Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting
Online or Hybrid
Flexible options
Finish in 60 months
Average completion time
Year-round enrollment
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Take the first step in your National University Journey
Crunch the Numbers on a Career in Accounting
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The major in Accounting academically prepares students for a wide range of accounting-related careers, including public accounting, corporate accounting, internal audit, accounting in not-for-profit organizations, and job opportunities with state, local, and federal government agencies. The curriculum aligns with content specifications for various professional exams including CPA, CMA, and CIA. All students are advised to contact a full-time faculty member for a brief interview by phone or personal visit for the purpose of reviewing the student’s career objectives.
Online Course Availability
All coursework in this program can be taken online. Most online courses offer one or two live voice/visual evening sessions per week, in which instructors orally explain important concepts, visually illustrate problem-solving techniques, and respond to student questions. These sessions are recorded so that students who are unable to attend at the scheduled time can play back the video recording at a convenient time.
Program Disclosure Information
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program is currently operating using guidelines only from the California Board of Accountancy. For students who wish to become a CPA-, CMA- or CIA-certified please see appropriate organizational website.
For up-to-date information on program licensure eligibility requirements for a state, please visit: https://www.nu.edu/licensuredisclosures/
Degree Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. The following courses are specific degree requirements. Refer to the section of undergraduate admission requirements for specific information regarding admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
Students who have completed the California Community College Associate in Science in Business for Transfer (AS-T) degree by completing the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for business, will have completed the lower division requirements of the University General Education requirements and the Preparation for the Major.”
PRogram Requirements
6 Courses
One of the following:
College Algebra & Trigonometry
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation
Examines higher degree polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, Trigonometry and matrix Algebra. Completion of this course prepares a student to take Calculus and other upper level Math courses. This course is specifically for mathematics, computer science, and engineering majors.
Intro to Quantitative Methods*
4.5 Quarter Units
Key mathematical and statistical concepts useful for understanding business problems and making informed decisions with the right tools are introduced. Concepts relate to numbers, formulas, linear equation models and descriptive statistics. Applications focus on personal decisions and decisions within businesses in the areas of finance, discounts, pricing, interest rates, loans, insurance, investment, payroll and taxes. Microsoft Excel is the software used in this class. MNS 205 and MTH 210 are the primary quantitative courses required for MNS 407. Students who have taken college algebra or calculus (MTH 220) are exempt from this course.
Principles of Microeconomics*
4.5 Quarter Units
In this course, students will study the price system, market structures, and consumer theory. Topics covered include supply and demand, price controls, public policy, the theory of the firm, cost and revenue concepts, forms of competition, elasticity, and efficient resource allocation, among others.
Principles of Macroeconomics*
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides an examination of aggregate economic activity. It includes a study of aggregate supply and demand, the monetary and banking systems, aggregate economic accounting, inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, macroeconomic policy, and economic progress and stability, among other things.
Legal Aspects of Business I
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of contracts, sales, agencies, personal property, commercial paper and associated topics. Emphasizes prevention of litigation and liability arising from business operations.
Financial Accounting Funds.
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of basic accounting theory and the application of accounting principles, this course includes the recording and summarization of business transactions in the form of financial statements under the rules of generally accepted accounting principles. (GAAP). It is designed for students who have little or no prior knowledge of financial accounting, this course corresponds to Principles of Accounting I at other colleges.
Managerial Accounting Funds.
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
This course is an overview of the use of financial accounting and cost accounting data for the design and preparation of reports to aid management in organizing, directing, controlling, and decision-making functions. The topics include the fundamentals of cost accounting, budgeting and responsibility accounting for cost and profit centers.
*May be used to meet General Education requirements ^ Eligible for Credit-by-exam waiver: Contact Academic Program Director
Prerequisite for all Accounting Courses
Students must have completed ACC 201 or its equivalent with a minimum grade of “C” within two years of taking any of the following accounting courses, unless a grade of 75 or better is received on an appropriate challenge exam.
Business Requirements
4 Courses
Info Mgmt in Organizations
4.5 Quarter Units
Overview of Information Systems (IS) infrastructure and its utilization in today’s global business environment. The use of technological tools and the role of information systems will be discussed from the organizational strategic, tactical and operational view. Students learn how to choose and utilize information and knowledge to gain competitive advantage in the industry.
Prin. of Mgmt & Organizations
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduction to the roles of managers and the vision, mission and goals of organizations. Investigates management theories and explores the four primary functions of managers: Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling. Covers issues related to human resource management, organizational structure and behavior, creative problem solving, effective communication, and the management of teams, change and innovations.
Business Finance
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
This course is a survey of the basic principles and concepts used in the financial management of a business enterprise addressed from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Topics include money and capital markets, financial management of working capital, capital budgeting and fixed asset management, cost of capital, and short-term and long-term financing by means of debt and equity capital.
One of the following:
Marketing Fundamentals
4.5 Quarter Units
This course is the introduction to contemporary marketing theory and practice in both the local and global marketplace. Basic concepts of marketing are examined with an emphasis on marketing positioning, segmentation and targeting as well as product development and distribution.
Survey of Global Business
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ECO 203 and ECO 204
A study of the accelerating internationalization of all business, this course introduces upper-division undergraduate students to all facets of international business within three broad subject areas: (1) the economic framework of international business, (2) the operating frameworks of multinational corporations, and (3) a framework for global strategic management. It uses case studies to illustrate concepts and methods.
Management Science*
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MNS 205 and MTH 210
An introduction to the fundamentals of business analytics. Focuses on the management science approach for problem solving, the application of linear programming, the use of decision analysis techniques, as well as project management tools. It is practical and students gain advanced skills in Excel. This course is a prerequisite for MGT 451.
*Recommended for students considering the CPA or CMA designation
Accounting Requirements
13 Course
Intermediate Accounting I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
Often referred to as “Intermediate Accounting,” ACC 410A, B and C cover a substantial portion of the U.S. accounting standards known as GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles). In particular, ACC 410A entails a more in-depth and detailed study of the principal financial statements, accounting concepts, revenue and expense recognition, and accounting for cash, receivables, and inventories.
Intermediate Accounting II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 410A
Often referred to as “Intermediate Accounting,” (See ACC 410A for a series description.) ACC 410B covers accounting for plant, property and equipment, intangible assets, leases, current and long-term liabilities, and stockholders’ equity and retained earnings.
Intermediate Accounting III
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 410B
Often referred to as “Intermediate Accounting,” (See ACC 410A for a series description.) ACC 410C covers earnings per share, investments, deferred income taxes, pensions, accounting changes and errors, preparation of the statement of cash flows, and full disclosures with emphasis on segment and interim reporting.
Advanced Accounting
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 410C
An examination of advanced concepts of accounting for business combinations, with emphasis on the consolidation of parent/subsidiary balance sheet and income statement reporting. It also covers accounting for the formation, operation, and liquidation of partnerships, as well as special reporting requirements for multinational entities.
Taxation-Individual
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
An introduction to the theory and practice of federal income taxation of individuals, including income, deductions, exemptions, credits, capital gains, depreciation, and deferred compensation plans. As a course requirement, students prepare Form 1040 income tax returns.
Taxation-Business
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 432A; ACC 431
An introduction to the theory and practice of federal income taxation of partnerships, subchapter S, and subchapter C corporations. Students learn the use of tax research publications.
Managerial Accounting
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 202
This course covers managerial accounting topics for decision-making including relevant costs, balanced scorecard, value added and non-value added costs, allocations of indirect costs using direct, step, and reciprocal methods, allocating joint cost, main and by-product costing, determination of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), accounting for spoilage, transfer pricing, performance measurement, and capital budgeting techniques.
Government and Nonprofit Acct
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
A study of the specialized accounting principles applicable to state and local governments and other non-profit organizations, with an emphasis on fund accounting principles used in the recording of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenditures. Also covers the analysis and interpretation of financial statements of such governmental and nonprofit entities.
Applied Tech for Accountants
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
Emphasis on the design and internal control perspectives of accounting information systems, including systems analysis, decision support systems, system implementation, and the audit of management information systems.
Accounting Ethics
4.5 Quarter Units
Studies the fundamentals of accounting ethics focusing on case and scenarios analysis, discussions, identification of possible solutions focusing on students acquisition of good ethical judgement. The objective of the course is to increase a students ethical sensitivity to major areas of ethical concern in the study of accounting. At the present time, completion of the course provides credit for CPA licensing in the State of California.
Data Analytics
4.5 Quarter Units
Provides skills to input, manage, and analyze large sets of data. Other skills emphasized are the extraction of relevant data and the effective communication of that information to the end user. Exposure will be provided to one or more ERP systems.
Auditing I
4.5 Quarter Units
Describes an assessment process that explores the purpose a behavior serves for a person, how to conduct a functional analA study of financial statement audits in accordance with auditing standards promulgated by authoritative bodies. Topics include planning of the audit engagement, auditor’s responsibility for fraud, review of internal controls, gathering substantive evidence using analytical procedures and test of account balances for the revenues, acquisition and expenditures, and inventory processes.ysis of problem behavior, interpret functional assessment data, and the role in treating and preventing problem behaviors.
Auditing II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 435A
A continuation of ACC 435A, this course focuses on sampling plan and techniques, gathering substantive evidence for cash and investment cycle, long-term debts and owners’ equity, and contingent liabilities. It also covers audit work papers, audit opinions, attestation services, compilation and reviews, and auditor’s legal liability associated with an audit engagement.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Accountants and Auditors
-
$80,050
avg. salary (USA) -
137,906
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Financial Statements
- Finance
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- General Ledger
- Accounts Payable
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Intuit
- Ccmi
- Forvis
- Alter Domus
- Baker Tilly
- Cherry Bekaert
- Elevance Health
- Budget Analysts
-
$84,947
avg. salary (USA) -
4,106
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Accounting
- Finance
- Budget Analysis
- Financial Statements
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Management
- Auditing
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Northrop Grumman
- City of New York
- Lincoln Financial Group
- United States Department of Defense
- United States Government
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- State of Florida
- Credit Analysts
-
$79,414
avg. salary (USA) -
5,605
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Finance
- Accounting
- Loans
- Underwriting
- Financial Statements
- Credit Analysis
- Financial Analysis
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Rent-A-Center
- US Bank
- TD Bank
- Uline
- SitusAMC
- M&T Bank
- Bank of America
- Financial Risk Specialists
-
$106,088
avg. salary (USA) -
4,499
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Risk Management
- Risk Analysis
- Auditing
- Finance
- Project Management
- Financial Services
- Data Analysis
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Wells Fargo
- JPMorgan Chase
- Citigroup
- Deloitte
- TD Bank
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Amazon
- Financial Examiners
-
$84,302
avg. salary (USA) -
6,210
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Finance
- Economics
- Risk Management
- Loans
- Financial Statements
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- United States Government
- United States Department of the Treasury
- Federal Reserve Bank
- California Department Of Financial Protection And Innovation
- PNC
- Royal Bank of Canada
- State Of Texas
- Tax Examiners, Tax Collectors, and Revenue Agents
-
$58,531
avg. salary (USA) -
5,165
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Finance
- Tax Returns
- Tax Laws
- Income Tax
- Tax Compliance
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- United States Department of the Treasury
- Baker Tilly
- Lumen Technologies
- Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania
- CBIZ
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Jda Tsg
- Tax Preparers
-
$49,774
avg. salary (USA) -
14,762
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Accounting
- Tax Preparation
- Tax Returns
- Tax Laws
- Finance
- Preparer Tax Identification Number
- Bookkeeping
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Jackson Hewitt
- Intuit
- H&R Block
- Jda Tsg
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Baker Tilly
- RSM
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s bachelor’s degree in accounting, you’ll have earned the career-focused knowledge and skills to:
- Utilize current technologies for presenting and analyzing accounting information
- Demonstrate mastery of a common body of accounting knowledge
- Develop ethical sensitivity to accounting scenarios
- Employ effective communication of accounting information
- Research issues to support critical assessment of accounting information
- Operate effectively in group settings to enhance student learning
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Pricing
The cost shown is the estimated price for this degree. Many National University students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which may substantially lower a degree program’s cost.
You can visit our Tuition Estimator to see what scholarships and discounts are available and get more information about expected costs. You can also start the application process and receive counseling from our Enrollment team on the costs of your degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
“Balance life and business – may seem difficult but it’s not impossible. Stick with it and great things will follow.”
Cecilia M.,
Class of 2011
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
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Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 245,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting is typically called a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. However, some universities may offer a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting.
The best degree for accounting depends on your career goals and aspirations. A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, whether it’s a BS, BA, or BBA, is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level accounting jobs. If you’re interested in advancing your career in accounting, you may want to consider pursuing a Master’s degree in accounting or a related field.
Like any degree program, a BS in accounting can be challenging, but it’s certainly doable with hard work and dedication. Some students may find certain accounting courses or concepts difficult, but there are resources available, such as tutoring and study groups, to help you succeed. Ultimately, success in an accounting degree program depends on your willingness to put in the time and effort to learn the material.
NU’s online accounting degree will prepare you to seek a wide range of careers in fields such as public and corporate accounting, internal auditing, and accounting in not-for-profit organizations. Accountants are also needed at state and local government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, Defense Contract Audit Agency, FBI, and others. According to Emsi Labor Analyst data*, job postings for positions in accounting exhibit a higher-than-average posting intensity. This indicates a strong market for:
- Accountants
- Financial Analysts
- Staff Accountants
- Controllers
- Accounting Managers
Regarding potential employers, you can expect an ongoing need for accountants at banks, tax preparation firms, and retailers, with significant demand at business consulting firms, finance organizations, insurance companies, and manufacturers, all of whom need accounting professionals with skills in:
- Financial Analysis
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Strategic Planning
- Excel spreadsheets
Click here to learn more about career opportunities in accounting.
*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 6, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $73,560 in May 2020. Salaries can vary by industry as follows:
- Finance and insurance: $78,600
- Management of companies and enterprises: $76,230
- Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services: $73,180
- Government: $72,260
While job seekers can enter the accounting profession with only a small number of accounting courses, accounting careers with higher levels of responsibility and pay tend to go to professionals with certain specializations. Each accounting specialization serves different purposes and has its own certification exams and licensing requirements. Three common accounting specializations are CPA, CMA, and CIA. NU’s online Bachelor of Science in Accounting is structured to prepare you to sit for the CPA exam.A certified public accountant (CPA) provides assurances to external parties about a company’s financial information and health. Often employed by a public accounting firm, a CPA examines a company’s financial statements and attests to their integrity. CPAs also prepare and file taxes for companies and individuals. Many CPAs hold high-level positions within corporations and government organizations.
Click here to learn more about specializations in accounting.
All coursework in National University’s BS in Accounting can be taken online. Most online courses offer one or two live voice/visual evening sessions per week, in which instructors orally explain important concepts, visually illustrate problem-solving techniques, and respond to student questions. These sessions are recorded so that students who are unable to attend at the scheduled time can play back the video recording at a convenient time.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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