The Financial Services major provides an educational format designed to prepare students for work in all aspects of the banking and finance related industries. The framework for learning provides financial accounting and general business expertise. Students focus on specific financial topics including: financial analysis, lending, insurance, investing, financial planning, operations and bank management. This creates recognized, relevant coursework that optimizes employment opportunities.

"The best thing about my experience at Rhodes State College was the variety of classes I was able to take in the Finance field. I learned about sales, lending, taxes, and accounting which helped me to decide which specific area of finance was truly my passion. Because of my wonderful experience when I was getting my Associates degree, I have decided to continue on, through Rhodes and Franklin University, to work towards my Bachelors degree." Katie Ulrich

The Accounting and Finance program exists to engage students in meaningful student development and learning opportunities by ensuring access to the learning process in a variety of mediums that provide the student with the technical knowledge and general education skills necessary for a position in their career field as well as to instill the desire to seek out opportunities for life-long learning.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and corporate governance regulations, and increased accountability for protecting an organization’s stakeholders will drive job growth.

As the economy grows, the number of business establishments will increase, requiring more accountants and auditors to set up books, prepare taxes, and provide management advice. As these businesses grow, the volume and complexity of information reviewed by accountants and auditors regarding costs, expenditures, taxes, and internal controls will expand as well. The continued globalization of business also will lead to more demand for accounting expertise and services related to international trade and accounting rules and international mergers and acquisitions. An increased need for accountants and auditors also will arise from a greater emphasis on accountability, transparency, and controls in financial reporting.

The median annual wages, including commissions, of salaried real estate sales agents were $40,150 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,390 and $64,820 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,120, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,860.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), 11520 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66213.

Accredited Programs

ACBSP Reporting

Quality Assurance Report - February 2011
Quality Assurance Response
Quality Assurance Feedback
ACBSP Self Study

Rhodes State College 2009 Graduate Status Report

Students are encouraged to meet each term with their assigned academic advisor, faculty advisor or program chair to ensure appropriate sequencing of course work, planning for full-time or part-time course work, transferring to a four-year institution, or to address other educational questions. Each student must complete his/her degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 to be eligible for the Associate of Applied Business Degree. Please see individual program requirements for additional “C” grade policies.