Accounting

Accounting

Associates of Applied Science

The full range of businesses, from small companies to corporate giants, rely on accountants to assemble, analyze, and interpret essential statistical and financial information. Every enterprise requires data supplied by accountants to make effective day-to-day decisions and long-term plans.

Nicolet's Accounting program provides a thorough foundation in accounting theory and practice as students learn to perform a variety of business accounting functions. Graduates are prepared for positions as junior accountants in public accounting firms, private industry, or government service.

    Program Outline

    Term 1
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1010210600 Business Essentials
    Description

    This class helps new Nicolet students make a successful transition to the College. The course is a chance for students to learn College resources, practice pacing and time management, grit and the learning management system. Students also receive an introduction and have opportunities to practice professional business communication.

    1.00
    1080119500 Written Communication
    Description

    Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments is designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

    3.00
    1010115100 Accounting Principles: Accounting Cycle
    Description

    Develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of accounting and all steps of the accounting cycle.

    2.00
    1080413400 Mathematical Reasoning
    Description

    An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course is not designed for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) students and/or others who require calculus. Prerequisite: 7785478000 Principles of College Math (C or better) or Accuplacer Algebra score >=35 or UW Math Placement Basic Math Skills score >=250 or ACT Mathematics score >=18 or Tailwind Math College Math Fund score >=16.

    3.00
    1010111200 Payroll Accounting
    Description

    Teaches accounting theory and application for payroll, including preparation and reporting processes, laws and government reporting requirements Prerequisite: 1010115100 Accounting Principles Accounting Cycle (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    3.00
    1010120500 Accounting Principles: Inventory Valuation
    Description

    This course will provide in depth knowledge of various inventory valuation methods. Prerequisite: 1010115100 Accounting Principles Accounting Cycle (C or better).

    1.00
    1010121000 Accounting Principles: Receivables, Cash and Assets
    Description

    This course will provide in-depth knowledge of various methods of Account Receivable valuation; Cash valuation, and Internal controls; various fixed asset depreciation methods and intangible asset depletion method principle. Prerequisite: 1010115100 Accounting Principles Accounting Cycle (C or better).

    2.00
    1010311500 MS Word Beginning
    Description

    This course will cover creating a flyer, research paper, and business letter using Microsoft Word.

    1.00
    1010312600 MS Excel Beginning
    Description

    This course will cover creating a worksheet and chart; application of formulas, functions, and formatting; and working with large worksheets, charting, and what-if analysis using Microsoft Excel.

    1.00
    1015110500 Digital Literacy with Cyber Security
    Description

    This course will cover identifying and differentiating between major computer components, Microsoft Windows operating system and application operations, computing environment issue troubleshooting, making connections between office network devices, file management, and basic cybersecurity threats and best practices.

    1.00
    Term 2
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1080119600 Oral Interpersonal Communication
    Description

    Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, and listening skills through individual presentations, groups activities, and other projects.

    3.00
    1010111500 Tax 1 Individual Income Taxation
    Description

    Students will learn about individual income taxation.

    2.00
    1010111600 Tax 1 Tax Deductions and Credits
    Description

    Students will learn about tax deductions and credits. Prerequisite: 1010111500 Tax 1 Individual Income Taxation (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    1010111700 Tax 1 Preparing Individual Tax Returns
    Description

    Students will learn about preparing individual tax returns Prerequisite: 1010111600 Tax 1 Tax Deductions and Credits (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    1010115300 Accounting Principles: Partnership Accounting
    Description

    Students will prepare various accounting records for partnerships Prerequisite: 1010121000 Acct Princ Receivables Cash and Assets (C or better).

    1.00
    1010115600 Accounting Principles: Equity Financing Accounting
    Description

    Students will learn the principles of equity financing accounting Prerequisite: 1010121000 Acct Princ Receivables Cash and Assets (C or better).

    1.00
    1010115700 Accounting Principles: Debt Financing Accounting
    Description

    Students will learn the principles of debt financing accounting Prerequisite: 1010121000 Acct Princ Receivables Cash and Assets (C or better).

    1.00
    1010115900 Accounting Principles: Financial Statement Analysis
    Description

    Students will learn the principles of financial statement analysis. Prerequisite: 1010121000 Acct Princ Receivables Cash and Assets (C or better).

    1.00
    1010315500 QuickBooks Basics
    Description

    Students will process routine accounting transactions including company setup.

    1.00
    1010113500 QuickBooks Applications
    Description

    Perform advanced level accounting functions in QuickBooks: complex daily transactions, payroll, month end, reports and budgets Prerequisite: 1010315500 QuickBooks Basics (C or better).

    1.00
    1010220100 Business Law Foundation and Torts
    Description

    This course examines law and the ways it impacts business operations. The student will learn sources of business law and be exposed to jurisdiction, the adjudication process and the framework of the court system. Torts and intellectual property are also covered.

    1.00
    1010220500 Business Law Contracts
    Description

    This course will cover the basic requirements of contracts, how they may be breached and the process of collecting damages in a breach. Student will be exposed to The Uniform Commercial Code and the relationship between it and contract law.

    1.00
    1010221000 Business Law Entities and Real Property
    Description

    This class covers typical business entities such as sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Students will also learn the critical elements of real property and personal property laws.

    1.00
    1010312700 MS Excel Intermediate
    Description

    This course will cover working with financial functions, data tables, amortization schedules, multiple worksheets, and workbooks; creating, sorting, and querying a table; and creating templates; importing data; and working with SmartArt, images, and screenshots using Microsoft Excel. Prerequisite: 1010312600 MS Excel Beginning (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    Term 3
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1080119700 Technical Reporting
    Description

    Teaches preparation and presentation of written, oral, and multi-media technical reports. Prerequisite: 1080119500 Written Communication (C or better) or 2080121900 English Composition I (C or better).

    3.00
    1010112200 Tax 2 Research Planning and Property Transaction Taxation
    Description

    Students will determine the impact of various tax issues on tax liability including depreciation, property transactions, AMT, and at-risk and passive transactions. Students will also perform tax research and planning. Prerequisite: 1010111700 Tax 1 Preparing Individual Tax Returns (C or better).

    2.00
    1010112300 Tax 2 Business Gift Estate and Trust Taxation
    Description

    Students will study tax laws and prepare business, gift, estate and trust tax returns Prerequisite: 1010112200 Tax 2 Research Plan and Property Trans (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    1010117800 Cost Accounting: Job Order and Process Costing
    Description

    Students will account for all production costs using job order and process costing Prerequisite: 1010121000 Acct Princ Receivables Cash and Assets (C or better) or 1010115200 Accounting Principles 2 (C or better).

    1.00
    1010117900 Cost Accounting: Standard Cost Accounting
    Description

    Students will perform budgeting, standard costing and variance analysis and communicate results. Prerequisite: 1010117800 Cost Acctg Job Order and Process Costing (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    1010118100 Cost Accounting: Cost Analysis
    Description

    Students will analyze cost accounting information for decision making including cost, volume, profit analysis. Prerequisite: 1010117900 Cost Accounting Standard Cost Accounting (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    1010122000 Intermediate Accounting: Cash Flow
    Description

    This course covers how to report and analyze business cash flow. Prerequisite: 1010115900 Acctg Princ Financial Statement Analysis (C or better).

    1.00
    1010122500 Intermediate Accounting: Earnings, Balance Sheets and Investments
    Description

    Students will apply the FASB conceptual framework and report and analyze business financial position on a balance sheet. Report and analyze business earnings in all aspects of the income statement and account for investments. Prerequisite: 1010115900 Acctg Princ Financial Statement Analysis (C or better).

    2.00
    1089010300 Professional Career Management
    Description

    This course will cover identification of individual interests and the occupations they align with, finding employment, creating a resume and cover letter, participating in an interview, and best practices for maintaining professional employment.

    1.00
    Term 4
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1080919500 Economics
    Description

    With a focus on contemporary issues, this introductory course covers cost-benefit analysis, economics systems of the world, globalization, supply and demand, market structures, the labor market, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, business cycles, money, and government economic policy. The course strives to help students improve their individual and household decision-making, understand business decision-making, comprehend the current national and international economic issues and policies, and critically evaluate government response to economic concerns.

    3.00
    1080919900 Psychology of Human Relations
    Description

    Focuses on improving personal and job-related relationships through understanding and applying sound psychological principles. Topics include self-concept, motivation, emotions, stress management, conflict resolution, and human relation processes.

    3.00
    1010116600 Intermediate Accounting 2
    Description

    Prepares the learner to account for revenue, leases, deferred income taxes, changes in estimates or principles, retirement plans, accounting for derivatives, and apply the FASB conceptual framework. Prerequisite: 1010122500 Inter Acct Earnings Balances Investment (C or better).

    2.00
    1010117000 Accounting Information Systems
    Description

    Prepares the learner to examine a business information system, design output reports for effective financial reporting and decision making, design input documents to gather data, document and information system of a business, and design a plan for internal control of a business. Prerequisites: 1010111200 Payroll Accounting (C or better) and 1010115400 Accounting Principles 3 (C or better) and 1010113500 QuickBooks Applications (C or better) and 1010311500 MS Word Beginning (C or better).

    3.00
    1010118600 Accounting Spreadsheet Basics
    Description

    This course will cover how to use financial/accounting functions in spreadsheets to solve case studies.

    1.00
    1010118900 Accounting Spreadsheet Applications
    Description

    This course will cover how to create spreadsheets and charts for financial analysis and budgeting to solve case studies. Prerequisite: 1010118600 Accounting Spreadsheet Basics (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00

    At A Glance

    How You'll Learn

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    100% Online

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    Multiple Start Dates

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    Flexible Pace

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    Optional Lab Support

    Fall 2024 Start Dates

    August 26 October 21

    Spring/Summer 2025 Start Dates

    January 13 February 10
    May 19 June 16

    Program Tuition*

    $9,728

    Books & Supplies*

    $437

    *Total cost for degree completion is estimated by current course requirements, books, and supplies. Tuition and fees are set by the Wisconsin Technical College System and subject to change.

    Financial Aid Eligible

    You may experience these additional costs, not charged by Nicolet, estimated based on length of program.

    Transportation
    $4,600
    Food/Housing
    $4,576
    Personal Expenses
    $4,584

    What You'll Learn

    • Process financial transactions throughout the accounting cycle.
    • Analyze financial and business information to support planning and decision-making.
    • Perform payroll preparation, reporting, and analysis tasks.
    • Perform cost accounting preparation, reporting, and analysis tasks.
    • Identify internal controls to reduce risk.
    • Perform individual and/or organizational tax accounting preparation, reporting and analysis tasks

    Transfer Opportunities

    Take a look at our transfer agreements to seamlessly transfer your degree to a 4-year university.

    Your Potential Careers

    • Staff Accountant
    • Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
    • Payroll Accountant
    • Tax Accountant
    • Cost Accounting
    • Public Accounting Assistant

    Median Annual Salary

    $43,704 $49,004 $52,256
    Local State National

    Lightcast 2023.1

    Get Started

    Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.

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