Integrated M.ACC. and B.B.A. Degree Program

Purpose

Belmont University's integrated M.ACC. and B.B.A. degree program is designed to meet today's needs of those wishing to make accounting a career choice. The accounting profession has experienced many changes in recent years including advances in computer and information technology, increased consulting opportunities, and growing competition in national and global markets. Today's accountants must possess much more than just technical accounting knowledge; they must also have a broad understanding of various business activities and possess strong communication, intellectual, and interpersonal skills.

In recognition of those additional skills most states, including Tennessee, have passed laws or issued regulations requiring at least 150 hours of higher education to sit for the uniform CPA examination. Also the AICPA requires new members to possess 150 hours of higher education.

Increasingly, businesses are hiring new professionals who have master's degrees. These include public accounting firms, manufacturing companies, and service providers in healthcare, finance, and insurance, as well as governmental organizations. Belmont's integrated accountancy degree is a program which meets employer needs and provides graduates with exceptional career opportunities.

Admission Requirements

1. Prior admission as a candidate for an undergraduate degree in the Undergraduate School of Business Administration.
2. Completion of 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with 30 of these hours being completed at Belmont University. The 90 hours should include: a. Undergraduate School of Business Tool Courses b. MTH 1210 or MTH 2140 c. FIN 3210, and d. ACC 3310, 3320, 3460 or 3490, and ACC 3520 or ISM 4700.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all accounting courses completed.
4. An acceptable GMAT score.
5. Application to the Massey Graduate School of Business which includes two letters of recommendation, a written statement of professional and personal goals, an application fee of $50, and an interview with the Master of Accountancy coordinator.

Curricular Plan

The integrated program is only for accounting concentration students enrolled at Belmont University and is designed to be completed in a five-year time period. The application deadline for the program is coincident with the relevant Massey School deadline for the student's penultimate undergraduate semester, and the program is then formally entered into during the fall semester of the fourth year. Students who complete the program ultimately earn a Master of Accountancy (M.ACC.) degree and the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree with an accounting concentration. The integrated degree program will allow the student to earn both degrees in four fewer graduate hours than if the degrees were obtained separately.

During the first three years of undergraduate coursework, the accounting student is to complete the normal schedule of all courses. Upon admission into the program, the student will enroll in two MACC classes in addition to any remaining undergraduate coursework. The student is then expected to continue with graduate courses in the summer semester between the fourth and fifth years of study. Until the undergraduate degree is completed, students may take only these two graduate courses.