Accounting Specialist AAS-T (no longer accepting new students)
Program Details PageAccounting Specialist AAS-T
This program is not accepting any new enrollments.
The last group of students had to enroll in January 2025. We are no longer accepting new Accounting Specialist students starting in Spring 2025.
Welcome to the Program Page dedicated to the Accounting Specialist AAS-T program! This page is designed to give an overview of what the quarter will look like based on the starting point in the year. Click on one of the desired tabs below to view the course schedule. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice, please contact your adviser for more information regarding the courses.
The bookstore has what you need in regards to materials so be sure to check it out! It is always better to be prepared than to wait last second to buy your materials!
9 quarters part-time (up to 27 months) with 90 total credits full-time
When do classes meet? FLEX (this means you can attend on campus or by video chat or online)
Are summer classes required? Yes. You cannot complete the certificate or degree without attending classes during summer quarter (July and early August).
This program provides comprehensive training in multiple areas of accounting: general ledger, bookkeeping, payroll, income tax, and budgets. Students enrolled in the Accounting Specialist program earn an Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree and can prepare to transfer to an applied bachelor degree (BAS) program.
What do accounting specialists do?
What is the average salary?
$51,250 annually in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most accounting specialists earn at least $39,520; there is a wide salary range.
You need a 2.0 in ACCT& 201, 202 and 203, and also in ENGL& 101. You must pass all other classes with a 1.0 or better, and your cumulative or overall GPA must be 2.0 or higher to complete your Accounting AAS-T.
Materials Warning
Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!
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Fall 2024 start
Quarter 1
[Fall] Quarter 1 Course Information Description: In this quarter, you are introduced to the necessary tools for accounting tasks and learn how to record various important monetary information. This quarter consists of three core classes and one general education English class. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
COL 101
College Success
NO
2
ACCT& 201
Principles of Accounting I
YES
5
ASST 144
Introduction to Computer Applications
NO
5
ENGL& 101
English Composition
NO
5
Quarter 2
[Winter] Quarter 2 Course Information Description: You will learn to manage general ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, payroll, and financial statements in a small business - using Microsoft Excel. You also will explore payroll (wages, overtime, leave, salary calculations, and payroll taxes). This quarter consists of three core classes.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT 130 or ACCT& 202 until you complete ACCT& 201 with a 2.0 or higher. You must complete ASST 144 or another Office Applications class before you can take ACCT 132.
Payroll Accounting offered for the last time in winter 2026
YES
5
ACCT 132
Excel for Accounting offered for the last time in winter 2026
YES
5
Quarter 3
[Spring] Quarter 3 Course Information Description: You will learn small business accounting, from general ledger through accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, capital gains and losses, and financial statements. You will take the third and final class in the accounting sequence, with a focus on managerial accounting: cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, performance evaluation, and special business decisions. This quarter has two core classes and one general education mathematics class. Learn more about math placement options. MATH& 146 is the recommended transfer math class, but you also can take MATH& 107 Math in Society, MATH& 141 Precalculus, or a more advanced class.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT & 203 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in ACCT& 202.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 124
Small Business Accounting
YES
5
ACCT& 203
Principles of Accounting III
YES
5
AMATH 190 or MATH& 146
Financial Algebra (if you need a prerequisite) or Introduction to Statistics
varies by class
5
Quarter 4
[Summer] Quarter 4 Course Information Description: You will take a special topics class on the latest innovations in the accounting field. This quarter will consist of one core class and one General Education social science class.
Prerequisite notes: You need to complete ACCT 132 with a 1.0 or higher before you can take ACCT 150.
Special Topics in Accounting offered for the last time in summer 2025
YES
8
PSYC& 100
General Psychology (recommended) or any social science class
YES
5
Quarter 5
[Fall] Quarter 5 Course Information Description: In this quarter, you will take a taxation class. This quarter consists of one core class and two electives from General Education or another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site. If your goal is to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program, take the recommended general education!
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 179
Taxation offered for the last time in fall 2025
YES
5
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics (if you did not take this in Quarter 4)
varies by class
5
ECON& 201
Microeconomics (recommended)
varies by class
5
Quarter 6
[Winter] Quarter 6 Course Information Description: In this final quarter, you take business law and other approved electives for your degree. If you plan to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program, take the recommended classes listed below. You also can choose classes from another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site.
Public Speaking or Intercultural Communication or Introduction to Business (all recommended)
NO
5
BIOL& 100
Survey of Biology or other natural science (recommended)
YES
5
Grand Total Estimate for Your Accounting Specialist AAS-T Degree: $12,300
Winter 2025 start
Quarter 1
In this quarter, you are introduced to the necessary tools for accounting tasks and learn how to record various important monetary information. This quarter consists of two core classes and one general education English class. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
COL 101
College Success
NO
2
ACCT& 201
Principles of Accounting I
YES
5
ASST 144
Introduction to Computer Applications
NO
5
ENGL& 101
English Composition
NO
5
Quarter 2
You will learn small business accounting, from general ledger through accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, capital gains and losses, and financial statements. You will take the second class in the accounting sequence. This quarter has two core classes and one general education mathematics class. Learn more about math placement options. MATH& 146 is the recommended transfer math class, but you also can take MATH& 107 Math in Society, MATH& 141 Precalculus, or a more advanced class.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT& 202 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in ACCT& 201.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 124
Small Business Accounting
YES
5
ACCT& 202
Principles of Accounting II
YES
5
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics (may be taken with CMATH 146 for support)
varies by class
5 to 7
Quarter 3
[Summer] You will take a special topics class on the latest innovations in the accounting field. This quarter will consist of one core class and one General Education social science class.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 150 / ACCT 195
Special Topics in Accounting offered for the last time in summer 2025
YES
8
PSYC& 100
General Psychology (recommended) or any social science class
YES
5
Quarter 4
You will take the third and final class in the accounting sequence, with a focus on managerial accounting: cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, performance evaluation, and special business decisions. You also take a taxation class.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT& 203 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in ACCT& 202.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 179
Taxation offered for the last time in fall 2025
YES
5
ACCT& 203
Principles of Accounting III
YES
5
ECON& 201
Microeconomics (recommended)
varies by class
5
Quarter 5
You will learn to manage general ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, payroll, and financial statements in a small business - using Microsoft Excel. You also will explore payroll (wages, overtime, leave, salary calculations, and payroll taxes). This quarter consists of three core classes.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete ASST 144 or another Office Applications class before you can take ACCT 132.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 130
Payroll Accounting offered for the last time in winter 2026
YES
5
ACCT 132
Excel for Accounting offered for the last time in winter 2026
YES
5
ECON& 202
Macroeconomics (recommended)
NO
5
Quarter 6
In this final quarter, you take business law and other approved electives for your degree. If you plan to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program, take the recommended classes listed below. You also can choose classes from another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site.
Public Speaking or Intercultural Communication or Introduction to Business (all recommended)
NO
5
GEOL& 101
Physical Geology or other natural science (recommended)
YES
5
Grand Total Estimate for Your Accounting Specialist AAS-T Degree: $12,300
Spring 2025 start
We will not enroll new Accounting Specialist students in spring 2025.
Please look into the Business DTA/MRP degree option instead. You can still learn accounting, earn a four-year accounting degree, and have a great career!
Fall 2023 start
Quarter 1
[Fall] Quarter 1 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,012 Description: In this quarter, you are introduced to the necessary tools for accounting tasks and learn how to record various important monetary information. This quarter consists of three core classes and one general education English class. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
COL 101
College Success
NO
2
ACCT& 201
Principles of Accounting I
NO
5
ACCT 132
Basic Excel
YES
5
ENGL& 101
English Composition
varies by section
5
Quarter 2
[Winter] Quarter 2 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841
Description: You will learn to manage general ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, payroll, and financial statements in a small business. You also will explore payroll (wages, overtime, leave, salary calculations, and payroll taxes) and individual federal income taxes. This quarter consists of three core classes.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT 130 or ACCT& 202 until you complete ACCT& 201 with a 2.0 or higher.
[Spring] Quarter 3 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: You will learn small business accounting, from general ledger through accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, capital gains and losses, and financial statements. You will learn more advanced concepts in the federal tax code such as forms 940 and 941. This quarter has two core classes and one general education mathematics class. Learn more about math placement options. MATH& 146 is the recommended transfer math class, but you also can take MATH& 107 Math in Society, MATH& 141 Precalculus, or a more advanced class.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT 275 until you earn a 1.0 or higher in ACCT 179.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 124
Small Business Accounting
YES
5
ACCT 275
Taxation II
NO
5
AMATH 190 or MATH& 146
Financial Algebra (if you need a prerequisite) or Introduction to Statistics
varies by class
5
Quarter 4
[Summer] Quarter 4 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,710
Description: You will do intensive preparation for the national Certified Professional Bookkeeper exam.This quarter will consist of one core class and one General Education social science class.
Prerequisite notes: You need to complete ACCT 124 and ACCT 179 with a 1.0 or higher, and ACCT& 201, ACCT& 202 with a 2.0 or higher before you can take ACCT 150.
General Psychology (recommended) or any social science class
YES
5
Quarter 5
[Fall] Quarter 5 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: In this quarter, you will take the third and final class in the accounting sequence, with a focus on managerial accounting: cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, performance evaluation, and special business decisions. This quarter consists of one core class and two electives from General Education or another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site. If your goal is to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program, take the recommended general education!
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT& 203
Principles of Accounting III
YES
5
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics (if you did not take this in Quarter 4)
varies by class
5
ECON& 201
Microeconomics (recommended)
varies by class
5
Quarter 6
[Winter] Quarter 6 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: In this final quarter, you take business law and other approved electives for your degree. If you plan to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program, take the recommended classes listed below. You also can choose classes from another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site.
Public Speaking or Intercultural Communication or Introduction to Business (all recommended)
NO
5
BIOL& 100
Survey of Biology or other natural science (recommended)
YES
5
Grand Total Estimate for Your Accounting Specialist AAS-T Degree: $12,300
Winter 2024 start
Quarter 1
Winter Start
[Winter] Quarter 1 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,012 Description: In this quarter, you are introduced to the necessary tools for accounting tasks and learn how to record various important monetary information. You also learn how to process individual federal income tax returns. This quarter consists of three core classes and one general education English class. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
COL 101
College Success
NO
2
ACCT& 201
Principles of Accounting I
NO
5
ACCT 179
Taxation I
YES
5
ENGL& 101
English Composition
varies by section
5
Quarter 2
[Spring] Quarter 2 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: You will learn to manage general ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, payroll, and financial statements in a small business. You also will learn more advanced taxation policies and forms. This quarter consists of three core classes. Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT& 202 until you complete ACCT& 201 with a 2.0 or higher. You cannot take ACCT 275 until you earn a 1.0 or higher in ACCT 179.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT& 202
Principles of Accounting II
NO
5
ACCT 124
Small Business Accounting
YES
5
ACCT 275
Taxation II
YES
5
Quarter 3
[Summer] Quarter 3 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,710 Description: You will do intensive preparation for the national Certified Professional Bookkeeper exam and learn about important American legal decisions affecting business. This quarter has two core classes. Prerequisite notes: You need to complete ACCT 124 and ACCT 179 with a 1.0 or higher, and ACCT& 201, ACCT& 202 with a 2.0 or higher before you can take ACCT 150.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 150
Bookkeeping Certification
YES
8
BUS& 201
Business Law
NO
5
Quarter 4
[Fall] Quarter 4 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: In this quarter, you will take the third and final class in the accounting sequence, with a focus on managerial accounting: cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, performance evaluation, and special business decisions. You also review the use of Microsoft Excel for accounting functions. This quarter consists of two core classes and one math class. AMATH 190 is a common prerequisite for the transfer math class that you will need for your degree. You may be able to enroll directly into MATH&146 instead; learn more about math placement options. MATH& 146 is the recommended transfer math class, but you also can take MATH& 107 Math in Society, MATH& 141 Precalculus, or a more advanced class.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT& 203 until you complete ACCT& 202 with a 2.0 or higher.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT& 203
Principles of Accounting III
YES
5
ACCT 132
Basic Excel
YES
5
AMATH 190 or MATH& 146
Financial Algebra (if you need a prerequisite) or Introduction to Statistics
varies by class
5
Quarter 5
[Winter] Quarter 5 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: You will explore payroll (wages, overtime, leave, salary calculations, and payroll taxes). This quarter consists of one core class and two electives from General Education or another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site.Take the recommended General Education classes below if you plan to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program. Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT 130 until you complete ACCT& 201 with a 2.0 or higher.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 130
Payroll Accounting
YES
5
CMST& 220 or CMST 280 or BUS& 101
Public Speaking or Intercultural Communication or Introduction to Business (all recommended)
NO
5
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics (if you did not take this in Quarter 4) or other General Education or Business Management Program elective
YES
5
Quarter 6
[Spring] Quarter 6 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: You are finishing your degree with one social science class and two electives that match your career and academic goals. Recommended General Education classes listed below prepare you to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program in business. You also can choose classes from another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site.
General Psychology (recommended) or other social science class
YES
5
ECON& 201
Microeconomics (recommended) or other General Education or Business Management Program elective
varies by class
5
BIOL& 100
Survey of Biology or another natural science class (recommended)
YES
5
Grand Total Estimate for Your Accounting Specialist AAS-T Degree: $12,300
Spring 2024 start
Quarter 1
Spring Start
[Spring] Quarter 1 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,012 Description: You are starting with transfer classes and other electives. You will take an English writing class, a math class, and a class that matches your career and academic goals. All recommended classes prepare you to transfer to an applied bachelor or BAS program in business. You also can choose classes from another program in Business Management: Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site. MATH& 146 is the recommended transfer math class, but you also can take MATH& 107 Math in Society, MATH& 141 Precalculus, or a more advanced class. Learn more about math and English placement options.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
COL 101
College Success
NO
2
ENGL& 101
English Composition
TBD
5
AMATH 190 or MATH& 146
Financial Algebra (if you need a prerequisite) or Introduction to Statistics (recommended)
varies by class
5
ECON& 201
Microeconomics (recommended) or other General Education or Business Management Program elective
NO
5
Quarter 2
[Summer] Quarter 2 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: You will learn about important legal decisions affecting American business and take two electives that match your career and academic goals. One should be a social science in General Education, and the other can be from Contemporary Business (BUS), Construction Management (CONST), Legal Assistant (LGL), or Office Assistant (ASST). Look at the College Catalog to learn more about specific program classes.Links to an external site.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
BUS& 201
Business Law
TBD
5
PSYC& 100
General Psychology (recommended) or other social science class
YES
5
CMST& 220 or CMST 280 or ECON& 202
Public Speaking or Intercultural Communication or Macroeconomics (all recommended)
NO YES
5
Quarter 3
[Fall] Quarter 3 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: In this quarter, you are introduced to the necessary tools for accounting tasks and learn how to record various important monetary information. This quarter consists of two core classes and one elective (or transfer math if not finished already).
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT& 201
Principles of Accounting I
NO
5
ACCT 132
Basic Excel
YES
5
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics (if you did not take this in Quarter 1) or other General Education or Business Management Program elective
varies by class
5
Quarter 4
[Winter] Quarter 4 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841
Description: You will learn to manage general ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, payroll, and financial statements in a small business. You also will explore payroll (wages, overtime, leave, salary calculations, and payroll taxes) and individual federal income taxes. This quarter consists of three core classes.
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT 130 or ACCT& 202 until you complete ACCT& 201 with a 2.0 or higher.
[Spring] Quarter 5 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 Description: You will learn to manage general ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, inventory, payroll, and financial statements in a small business. You also will learn more advanced taxation policies and forms. This quarter consists of three core classes. Prerequisite notes: You cannot take ACCT& 203 until you complete ACCT& 201 with a 2.0 or higher. You cannot take ACCT 275 until you earn a 1.0 or higher in ACCT 179.
Course ID
Course Name
Materials
Credits
ACCT 124
Small Business Accounting
YES
5
ACCT 275
Taxation II
NO
5
ACCT& 203
Principles of Accounting III
YES
5
Quarter 6
[Summer] Quarter 6 Course Information Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,710 Description: You will do intensive preparation for the national Certified Professional Bookkeeper exam and learn about important American legal decisions affecting business. This quarter has one core class and one final elective. Prerequisite notes: You need to complete ACCT 124 and ACCT 179 with a 1.0 or higher, and ACCT& 201, ACCT& 202 with a 2.0 or higher before you can take ACCT 150.