Jul 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Accounting, BAS


180 credits

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Accounting program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of accounting and auditing positions, such as: accountant, cost accountant, tax accountant, managerial accountant, forensic accountant, auditor, financial auditor, internal auditor, and management advisory services consultant.

The BAS in Accounting program enables an individual to combine their career and technical or academic transfer associate degree with upper-division credits, resulting in a unique applied bachelor’s degree. This program provides instruction and training on topics and skills needed by today’s employers, including intermediate accounting, information systems and controls, cost accounting, taxation, and finance, with emphasis on business analytics. The program culminates in an internship or capstone experience. This program includes the breadth and academic rigor required for students who wish to continue their studies at the master’s level.

In addition to being prepared for employment in the accounting field and additional studies, graduates of this program may be eligible to take the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam and/or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) Exam in Washington State. In addition to passing the CPA/CMA Exam, additional college credits and prescribed work experience are required for licensure/certification. For information on becoming a CPA, visit the Washington State Board of Accountancy: https://acb.wa.gov/ For information on becoming a CMA, visit the IMA website: https://www.imanet.org/ 

Contacts: Nicole Harris, CPA, Faculty Program Director, nharris@greenriver.edu; Mary Butcher, Program Manager, mbutcher@greenriver.edu

Program Website: BAS in Accounting | https://www.greenriver.edu/students/academics/degrees-programs/accounting/

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the BAS in Accounting program provide access to students from both career and technical programs and academic transfer programs. These requirements ensure that prospective students are prepared for success in the program. Entry requirements are:

Note: Students who may not meet all the entry requirements are encouraged to contact the Program Manager or Program Director to discuss and, as needed, develop an educational plan to prepare for entry into the program.

Students must submit an application and be accepted into the program prior to enrolling in any 300- or 400-level course.

Graduation Requirements


  • Completion of an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university is required to graduate from this program.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Program Outcomes


Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

  1. Apply the accounting concepts, principles, and standards of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to the measurement and reporting of economic transactions.
  2. Analyze data, using common data analytics tools, to support organizational decision making.
  3. Analyze and apply information systems concepts to the accounting process.
  4. Analyze, interpret, and audit financial statements and other quantitative and qualitative accounting and finance data.
  5. Use cost management systems and techniques, including budgeting and variance analysis to inform organizational decision making.
  6. Apply U.S. federal income tax rules, prepare federal income tax returns for individuals and businesses, and explain tax implications of business decisions.
  7. Apply best practices to foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams and organizations.
  8. Drawing on experience gained throughout the program, demonstrate knowledge, technical skills, communication and interpersonal skills, and a professional attitude in a capstone internship or project.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to pursue next steps for career and professional development in the accounting and auditing industry.

General Education Requirements (50 credits)


Communication Skills (10 credits)


Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning Skills (5 credits)


Choose one of the following:

Social Science (5 credits)


Choose one of the following:

Natural Science (5 credits)


Five credits Natural Science lab course in List A from distribution course list.

Required Additional Credits (70 credits)


Last Revised:


7/1/2024