Minor Available
131 credits
131 credits
required for program
Minor Available
PSEO/Early college online classes
School of Business
Accounting
School of Business
Accounting
- Bachelor of Science
- Undergraduate
Learn accounting principles and how to apply them in the business world. Prepare for the CPA exam under experienced Christian business professors who have developed a market-rigorous program for strong entry into the field of accounting. The accounting program prepares you for a career as a professional certified public accountant, corporate controller, financial planner, internal auditor, bank officer, or an accountant in a charitable organization.
Why study accounting at Northwestern?
You have the option to add a graduate degree to your experience at Northwestern by enrolling in the Bachelor/Accelerated Master's program.
Our business classes regularly visit and have guest speakers from local corporations within the Twin Cities to experience a variety of business organizations—Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurial start-ups and non-profits. Many classes utilize case studies to highlight real-world application of business principles.
All business students participate in an internship to help translate classroom lessons into practical work experience, with more than 60% of internships resulting in job offers. With campus so close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving business and accounting industries.
At Northwestern, our small classes enable faculty to personally engage with you and pass on insights to thrive in a business environment, prepare for graduate programs, and serve the Lord in any profession.
If you have strong numerical, math, and organizational skills, desire to learn and apply practical business knowledge to help businesses, nonprofits, and other entities operate more effectively, using God's resources wisely and with integrity, and are interested in a career that offers the flexibility to work in any industry, this might be the right degree for you.
131 Credits Required
Accounting major 150 credit rule: Effective July 1, 2006, the State of Minnesota requires the completion of 150 credits to sit for the Minnesota CPA exam. A 150 credit major is not required. One option would be to complete additional credits at UNW with the addition of another major, minor, or elective credits.
What will I learn?
You will analyze data, develop critical thinking skills, and learn to communicate effectively.
Because of my education at Northwestern, I successfully passed the CPA exam after I graduated. And being surrounded by people who loved Jesus made me the passionate Christian businessman I am today. It was the best decision I have ever made.
Careers in accounting
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in accounting.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Budget accountant
- Cost accountant
- Internal auditor
- Tax accountant
- Tax preparer
- Certified public accountant (examination and license required)
- Credit analyst
- Bank officer
- Personal financial planner
Who employs people with this degree?
- Private accounting firms, regional and national
- Nonprofit, education, and ministry organizations
- Government agencies such as the IRS and FBI
- Businesses and industries of all types
- Tax preparation companies
- Hospitals and health organizations
- Banks and other financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Risk management firms
- Consulting firms
91%
of accounting students found employment
96%
of seniors believe the faculty are genuinely interested in their welfare
60%
of internships result in job offers
Preparing for a Career
College graduation rates continue to increase each year making competition for jobs even greater. Set yourself apart from the crowd with the following strategies for getting started, networking, and gaining experience.
Strategies for success:
- Pursue a high grade point average. Grades are an indicator of technical competence in accounting and of a person’s work ethic.
- Potential employers place a big emphasis on strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrate these skills by having a well-rounded background.
- Actively participate in student organizations to develop leadership skills.
- Gain work experience and learn information about careers through internships. Consider completing internships in the spring semester, not just summer term. Some employers use internships as a way to screen potential hires. Others look for multiple internships as an indicator of employability.
- Accounting is a versatile degree. Students who graduate with a major in accounting may find jobs in many areas of business including: banking, financial planning, sales, production management, client management, product development, procurement, and general management.
Professional associations:
Discover the School of Business
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
Meet the staff Explore the department