Accounting Bachelor's Degree

Available Online

The UIU Advantage

A knack for numbers may be your ticket to a high-paying, high-demand career! With an Accounting degree from UIU, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities you need to tackle your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and kick off a rewarding career.

Why Accounting at UIU?

UIU’s bachelor’s in Accounting curriculum is tailored to meet CPA exam qualifications in most states. As an Accounting major, you’ll graduate with a balanced, versatile education that gives you the hands-on and practical experience you need for professional success.

Whether you earn your Accounting degree in-person or online, you’ll have many opportunities to connect with peers, faculty and staff. Small class sizes ensure that you receive the individualized attention and guidance you need. As part of the UIU community, you’ll develop a supportive network that is committed to your personal and professional success.

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Accounting Courses

See course descriptions for the classes you need for your Accounting degree, as well as any general education requirements.

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Academic Calendar

Keep up with your academic program’s registration deadlines, session dates, holiday breaks and exam schedules.

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Careers in Accounting

A degree prepares you for many careers, such as chief financial officer (CFO), controller, cost accountant, financial accountant, forensic accountant, government accountant, public accountant, and tax accountant.

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Taylor DeLong, '19

Accounting
Des Moines Center

Completing my degree from Upper Iowa has helped me develop a skill set and degree that is invaluable. My education has already provided me with many opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t have been available to me. I know that my education will help accelerate my career and better my life in ways I only imagined. Upon graduation, I will be working for an Aerospace company in their Financial Leadership Program. I am very excited for this opportunity and for the opportunity to go back to school and complete a degree that will forever change my life.

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About UIU’s Accounting Degree Program

UIU’s bachelor’s in Accounting explores the theory, principles and application of financial accounting in corporations, not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities. Courses cover topics such as auditing, tax, business law, financial accounting and more. Graduates develop the knowledge and specialized skills necessary to enter the workforce and pass the CPA exam.

A minor in Accounting is also available if you’re interested in the subject matter but plan to major in another area.

Getting your Accounting Degree Online

Get the same high-quality education that you would receive in a UIU classroom at home or in your office. UIU offers an online Accounting degree program as well as in-person and distance learning options to meet your educational needs.

How to apply

To apply, visit our Online Application portal to create an account and start your application. Still unsure if an Accounting degree is right for you? Reach out to our admissions office to ask specific questions or request additional information.

Career Opportunities & Benefits

Careers in Accounting

Whether you plan to become a CPA, start your own business or explore financial planning, earning a bachelor’s in Accounting from UIU is an excellent investment in your future. The foundational knowledge and financial expertise you gain as an Accounting major will prepare you to take on a variety of roles in accounting, finance, and business.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030.^[1]

An Accounting degree can prepare you for job titles like:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Controller
Cost Accountant
Financial Accountant
Forensic Accountant
Government Accountant
Public Accountant
Tax Accountant

Before you start your job search, remember to visit the UIU Office of Career Development for complimentary services that can help you find the perfect job.

Accounting Salary Information

Salaries for graduates with a bachelor’s in Accounting vary based on factors like job title, location and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for related careers include:

Accountant^[2] – $73,560
Budget Analyst^[3] – $78,970
Financial Analyst^[4] – $83,660
Personal Financial Advisor^[5] – $89,330
Financial Manager^[6] – $134,180
Top Executive^[7] – $107,680

Benefits of an Accounting Degree

Accounting is essential to the success of every business, not-for-profit organization and government entity. From budgets and audits to bookkeeping and compliance, proficiency in accounting is highly valued by employers. The versatility of an Accounting degree empowers you to pursue a financial career with a diverse group of employers.

Accounting Requirements, Skills & Certifications

Accounting Courses

UIU’s bachelor’s in Accounting curriculum covers a several topics within the field of accounting. As an Accounting major, you’ll master foundational theories and principles before engaging in an in-depth exploration of real-world procedures and application. You’ll also gain an understanding of contemporary issues in the accounting field, the technologies involved in Accounting Information Systems (AIS) and more.

Core courses in the Accounting degree program include:

Accounting Principles
Cost Accounting
Intermediate Financial Accounting
Federal Taxation
Advanced Financial Accounting
Accounting for Not-For-Profit Organizations

Accounting Skills

With a degree in Accounting, you’ll have knowledge of accounting practices as well as soft skills that are highly sought-after by employers across diverse industries. A few examples include:

Analytical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Written and Verbal Communication
Time Management
Deductive Reasoning
Attention to Detail

Best Minors for Accounting Majors

UIU offers several minors that complement an Accounting degree. While optional, choosing a minor provides an opportunity to expand your education while boosting your resume. Some minors commonly paired with a bachelor’s in Accounting include:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get an Accounting degree online?

At UIU, you can complete your online Accounting degree in about four years.
UIU’s unique course schedule breaks the academic year into eight-week sessions and an accelerated six-week summer session. This allows you more time to focus on your courses and balance your academic life with your other commitments. Learn more about UIU’s course schedule.

Does a bachelor’s in Accounting prepare me for the CPA exam?

Yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 7%from 2020 to 2030.8 This projected growth is as fast as the average for all occupations in the U.S. An Accounting degree from UIU equips you with the accounting knowledge and skills to immediately enter the workforce or take the CPA Exam.

UIU Locations for Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Distance Learning

Online

Iowa

Kansas

Fort Riley

Louisiana

Oklahoma

Fort Sill

Convenient, Focused Scheduling

UIU Accounting students have the advantage of focusing on fewer classes at once with the Two-at-a-Time schedule. Plus, convenient evening or online courses ensure your education fits your unique lifestyle.

6%

Projected growth in accountants and auditor jobs from 2018 to 2028

94%

UIU graduates employed or continuing their education within 12 months of graduation

Admissions

When you’re ready to apply for your bachelor’s degree in Accounting , we’re ready to help you every step of the way.

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Go Further with an MBA

Earned your undergraduate degree in Accounting? Consider UIU’s MBA program to advance your career even further.

See Program Details

Faculty Spotlight

Blair Seim, CPA, MAcc
Associate Professor of Accounting (2016)

I am very passionate about students not only learning accounting the right way, but having a fun time doing it. We apply real world accounting and tax work in the classroom to prepare students for the CPA exam and for their accounting careers. The accounting program is growing in enrollment and we have updated the curriculum to meet or exceed most state CPA license requirements. Now is a great time to join UIU’s accounting program!

Sources

^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (visited February 11, 2022).
^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (visited February 11, 2022).
^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Budget Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm (visited February 11, 2022).
^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (visited February 11, 2022).
^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Personal Financial Advisors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (visited February 11, 2022).
^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (visited February 11, 2022).
^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Top Executives, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm (visited February 11, 2022).
^{^} Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (visited February 11, 2022).