Bachelor of Science in Accounting Studies (BSAS)
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting Studies (BSAS) degree provides a broad-based business education with a focus on industry knowledge. This accelerated program is intended to allow students seeking a bachelor’s degree to complete coursework quickly by utilizing previously completed vocational coursework (Occupational Specialization). By utilizing vocational coursework, the BSAS degree serves the Rockford community by fostering partnerships between area institutions and industries.
The BSAS degree is composed of the Occupational Specialization credits along with general education courses and accounting concentration specific coursework. Students may be able to transfer credits within any of these degree components, however 60 credit hours must be earned from a 4-year institution (at least 30 of which must be upper level coursework), with 30 of the last 36 hours of coursework completed at Rockford University, and no more than 15 credit hours can be articulated into the major area component.
Degree Information
Regarding the Occupational Specialization component, the BSAS degree allows students to qualify up to a maximum of 25 credits. These credits can be earned from student coursework completed at a Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) accredited community college, technical school, and/or university. The qualifying coursework must be in one concentrated area. Official transcripts from prior institutions will be reviewed and approved by committee prior to awarding credit. Many students who pursue the BSAS program have previously completed an Associate’s of Applied Science degree and/or a certificate. Vocational coursework may be from any vocation, as a business concentration vocation is not required.
For admission into the Rockford University BSAS program, students must meet the following criteria:
- The previous college cumulative grade point average of all institutions combined must be 2.0 or above with a minimum grade of C for each course being accepted for transfer credit.
- Submit official transcripts from CHEA accredited institutions of higher learning for evaluation.
BSAS Degree Requirements (minimum of 124 credits)
The 124 hours must include all university degree specific general education requirements, all degree specific requirements, and all major requirements.
General Education 33-34
Supporting degree specific requirements 21
Major requirements* 36-48
Occupational Specialization/Electives 22-34
*Students may transfer in no more than 15 credits within the major. BSAS 490 and BSAS 495 must be taken at Rockford University.
** Students will be required to complete 9 credits of upper-level liberal arts requirements as part of the major. These courses will be offered on a regular basis within the cohort format.
Note: The minimum GPA for the BSAS program is 2.0, and students are required to earn a passing grade in all major courses.
BSAS Degree Requirements
General Education Courses (33-34 credits)
Composition - 6 credits (2 courses)
Social Sciences - 9 credits (3 courses)
Arts/Humanities - 12 credits (4 courses)
Science/Math - 6-7 credits (2 courses)
Degree Completion Core Courses (21 credits)
May count towards General Education.
Required Major Courses (48 credits)
No more than 15 credits allowed in transfer for major.
Occupational Specialization/Electives (22-34 credits)
Transfer credit and/or general electives as approved by academic advisor.