The Department of Business and Accounting educates undergraduates for productive careers in a diverse, global business environment. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or in Accounting, the two majors that the department offers, may begin learning about business-related subjects in their first year of college.
Students are urged to participate in the department's active student organizations. These include Beta Alpha, for those interested in Accounting, the Pioneer Investment Club, and student chapters of the Society for the Advancement of Management (S.A.M.) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
The Accounting major is designed to prepare students for careers in public accounting, industry, or governmental agencies. Students completing the requirements of the major are qualified to take the certified management accountant (CMA) examination and, after completion of 150 hours of college credit, the certified public accountant (CPA) examination.
Internships that have the prior approval of either the department internship coordinator or chairperson are required for Business Administration majors and are strongly encouraged for Accounting majors.
Because they will interact with people worldwide during their careers, Business and Accounting students are urged to increase their exposure to and awareness of various nations and cultures. The university provides many ways in which they can do this including exchange programs and an acclaimed study abroad program.
Distance Education Degree Program in Business AdministrationThe Department of Business and Accounting offers a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration and an optional Accounting minor to students at a distance. They may choose to take online or print courses, and no campus attendance is required. Department faculty members guide students in their course work.
Online courses are conducted in sessions that are similar to the fall, spring, and summer terms on campus. Online courses emphasize student interaction, whereas print courses feature self-paced study. Students may register for print courses on any working day of the year.
The degree delivered at a distance is the same bachelor of science degree in Business Administration that students earn on campus. It allows adults to balance an education with other personal and/or job-related commitments.
Upon graduation, accounting majors typically pursue professional certifications. In addition to the CPA and CMA certifications noted above, accountants also may be licensed as Certified Internal Auditors (CIA). All professional certifications require individuals to pass a national examination and complete several years of professional practice.
Most states have changed the education standards that individuals who wish to take the CPA examination must meet. Typically, applicants must have completed 150 hours of college credit.
UW-Platteville graduates majoring in accounting have several attractive options for meeting the 150 credit hour requirement. These include:The major includes required courses and completion of an emphasis area. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 in all courses required for the Business Administration major including the area of emphasis.
Required: (45 credits)Students majoring in business administration must complete and approved 3-credit internship that counts either as an elective in most emphasis areas within the major or as general elective credits. An internship in food or grocery distribution is required for the Food Marketing emphasis. More information is available at the department Web site or from the department chair.
Note: An internship may be used to fulfill elective requirement in any emphasis area except Applied Management, Computer Science, or Food Marketing.
Completion of a second major or any minor EXCEPT those designed for education majors (varying credits).
Students must consult with their academic advisor to select 15 credits from among courses with a BUSADMIN prefix at the 3000 and 4000 levels.
The department offers certificates for those who wish to gain specialized expertise in an area but who do not plan to seek a degree. Certificates are primarily intended for those completing business courses at a distance.