include management accounting concepts; working with cost concepts, cost behavior, product costing, and costing systems; accounting for planning and control through the master and flexible budgets; and capital budgeting and related business decisions. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 103 Accounting I.
AC 312 Intermediate Accounting I
This accounting course provides instruction in practical application within the conceptual framework of financial accounting. Instruction in this course provides the theoretical supports as well as technical skills needed for decision making and problem solving within the financial reporting environment including discussion and application of accounting systems, changes of stockholders' equity, cost measurement and flow assumptions, revenue recognition, special valuation issues, acquisition and disposition of fixed assets, measuring and reporting intangible assets and valuation of depreciation and depletion methods. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 205 Accounting II.
AC 325 Intermediate Accounting II
This accounting course provides instruction in practical application within the conceptual framework of financial accounting. Instruction in this course provides the theoretical supports as well as technical skills needed for decision making and problem solving within the financial reporting environment including discussion and application of financial reporting issues for liabilities and contingencies, long-term liabilities and receivables, investments, income taxes, accounting for capital and operating leases, issuance of capital stock and bonds, the statement of cash flow, changes in equity, and reporting accounting changes in estimates. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 312 Intermediate Accounting I.
AC 350 Advanced Computerized Accounting
This course is designed to enable the student to transfer the accounting theory learned in AC103 - Accounting I and AC205 Accounting II and apply to a computerized accounting environment. The students will utilize software commonly used in the work place, which will facilitate the transformation of accounting theory to accounting practice. This approach will only enhance the student's ability to quickly adapt to the professional accounting environment. Accounting skills applied to the software program utilized include accrual accounting, non-customer cash receipts, sales, and cash receipts, payroll expense, journal entries, etc. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 205 Accounting II.
AC 410 Taxation I
This course is a basic analysis of the federal tax system. The role of taxation in society and sources of tax authority are examined as well as tax aspects on the formation, reorganization, and liquidation of corporations. Topics include taxation issues in partnerships, S corporations, corporations focusing on income inclusions and exclusions, reporting expenses including depreciation and accounting for inventory as well as basic tax planning and research. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 205 Accounting II.
AC 414 Auditing I
This course is a study of the theory of auditing including the educational and moral qualifications for auditors as well as the role of the auditor in the American economy. Topics include professional standards and the ethics, legal liability, planning and designing the audit program, gathering and summarizing evidence, and internal control. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 205 Accounting II.
AC 430 Auditing II
This course provides instruction in how to perform an audit of companies' financial statements. Topics related to audit sampling, reviewing of balances and transactions, completion of audit, and other assurance and attestation services covered. This course will focus on providing the basis on audit sampling, how to perform an audit of sales, cash receipts, accounts receivables and accounts payables, prepaid assets, accrued liabilities, payroll, inventory, and fixed assets. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: AC 414 Auditing I.
BU 245 Business Communication
This course introduces communication theories and strategies for a variety of business situations, including memo, letters, meetings, presentations, proposals, reports, and technology-based communications. Using a developmental approach to business communication, the course examines methods for organizing ideas, analyzing data, addressing diverse concerns, presenting information, developing a professional communication style, and developing negotiation skills. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisites: BU 105 business Principles and Management, EN104 English Composition I.
BU 294 Career Internship
This is an elective course in associate degree programs that students take in their 4th or 5th semester. The career internship course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in a variety of business-related studies. The outcome of the internship is an informed student fully appraised of the opportunities his/her degree program offers for professional growth. During the internship phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in the actual field that the student has been educated for. The internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in duties typical of a contemporary work place setting. Student learning will center on observing experienced personnel, as well as, participating in actual hands-on procedures under close supervision of trained professionals. 4 credit hours. Prerequisite: 4th or 5th semester and GPA of 2.5, PD 214 AS/AAS/BS Internship Preparation.
BU 335 Public Relations
This course introduces public relations in terms of its role, process, strategy, application, and tactics in relation to giving messages to various audiences. Topics include ethics as applied to public relations; research and evaluation of communications; the audience and strategies to reach various audiences; corporations and groups that use public relation departments and firms; and how to use visual, written, and spoken messages in public relations. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisites: EN 104 English Composition I, En 116 Speech, and PS 101 Psychology.
BU 355 Leadership Theory and Practice
This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge regarding leadership practices and theories. The student should develop an operational understanding of leadership concepts and theories to engage and reflect on leadership topics. leadership requires an understanding of both the organizational values within which one operates and one's personal values. This course examines these underlying values and guides leaders in developing an organizational vision that reflects their values at both the individual and organizational levels. This course teaches leadership skills useful in both the short-and long- term. 3 credit hours. Prerequisites: BU 105 business Principles and Management and PS 101 Psychology.
BU 400 International Business
This course offers a comparative analysis of market conditions and business practices in the global economy with emphasis on international economic factors and institutions. Topics include trade and exchange rates; financial issues, marketing strategies, and business development; international management; and the impact of government policies. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: BU 105 business Principles and Management.
MA 175 Business Mathematics
This course provides instruction in the mathematical operations associated with the retail, banking, and accounting industries. Topics include decimals, fractions, and percentages; bank services; interest and payment plans; purchase orders and invoices; selling prices and mark-ups; and payroll and inventory procedures. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
General Education Requirements
Students enrolled in associate degrees must complete a minimum of 21 semester credit hours in general education.
EN 104 English Composition I
This course introduces the principles and practices of developing effective communications by using reflective critical thinking in the writing and reading processes. Topics include understanding the writing process; applying essay development patterns; using research techniques; and writing essays, summaries, reports, and research papers. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
EN 106 Information Literacy
This course introduces the principles and practices of information literacy by using reflective critical thinking in the research and writing processes. Topics include understanding the research process; evaluating resources; using research techniques; outlining, providing in-text citations; understanding APA style, and using appropriate voice in writing formal research papers. 1.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
EN 116 Speech
The course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to develop speaking and presentation skills in a variety of situations. Topics include the elements and structure of speeches, researching topics and developing presentation materials, analyzing and responding to audience characteristics, learning effective speech techniques, and delivering different types of speeches. Microsoft PowerPoint is used as a presentation tool. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
IS 102 Computers and Application Software
This course provides an introduction to operating systems, browsers, and email as well as word processing, presentation, spreadsheets, and database applications. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
MA 107 College Algebra
This course focuses on the concepts and applications of algebra. Topics include an arithmetic review; operations with algebraic expressions; solving linear and quadratic equations; factoring algebraic expressions; and using exponents, powers, roots, ratios, and proportions to solve problems. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
PS 101 Psychology
This course introduces psychology that focuses on understanding human behavior. Topics include the scope of psychology; biological foundations and the brain; the concepts of sensation, perception, conditioning, and learning; the nature of memory; motivation and emotion; states of consciousness; personality theories; dealing with health and stress; developing coping strategies; and social psychology. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
HU 101 Critical Thinking
This course is designed to introduce the theories and application of critical analysis with emphasis on developing sequential reasoning skills. Topics include the foundations of arguments, value assumptions and ethical decision making, reality assumptions and deductive arguments, inductive arguments and generalizations, reasoning errors, the power of language, the impact of media power, and persuasive speaking. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.
Personal Development Courses
A minimum of two semester credit hours is required in addition to PD 214.
PD 100 Student Success Skills
This course provides instruction in the both theory and practice of personal growth that lead to successful life experience. Topics include research in critical self-analysis of student habits and attitudes; and psychological impediments to successfully setting and achieving personal goals. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 120 Personal Financial Management
This course deals with the concepts of personal financial planning and financial control. Topics center on critical self examination of student planning techniques through analysis and research of personal financial legal documents, checking accounts and banking services; income tax procedures; savings methods; investment planning; risk management and insurance; and credit records, credit law, and the cost of credit. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 150 Client Services
This course provides a critical examination of issues embedded in the practice of providing client service. Topics include research about best practice in customer service and communication techniques; psychologically based methods for dealing with the management of customer complaints; and the roles of a customer service employee and supervisor within ethical boundaries and common business practice. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 200 Career Development Seminar
This seminar provides an opportunity for the student to apply critical self-examination techniques and processes for developing a career path and an awareness of the need to embed life-long learning into career management. Topics include career planning research, job searching, developing career search documents, and refining interview and communication skills within an awareness of psychological boundaries implicit in this process. Successful completion of this course requires the creation of a professional resume suitable for e-mail. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 214 AS/AAS/BS Internship Preparation
This course will assist students in finding and securing the elective internship experience for credit in either an Associate or Bachelor program. Students must pass this course in order to be cleared to start working at their internship site. Students will discover ways to approach a facility about an internship, access the tools they will need to successfully get your internship approved and successfully land an internship that correlates to your field of study.
