Department of Accounting and Management Information Systems

Dr. Tracey Anderson, Department Head (125A J. A. Albertson Bldg.; 208-885-1657)

The two major fields, accounting and management information systems, lead to a B.S.Bus. degree in the College of Business and Economics. The goal of each major is to provide students with a strong business foundation while developing major specific skillsets that will prepare each student to excel in their career field. The department offers an accounting minor, along with three academic certificates: business analytics, enterprise systems integration, and technical program management. In addition to the undergraduate degrees, the department offers a Master of Accountancy. The Accounting program is fully accredited by AACSB International.

The accounting major prepares students for any career in the accounting field, such as audit, tax, reporting, and advisory roles. The management information systems (MIS) major provides students with experience in database design, project management, management principles, and software programming. MIS students can pursue careers in systems administrator, information security analyst, software developer, and database admin. The Master of Accountancy program prepares students for the CPA exam and qualifies students to enter the public accounting profession in auditing, tax, and fraud.

The department’s mission is to provide an engaging learning environment that prepares our undergraduate and graduate students to be successful professionals who exhibit high ethical standards and exceptional critical thinking. As a land grant university, we have a primary responsibility to serve the citizens of Idaho and the region through scholarly and outreach activities.

We accomplish this mission by

  • delivering a high-quality program of accounting studies that encompasses the relevant features of a dynamic accounting and business environment;
  • delivering general preparation in accounting to provide a foundation for future study or employment (for undergraduate students);
  • building upon the foundation to prepare for an accounting career (for graduate students);
  • providing experiential learning opportunities for our students;
  • engaging in research that makes meaningful contributions to accounting practice and accounting education;
  • delivering and supporting outreach programs that build on our competencies within the college and meet the needs of our stakeholders; and
  • sharing our accounting expertise in support of our state, our professions and the academic community.

The department has adopted the CBE Learning Goals for the undergraduate accounting majors (See College of Business and Economics section of this catalog). Undergraduate accounting majors will also acquire specific knowledge in financial reporting, cost and managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing. The Master of Accountancy (MACCT) learning goals mirror the College of Business and Economics learning goals. These goals include the following:

  • Professional Accounting Knowledge: MACCT students will acquire advanced accounting knowledge to prepare them for the accounting profession or further graduate work.
  • Critical Thinking and Ethical Problem Solving: MACCT students will demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary for identifying and addressing complex situations in accounting-related areas including ethical dilemmas.
  • Research Skills: MACCT students will be able to locate appropriate information, apply the rules or standards to a set of facts, and make an appropriate recommendation regarding a course of action.
  • Communication: MACCT students will enhance their ability to effectively communicate through oral presentations and professional writing assignments.
  • Clarify Purpose and Perspective: MACCT students will have opportunities for experiential learning, relationship development, and appreciation of global perspectives.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: MACCT students will have opportunities to enhance their ability to interact in teams.

Admission to the M.Acct. degree requires

  1. a B.S., B.A., or B.B.A. degree from an accredited college or university,
  2. an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.00, and
  3. a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (if applicable).

The department, in conjunction with the College of Law, offers a concurrent J.D./M.Acct. degree. See the College of Graduate Studies and the College of Law sections for additional information on graduate/law concurrent degrees.