Accounting, AAS

PURPOSE: This two-year degree prepares students for entry-level jobs in the accounting field. Jobs include bookkeeper and cost accounting clerk.  All career-technical degrees are guided by advisory committees comprised of local business leaders.

CREDENTIALS:  An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a major in a career-technical area that takes two years for full-time students to complete. Graduates who have a Bachelor’s degree and complete this program may be able to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in Virginia.

The college has entered into a regional reciprocity agreement through NC-SARA to accept out-of-state students (except for students residing in California) in our online programs and courses. Students may contact the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) at 804-225-2600 or communications@schev.edu for information related to state agency contacts for complaint resolution. General disclosure information about external certification or licensure requirements outside the state of Virginia may be found at www.brigntpoint.edu/NC-SARA.   

TRANSFER INFORMATION: This program is not intended for transfer. Students desiring to transfer should consult their academic advisor and their intended transfer institution for specific direction in program and course selection. More information can also be found at www.brightpoint.edu/academics/transfer/

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Students must meet Brightpoint admission requirements. New students should work with their New Student Navigator to get ready for their first semester. They can also email getstarted@brightpoint.edu for assistance. Continuing students should work with their faculty advisor on academic planning and graduation requirements.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: By the completion of this program, students will be expected to demonstrate an intermediate level of competency in the following skills:

1. Apply accounting problem-solving skills using intermediate-level concepts, including financial statement preparation and financial analysis. 
2. Show an introductory proficiency with accounting concepts in a computerized accounting system. 
3. Prepare appropriate sections of a comprehensive individual tax return including filing status, dependency exemptions, gross income, itemized deductions, and tax credits. 
4. Integrate cost accounting skills with discipline-based concepts, including production costing systems, activity-based costing, service department allocations, budgeting, and variance analysis.
5. Demonstrate an introductory understanding of the U.S. economic framework.