The Impact Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 On The Business And Accounting Curriculums

Abstract

Business and accounting curriculums are designed to educate and train future business professionals and leaders.  When Congress passed SOX in 2002, it dramatically impacted the responsibilities of corporate executives and CPAs and consequently required corresponding changes in the business schools prepare students to assume these roles. Because the Act changed the manner in which corporate decisions are made and how corporate organizations are governed and because of its impact on corporate business and CPA firms, it required business schools to modify the curriculums in business and accounting.  This paper demonstrates the impact on the undergraduate business and accounting programs.  In most cases, it is suggested that SOX material be integrated into existing courses because of the various constraints on undergraduate programs.