71 Credits AAS3230/AAS2214, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
The A.A.S. Degree in Accounting is designed to prepare learners to examine, analyze and interpret accounting data for the purpose of giving advice and preparing financial statements. Responsibilities may include recording receipts, recording disbursements, closing year end records, compiling financial statements, preparing internal management, and/or state and federal reports. Accountants perform these duties both manually and with computer assistance.
South Central College's Accounting options prepare you for immediate employment. By completing the Accountant AAS degree or the Accountant diploma you will be ready to take the Registered Accounting Practitioner (RAP) certification exam, as well as be familiar with topics covered in the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) and Enrolled Agents (EA) certification exams.
In addition, you can earn a Bachelor's degree right on the South Central College Faribault and North Mankato campuses through Concordia University St. Paul. The agreement with Concordia allows for credits from South Central College to transfer and the classes can be completed during the evening allowing you to work. Talk to an Accounting instructor for more details
NOTE: In addition to classes listed, College Readiness classes may be required of some students. See your program advisor.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 71 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $15,226
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $15,226 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (16 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses:
ACCT1800 Business Law (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the principles of law as they apply to citizens and businesses. Topics include ethics, the court system, the legal system, contracts, negotiable instruments, agency and employment, bailments, business organizations, sales and insurance. (Prerequisites: None)
ACCT1810 Financial Accounting (4 credits)
This course covers the fundamental accounting concepts and principles which are used in a business environment. Topics include an introduction to accounting and business, completing the accounting cycle, inventories, internal controls, receivables, cash flow statements and financial analysis. (Prerequisites: None)
ACCT1811 Managerial Accounting (4 credits)
This course focuses on current and long-term liabilities, partnerships, corporations, long-term investments, managerial accounting concepts, job costing, process costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, and capital budgeting. (Prerequisite: ACCT1810 with a grade of C or higher)
ACCT1814 Payroll Accounting (3 credits)
This course covers various state and federal laws pertaining to the computation and payment of salaries and wages. Topics include preparation of employment records, payroll registers, time cards, employee earnings records, and state and federal reports. In addition, we will explore setting up and maintaining a payroll system using Quickbooks. (Prerequisite: None)
ACCT1834 Computerized Accounting I (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the use of computers and related software used in the accounting function of the business environment. Topics include, but are not limited to, general ledger accounting, payroll procedures, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The student will also be introduced to spreadsheet software and its interrelationship with a fully integrated accounting software program. Software for this course includes a general ledger accounting program and a spreadsheet software program. (Prerequisite: Completion of ACCT 1810 or simultaneous enrollment in ACCT 1810 and ACCT 1834 or permission from the instructor.)
ACCT1835 Computerized Accounting II (3 credits)
This is the second of the two computerized accounting application series. Topics include, but are not limited to, general ledger accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll accounting, cash receipts and cash payments, adjusting journal entries and financial reporting. Students will continue to learn intermediate and advanced functions of spreadsheet software. The student is also introduced to business analytics - the scientific process of transforming data into insight for making better business decisions. Software for this program includes spreadsheet software and general ledger software. (Prerequisite: ACCT 1834)
ACCT1870 Professional Accounting Careers (1 credits)
This course covers specific topics relating to applying for accounting positions. Topics covered in this course are your appearance, networking tips, exploring different accounting careers, meeting your job's expectations, preparing resumes, and interviewing techniques. Each student is required to have one employment interview as part of this course. (Prerequisites: None)
ACCT2821 Intermediate Accounting I (3 credits)
This is the first of the two course intermediate accounting series. The content of this course covers an overview of the accounting process, the balance sheet, the income statement and statement of cash flows, the time value of money and other various components of the balance sheet. (Prerequisite: ACCT 1810)
ACCT2822 Intermediate Accounting II (3 credits)
This is the second of the two course intermediate accounting series. The content of the course covers operational assets, investments, current liabilities and contingencies, long-term debt, leases, accounting for income taxes, accounting changes and error corrections and other advanced accounting topics. (Prerequisites: ACCT 2821 or equivalent)
ACCT2847 Fraud, Auditing and Internal Controls (4 credits)
In this course students will learn about occupational fraud, basic auditing techniques and evaluation of internal controls. Covered topics include how and why fraud is committed, fraud detection, establishing and evaluating internal controls, and using internal auditing techniques to verify account balances. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1810)
ACCT2861 Cost Accounting I (4 credits)
This course covers managerial accounting cost concepts and behaviors. Examples of job order costing, process costing, and accounting for materials, direct labor, and factory overhead will be discussed. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1810, 1811 with a grade of C or higher)
ACCT2862 Cost Accounting II (3 credits)
This course is an extension of ACCT 2861. This course covers budgeting, standard costing, direct costing, differential analysis, capital planning, transfer pricing, and decision making under uncertainty. (Prerequisites: ACCT 2861 or equivalent)
ACCT2863 Fund/NonProfit Accounting (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to assist students in gaining a knowledge of accounting and financial reporting currently recommended for state and local governmental entities, school districts, and other not-for-profit organizations. The course will assist the student in developing a knowledge of the accounting differences between governmental and not-for-profit entities and business enterprises. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1810)
ACCT2864 Income Tax I (4 credits)
The purpose of this course is to expose students to an explanation of Federal and Minnesota individual income tax as it relates to the preparation of the required tax returns. Tax research is also examined in this course. Students will have hands-on experience in preparing Federal and Minnesota income tax returns. (Prerequisites: None)
ACCT2865 Income Tax II (3 credits)
This course provides an explanation and interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code as applied to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Topics include business income, expenses, business tax credits, withholding and payment of established estate and trust tax issues, taxes, installment sales, and inventories. (Prerequisites: ACCT 2864)
ACCT2900 Accounting Review (3 credits)
This course reviews financial accounting, ethics and professional conduct, business law, taxation and managerial accounting concepts. This course will prepare the student for the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for Accreditations in Accountancy. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1800, 2821, 2861, 2864)
Elective Credits (3 Credits)
Choose 3 credits from ACCT, MKT,COMP or OTEC
Required Arts and Sciences (5 Courses)
To complete the Accountant AAS Degree, students must complete 17 MNTC credits from 3 of the 10 MNTC Goal areas. The following courses are required:
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
COMM110 Public Speaking (3 credits)
Learners in this class develop (or improve) skills in creating, organizing, supporting, and delivering both informative and persuasive messages to peer audiences. Through this course, students will develop arguments and practice academic research skills in order to adequately support their messages and develop credibility and professionalism. Learners will practice critical thinking and listening skills, support fellow students while delivering impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and provide peer feedback to ideas and speech development. This course stresses building confidence as public communicators so students may speak effectively at work, in their communities, and as citizens in a democracy. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) (MNTC: Goal areas 1 and 9).
OR
COMM120 Small Group Communication (3 credits)
This course helps students develop or improve their participation in small groups and teams using effective communication and critical thinking. Content of the course includes both knowledge and skills components. Students can develop an understanding of communication and group theory while applying their knowledge in small group discussions, cooperative projects, and other activities. The course curriculum emphasizes reflection and growth. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC: Goals 1 and 2).
ECON110 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
Macroeconomics is the study of issues that affect whole economies including economic growth, employment levels, management of the money supply, international trade, and economic instability. The course will examine tools governments can use to stabilize and grow economies, as well as controversies surrounding their use. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) This class satisfies MnTC Goal Area 5 (History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences) and MnTC Goal Area 9 (Ethical and Civic Responsibility).
OR
ECON120 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
Microeconomics is the study of how people, businesses, governments, and other institutions make economic decisions. Topics include market price determination, income determination, resource allocation, and impacts of government policies. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) This course satisfies MnTC Goal Area 5 (Hist/Soc/Behav Science) and Goal Area 2 (Critical Thinking).
MATH115 Concepts in Math (4 credits)
Concepts in Mathematics is a general education survey course designed to spotlight the field as an important component of our cultural heritage. It introduces a broad range of topics from classical as well as modern mathematics. The emphasis is on problem solving and developing the logical skills to successfully defend solutions, while at the same time showing how mathematics is a creative human endeavor influencing how we perceive the world. Among the major topics considered are logic, set theory, axiomatic systems, number theory, number systems, analytic geometry, algebra, combinatorics, and elementary probability. (Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer QAS score of 237 to 300; or Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher AND Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher; or completion of either MATH 0085 or MATH 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or ACT Math score of 19 or higher or MCA Math score of 1148 or higher) (MNTC 4: Math/Logical Reasoning)
OR
MATH120 College Algebra (4 credits)
College algebra studies functions and their applications. This course focuses on linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and related equations, inequalities, and graphs. Additional topics include inverse functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, sequences and series, and the Binomial Theorem. MATH 120 satisfies the MNTC Category 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirement. (Prerequisites: Corequisite enrollment in MATH 0098 OR Completion of MATH 0098 OR MATH 0085 OR MATH 0095 with a grade of C or higher OR Accuplacer score of 56+ in Arithmetic and 76+ in Elementary Algebra and 50+ in College Math OR Next Gen Accuplacer score 250-300 AAF OR ACT Math score 22-36 OR MCA score 1158-1164)
OR
MATH154 Elementary Statistics (4 credits)
This course introduces the essential mathematical elements of statistics, applying them to a broad range of areas, including business, economics, and the physical, biological and social sciences. Topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion, variability, graphical displays, normal and t-distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, estimation, linear regression, correlation, and other selected statistical topics. Math 154 satisfies the MNTC Category 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirement. (Prerequisite: Corequisite enrollment in MATH 0099, OR Completion of MATH 0099 OR MATH 0085 OR MATH 0095 with a grade of C or higher, OR NextGen score of 250-300 QAS, OR ACT score of 19+, OR MCA score of 1148+, OR an Accuplacer test score of 56 or above in Arithmetic AND a score of 76 or above in Elementary Algebra)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
