WSU Tri-Cities Major in Accounting and Information Systems (ACTIS)
WSU Tri-Cities offers a Business Administration major in Accounting & Information Systems. This program is the unique combination of the traditional accounting major with a rigorous information systems focus.
In addition to the GER requirements and CB prerequisite and business core course requirements, the following courses are required to major in ACTIS:
- Econ 305 — [M] Theory of the Firm and Market Policy
· or 320 — [M] Money and Banking
· or 340 — [M] Public Finance and Taxation - Acctg 330 — Intermediate Accounting I
- Acctg 331 — Intermediate Accounting II
- Acctg 335 — Intro to Taxation
- Acctg 338 — Cost Accounting
- Acctg 433 — [M] Accounting Systems & Auditing
- Acctg 438 — [M] Adv Cost Accounting & Mgt or Acctg 439 [M] Auditing
- MIS 171 — Introductory Business Programming (previously MIS 153)*
- MIS 322 — [M] Systems Analysis & Design (previously MIS 472)
- MIS 372 — Database Management Systems
- Two of the following list:
· MIS 271 — Intermediate Business Programming*
· MIS 325 — Enterprise Business Programming*
· MIS 374 — Telecommunications & Networking
· MIS 426 — Emerging Technologies
· MIS 441 — Global E-Commerce
*marked courses are currently available only from CBC or Distance Degree Program (DDP) — see advisor.
Additional courses may be completed with advisor and department chair approval.
NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.
Careers in Accounting and Information Systems
ACTIS graduates can work as accountants, consultants, and auditors. They can specialize and become experts in computer auditing and controls, accounting information systems, e-commerce, security, and information systems consulting. ACTIS careers could be characterized by rapid increases in salary and responsibility.
ACTIS graduates will find career positions in financial institutions, high tech and start-up companies, and manufacturing, agribusiness, communication, government, and health care organizations.
Graduates can boost their opportunities by attaining professional certification as a CPA (certified public accountant), CMA (certified management accounting), and CIA (certified internal auditor). With experience, ACTIS graduates can become chief financial officers, partners, and controllers in organizations of all sizes around the world.
Salaries
Similar to graduates in the related fields of accounting and management information systems, there is a wide range of salaries. Entry-level accountants report starting salaries of $44,000, while Information Systems graduates start at $44,000-50,000. Master's and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications can greatly impact an ACTIS graduate's future salary growth.
Advising
For questions about the ACTIS major requirements or to schedule an advising appointment:
Kristen Wilson
Undergraduate Business Advisor
kristenwilson@tricity.wsu.edu
509-372-7614
Resident faculty mentors
Nancy Ashley, PhD
Associate Professor of Information Systems
nashley@tricity.wsu.edu
509-372-7359