LAKERS TOGETHER: Grand Valley is preparing for successful learning experiences when classes resume on Aug. 31. Learn more about the plan for fall in this handbook.
Accounting, B.B.A.
Accounting is the language of business and a challenging and rewarding discipline. Accountants provide vital information, analysis and insight about the value and performance of organizations to executives, managers, investors and other decision-makers.
Source: EMSI, 2020
Available as a minor.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in accounting provides a solid foundation for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), as well as career opportunities in corporate accounting, auditing, taxation, and management of business, government and nonprofit organizations.
Students may choose to continue their education with the Master of Science in Accounting or the specialized Master of Science in Taxation degrees offered by the Seidman College of Business.
Why Study Accounting at Grand Valley?
- Exceptional CPA and CMA exam pass rates.
- On-campus recruitment by Big-4, regional, and local public accounting firms as well as major corporations.
- A substantial internship and full-time employment recruiting process with over 600 on-campus interviews annually.
- Highly engaged faculty who are committed to student success and recognized as experts in their field.
- Specialized Accounting Accreditation, one of only 186 institutions in the world.
- Preparation for the CPA and other professional accounting and auditing exams such as the Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Management Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Information Systems Auditor.
- Accounting internships are highly compensated relative to internships in other fields.
- Professional development, student organizations, and networking opportunities as well as an alumni-based mentorship program.
Location & Format
All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus. Students in this major continue their upper division studies downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
In addition to courses covering each functional area of business, the accounting program covers the following topics:
- Accounting ethics
- Financial accounting
- Taxation
- Accounting information systems
- External and internal auditing
- Managerial and cost accounting
Career Options
A Seidman accounting degree provides a great deal of flexibility in career choice and career progression. Students may begin their careers as auditors, staff accountants, financial analysts, or consultants.
Accountants may progress in their careers to specializations within accounting and business, middle management, and eventually to executive roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and/or Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Skills Employers Want
The B.B.A. in Accounting at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual accounting job postings.
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Financial statements
- Accounting principles
- General ledger
- Tax return
- Budgeting
- Tax planning
- Forecasting
- Book keeping
Admission Requirements
Direct Admission
Each year, the Seidman College of Business admits a select few students directly into the business college as first-year students. This honor is reserved for students who have a 26 or higher composite score on the ACT, or a score of 1240 and higher on the SAT, and a 3.5 or higher high school GPA.
Secondary Admission
For students not admitted as first-year students, the Seidman College of Business's admission criteria require students to have
- completed at least 55 semester hours (junior status);
- achieved a 2.5 or higher overall GPA; and
- completed select courses with a 2.5 or higher combined GPA. Transfer student grades for comparable classes being transferred into Grand Valley will be used to calculate this combined GPA.
Visit catalog for more details.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Seidman College of Business
gvsu.edu/seidman
50 Front
Avenue SW, SCB 3030
(616) 331-7500
“Understanding the basic foundations of accounting really helped accelerate my career.”
KYLE CROCKETT
ACCOUNTING ALUMNUS
ACCOUNTING ALUMNUS