Accounting & Law

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The Mike Cottrell College of Business Department of Accounting and Law provides students the foundational courses necessary for a well-rounded liberal arts education as well as those essential for a career in accounting, paralegal services or other fields of business.

Accounting

The Mike Cottrell College of Business Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Accounting opens doors to many exciting career paths for the financial professional. Along with the traditional accounting services of financial statement auditing, income tax planning and preparation, and compilation of financial statements, accountants are serving as financial managers, E-commerce experts, personal financial planners, international financial advisors, information technology consultants, assurance services professionals, environmental financial analysts, Federal law enforcement agents and auditors, and forensic accountants and auditors. The accounting program offers individualized advising for students seeking to complete additional study to meet the 150-semester hour educational requirement to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

In order to complete a BBA in Accounting, students must meet the Admission to Upper Division requirements for the Mike Cottrell College of Business prior to enrolling in most 3000/4000 level courses. Students must also complete the Student Professional Development program (PROS) 90 days prior to graduation. The specific requirements are described under the Mike Cottrell College of Business section of this catalog.

Paralegal

The mission of the Paralegal Studies program is to provide a high quality paralegal education that prepares each student to work in a variety of paralegal positions by developing professional competence in both general and legal specialty courses, including courses in procedural law, and ethics, and doing this by stressing understanding and reasoning and the application of the same through practical legal applications. The Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Paralegal Studies recognizes the growing need in the paralegal profession for a four year degree. This degree prepares graduates to enter into and be competitive with holders of other bachelor degrees in finding gainful employment in the legal field. Advanced paralegal courses along with courses in management and business helps students enhance their specific expertise with new technology skills. Students must hold an AAS degree from an ABA approved institution or an institution in substantial compliance with the ABA to be admitted to the BAS in Paralegal Studies.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and certificate programs in Paralegal Studies train student in the practical application of legal theory and analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Georgia prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers.

Programs

• Paralegal Studies (A.A.S.)

• Paralegal Studies (B.A.S.)

• Accounting (B.B.A.)

• Paralegal Studies Certificate

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