Program

The major in accounting will prepare you for a large variety of opportunities. Accounting majors are not required to complete a minor.

Faculty

Accounting faculty are qualified both academically and professionally. Faculty are credentialed as Certified Public Accountants, Certified Management Accountants, or both. Faculty have business experience and are active in professional accounting associations. Accounting faculty work with students on research projects and independent study projects of current interest.

Why Major in Accounting?

Opportunities and career paths for accounting professionals are increasing. Accounting is predicted to be one of the 10 fastest growing industries in the United States. Work environments range from large, multi-national corporations to one-person public accounting firms.

As an accountant you may be employed by a business or government agency as an internal auditor, reviewing financial records and reports to help the business or agency function more economically and reduce financial waste. Or you may be a public accountant, preparing and analyzing financial reports, serving as a tax consultant, or auditing financial statements for business. Environmental accountants integrate sustainability and economic objectives.

Accountants serve in numerous management or government roles. Management accountants are employed by corporations and private businesses and tend to be more specialized in their work than public accountants. Accounting systems experts plan and implement critical information technology, while international accountants adapt businesses to the global environment. Government accountants examine the records of public agencies and businesses to determine whether they are in compliance with tax laws and other regulations.

Strengths of the Program

The College of Business and Economics is accredited by AACSB International, the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business.

Upper level classes are small and often include team projects. A professional adviser in the College of Business and Economics advises freshman and sophomore students, and upper level students are advised by faculty. With careful planning, you can graduate in four years. There are numerous internship and career opportunities throughout the Twin Cities and in western Wisconsin.

Our student organization, the Accounting Society, is active and generates professional and social interaction.

You may combine the accounting major with a second major, a minor, a masters degree, or additional coursework to earn the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam. The 150 credit hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam is not a graduation requirement.