Department of Accounting and Finance

A Message from the Department Chair, Dr. Vicky Langston
Welcome to the Department of Accounting and Finance Website.

The Department offers students the opportunity to major in Accounting and Finance and minor in economics. We provide core classes in accounting, finance, and economics for both undergraduate business and non-business majors and MBA students.
The faculty is dedicated to preparing the next generation of responsible business leaders in the region. Collectively, the faculty offer students over 200 years of teaching experience. We are innovative in the classroom and labs and offer an increasing number of our courses online during the summer. In addition to academic experience, several members of the faculty have held senior management positions in banking, utilities, healthcare, manufacturing, government, and top accounting firms. Over the years, many have provided consulting services in the region. Others have served on boards including professional organizations, non-profit organizations, credit unions, and retirement trusts. Members of the faculty come from other regions of the United States as well as Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Combined, this “real world” experience provides students a unique learning opportunity.
Our accounting and finance majors represent the best and brightest of CSU students. During Fall 2007, we had 370 majors on campus. The accounting and finance programs have grown significantly; however, our class sizes have remained small enough so that students and faculty get to know each other. Based on a 3 year sample of graduates, the average GPA of our majors is 3.08 and more than 25% had a GPA of 3.5 or better. On average, students score above the national averages on exit exams. Our students are diverse, which enhances the learning experience. Over 25% of our majors are minorities and over 60% are females. Approximately 40% of our graduates are over 25 years old and 46% have significant transfer hours. Students from every background find the interactions with the faculty and other students a successful experience.
As we assess our programs and student outcomes, we continuously try to improve our programs and provide students with the skills and capabilities they need to succeed. For example, we have increased our international courses and activities. Business students can live on “Wall Street”. Students are offered the opportunity to become members of various business related student organizations including an accounting club and finance club. Our top students are tapped for the national honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma. In addition, we work with local employers on special certification needs and program interests. For non-business majors, we are continuously expanding programs and class offerings to provide a business background through electives and minors, plus the evening MBA program.

If I can be of assistance, please email me at langston_vicky@colstate.edu or contact any of our faculty with specific program or course questions.