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Degree Overview

Bachelor of Science in Accounting 

South University's Online Programs College of Nursing and Public Health 2023 Commencement
South University 2020 Graduation

South University’s online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree, is designed to give you the skills necessary to  prepare to pursue for entry-level positions* in corporate and public accounting and financial services from the comfort and convenience of your own home**.

Your online accounting degree program will start with general education courses that can provide a base of skills that should help throughout your professional career. From there, the accounting classes can allow you to build foundational business competencies in areas including business law, communications, finance, and management. With this knowledge, you can progress to specialized online accounting courses that cover accounting information systems, financial and cost accounting, cost management, federal taxation, internal auditing, external auditing, data analytics, and information technology. In addition, you can choose electives that align with your interests to provide opportunities to gain additional skills for your business and accounting career.

*South University does not promise or guarantee employment.

** Fully online programs can have a ground clinical or practicum experience.

Admission Requirements

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or a satisfactory score on the university-administered admissions examination (see the Admissions Office) or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

To facilitate the admissions process, unofficial documentation, such as copies of transcripts or grade reports, may be used to determine admission status. Transfer status cannot be designated, however, without some verifying documentation. Admissions test scores on university administered entrance exams will not be accepted from other universities. Prospective students must take a University administered admission exam, like the Accuplacer, at South University.

A student’s failure to provide acceptable verification of proof of high school graduation within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancellation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

NOTES: Students who do not provide proof of high school graduation within the 5 week period will not be responsible for any tuition and related fees.

South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the office of the University Registrar for approval.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Transfer students accepted into South University who have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution, and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Transfer students will be exempted from developmental courses on the basis of grades earned in credit bearing English or mathematics courses transferred to South University, if applicable, or SAT or ACT, or scores on the University administered entrance exam only if the exam was taken at South University.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with less than a 2.0 GPA may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Accounting: 180 Credits

For students enrolled prior to March 2024.

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1300 Composition III 4.0 Credit Hours

Choose one additional course from the list below:

Mathematics and Statistics
MAT2058 Statistics 4.0 Credit Hours

Choose two additional courses from the following:

MAT1001 College Algebra I 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1005 College Algebra II 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1500 College Mathematics 4.0 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences (choose two)
BIO1020 Biology I 4.0 Credit Hours
BIO1021 Biology II 4.0 Credit Hours
CHM1010 General Chemistry 4.0 Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences

Choose one additional course from the following:

PSY1001 General Psychology 4.0 Credit Hours
SOC2010 Social Problems 4.0 Credit Hours
Area II Foundation Requirements 36 Credits
ACC1001 Accounting I 4.0 Credit Hours
ACC1002 Accounting II 4.0 Credit Hours
ACC1003 Accounting III 4.0 Credit Hours
BUS1038 Business Law I 4.0 Credit Hours
Area III Major Requirements: 64 Credits
Elective Pool 16 Credits

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting: 180 Credits

For students enrolled on or after March 2024.

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4.0 Credit Hours

Choose one additional course from the list below:

Mathematics and Statistics
MAT1001 College Algebra I 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1005 College Algebra II 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT2058 Statistics 4.0 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences (choose one)
BIO1020 Biology I 4.0 Credit Hours
CHM1010 General Chemistry 4.0 Credit Hours
Arts and Humanities
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Area II Foundation Requirements 36 Credits
ACC1001 Accounting I 4.0 Credit Hours
ACC1002 Accounting II 4.0 Credit Hours
ACC1003 Accounting III 4.0 Credit Hours
BUS1038 Business Law I 4.0 Credit Hours
Area III Major Requirements: 96 Credits
Elective Pool 32 Credits

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Outcomes

Offered at Online Programs.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at South University is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in corporate and/or public accounting. Additional graduate level coursework may be required to qualify to take the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Examination in the states where South University has campuses offering the program. Students should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the State Board of Accountancy in the particular state in which they wish to take the exam. South University does not guarantee third-party
certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an awareness of how culture, society, ethics, law, politics, technology and economic principles provide a context for and affect the actions and decisions of business leaders and accounting professionals.
  2. Exhibit: expertise in accounting standards, financial statements, auditing functions, budgeting, and taxation; an ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles; and the practical skills to be effective in entry-level positions.
  3. Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, their understanding of and solutions for common business problems.
  4. Apply quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills to analyze business problems within and across functional business disciplines to positively affect financial performance.
  5. Determine the extent of information needed, assess the needed information, evaluate information and its sources critically, use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose, and access and use information ethically and legally.

Online Classroom

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

  • Advanced media content
  • Personalized navigation
  • Simplified online learning atmosphere
  • Access to digital books
  • Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

Read more about online requirements here

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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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Success Stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our business and technology alumni and the difference they make. 

Jennifer Hunter Atkinson null
Jennifer Hunter Atkinson Grad Alumni
Class of '16
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Savannah

“South has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in steering my life into a direction I’m proud of. Through the last two years, I have gained tremendous support from my professors and I feel part of a community that challenges me to achieve personal and professional goals.”

Jefferson Reid 2012
Jefferson Reid Grad Alumni
Class of '12
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Savannah

“I wanted to stay in project management, but I knew my associate’s degree in aviation technology wouldn’t allow me to get where I wanted to be. A business degree was most relevant to the experience I had gained in the workforce. South University professors do a good job of teaching the concepts and then combining them.”

Annette Tornberg 2013
Annette Tornberg Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Associate of Science in Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I feel that if I did not go back to school to further my education, my job search would not have come to this conclusion. I attended college twice in my twenties, but dropped out due to lack of enthusiasm. Going back to school and completing it online is why I am now finally employed. Don’t give up. You are never too old to learn.”

Lauren Elsberry null
Lauren Elsberry Grad Alumni
Class of '12
MBA in Healthcare Administration-South University, Atlanta

“This program has helped make me better. It improved my time management. It improved my organization. I think because of its accelerated pace, it created those unexpected benefits. The classes I have taken in the AMBA program are relevant to my new position. I know my degree was something they looked at. South University has a good reputation; people have heard of it.”

Endora Todd 2004
Endora Todd Grad Alumni
Class of '04
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Montgomery

“The organization serves a unique population of students who see value in small class sizes, individual attention and support before, during and after graduation”