Skip to main content
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
    • Admitted Students
    • Current Students
    • Families of Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Email
    • Blackboard
    • Campus Connection
    • Employee Self-Service
    • Hawk Central
    • Degree Map
    • Zoom
  • Directory
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
University of North Dakota
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
UND Accounting Students Having a Conversation
  • Home
  • Program Finder
  • Accountancy (B.Acc.)
print Print Page

Accounting Degree

Bachelor of Accountancy (B.Acc.)

From internships with global companies to coursework focused on career skills, our students graduate ready to launch a career.

Successful organizations require financial leadership, whether you plan to run a Fortune 500 company or a local non-profit. Develop the skills and experience to become a professional accountant, often with a full-time job offer before graduation.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

Request Information

Why earn a bachelor's degree in Accounting?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


Our curriculum is designed to not only provide you with foundational knowledge but also to immerse you in practical, real-world applications. Through this comprehensive approach, you'll be prepared to lead with confidence and integrity in the accounting profession.

B.Acc. Accountancy Tracks

With UND's bachelor of accounting, you'll have business experience and skills that are in demand.

You'll select one of two accounting tracks:

  1. The B.Acc. provides graduates with valuable business and accounting skills necessary for numerous business positions. This degree also provides foundational coursework for those who plan to take professional accounting certification exams.
  2. The combined B.Acc./M.Acc. program puts you on the fast track. You'll earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in 5 years and on your path to prepare for the CPA exam or other certification.

AACSB Accredited Bachelor's in Accounting

AACSB Logo

UND's Accountancy program is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Accreditation by AACSB International puts the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration (CoBPA) in the top 5% of business schools in the world.

-

UND's Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

  • Intern with the Big Four, national and regional public accounting firms or private companies.

  • Live with fellow business students in our Business Living & Learning Community or participate in field trips with other accounting students.

  • Join Beta Alpha Psi, a popular honor society linked to many financial professionals.

  • Participate in regional and national case competitions.

  • Get hand-on experience in our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program – available to on-campus and online students.

  • UND's Herr School of Accountancy awards $270,000+ annually in student scholarships.

What can I do with a bachelor's in Accounting?

95%

Recent accounting graduates are employed or pursuing graduate degrees

Nistler College of Business & Public Administration

82k

Median annual salary for accountants and auditors, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An Accounting degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Auditing and Information Assurance: Gain the expertise to examine and verify financial statements and records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established standards. Learn to provide assurance services that help improve information quality and transparency.
  • Account Reconciliation: Master the critical process of matching and comparing account balances between various sources, to ensure consistency, accuracy, and validity of financial records. This skill is essential for detecting errors or fraudulent activities.
  • Budgeting and Managerial Accounting: Develop the ability to prepare detailed budgets and perform cost analysis. Learn how managerial accounting supports strategic decision-making by providing relevant financial and non-financial information to managers.
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP): Acquire a thorough understanding of GAAP, the cornerstone of accounting standards and practices in the U.S. This knowledge is crucial for preparing financial statements that reflect a true and fair view of an organization's financial position.
  • Financial Reporting and Analysis: Learn to compile and analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. This skill enables you to interpret financial data to assess an organization’s financial health and make informed decisions.
  • Public Accounting: Explore the multifaceted world of public accounting, encompassing audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services for clients ranging from individuals to large corporations. Understand the ethical and regulatory environment of public accounting.
  • Tax Compliance and Planning: Delve into the complexities of tax law and regulation. Learn to prepare and file taxes for individuals and businesses, while strategically planning to minimize tax liabilities and maximize compliance.
  • Business Analytics: Embrace the power of data in decision-making. Gain skills in analyzing data trends and patterns to make strategic business decisions. Understand how to leverage analytics to optimize business processes and financial performance.

Bachelor's in Accounting Network

UND's accounting program has a strong alumni network. Placement rates for UND accounting grads who seek jobs in the field is close to 100% for decades. Our graduates start careers as corporate accountants, auditors, tax accountants, and consultants.

  • UND graduates score higher than average on the CPA exam.
  • UND graduates have earned the prestigious AICPA's Elijah Watts Sells Award 11 times. The award recognizes the top 10 candidates in the nation who earn the highest cumulative scores on the CPA exam.

Careers with a B.Acc. in Accounting

UND Accounting majors have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Deloitte
  • Eide Bailly
  • EY (Ernst & Young)
  • PWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
  • Microsoft
  • Target
  • Amazon

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting Courses

ACCT 160. Intro to Accounting Careers. 1-3 Credits.

An introduction to accounting careers and the accounting profession. Students develop skills and resources that will help them launch a career in accounting. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ACCT 200 or declared or pre accountancy major or consent of CoBPA academic advisor. F,S.

ACCT 497. Accounting Internship. 1-6 Credits.

Compensated work experience in various areas of accounting. Repeatable to 12 credits cumulative from ACCT 397, ACCT 497, ACCT 597. Prerequisite: ACCT 201; minimum GPA of 2.50; approval of the Accounting Co-operative/Internship Coordinator. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

ACCT 411. Foundations of Federal Taxation. 3 Credits.

Foundations of federal income tax relating to both individuals and business entities. Prerequisite: ACCT 302. F,S.

ACCT 450. Contemporary Issues in Accounting. 3 Credits.

A critical analysis of contemporary issues in accounting. Students develop and communicate solutions to accounting problems by accessing and navigating accounting standards. Written communication is emphasized. Prerequisite: ACCT 302. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ACCT 405. F,S.

ACCT 405. Assurance Services. 3 Credits.

Explores methods of improving the quality of information or its context for decision makers. Examples include assurances on the reliability of financial statements, the processes and controls used to manage and operate businesses, assertions and agreements made to third parties, and regulatory compliance. Prerequisite: ACCT 302, ACCT 309, and ECON 210. F,S.

ACCT 416. Business Law for Accountants. 3 Credits.

Both foundational and advanced topics in business law relevant for the practice of public accountancy including agency law, contracts, negotiable instruments, ethics, legal representation in business, and the impact of selected governmental regulations on businesses. F,S.

-

Best Online Accounting Degree

Best Bachelor's Degrees - Accounting - 2021

2022 Best Bachelors in Accounting

UND's Accounting degree ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

Accredited Online Accounting Degree

UND's Accounting degree is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Our accredited online Accounting degree is fully online. You are never required to come to campus. Plus, all online business students pay the same affordable online tuition rate regardless of their residency. This makes UND’s online accounting degree one of the most affordable accredited programs in the nation.

The online Accounting degree provides the foundational coursework for those who plan to take the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam. However, only 120 credits are required to earn the bachelor’s degree in Accounting and U.S. states require 150 credit hours for licensure as a CPA. UND has numerous 100% online routes to fill the 30-credit hour gap such as:

  • Graduate programs including:
    • Master’s in Accountancy
    • Master's in Business Administration
    • Master's in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics
  • Double majors
  • Certificates
  • Minors

Flexible Online Accounting Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Leaders in Online Accounting Degrees

10%

top online bachelor's in business programs

U.S. News

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

A degree in Accounting can lead to various career paths, including roles such as accountant, auditor, financial analyst, tax consultant or even a career in corporate finance.

To start a career in accounting, obtain a relevant degree, such as a bachelor's in accounting. Next, gain practical experience through internships and consider obtaining professional certifications like the Certified Public Accountant. Moreover, it's crucial to stay updated on industry trends.

Yes, you can earn an Accounting degree through online programs that provide flexibility for individuals with work or other commitments in addition to the knowledge and skills required for the field.

Deciding between the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) designations hinges on your career aspirations. CPAs specialize in accounting and auditing, CFAs in finance and investment management and CMAs in management accounting. Your ideal designation aligns with your specific career objectives.

Typically, an online accounting degree program spans about four years. However, the actual duration can vary based on factors like enrollment status and program structure.

Salaries with a bachelor's in Accounting vary based on factors like experience, location and specific role. However, on average, accountants and auditors make $78,000 per year.

Moving Forward

Grace completed her bachelors in just 3.5 years and is now completing her master's degree. Hear about her opportunities at UND including the O'Leary event, Be Bold event and internship advice from the Pancratz Center.

Request Information

Explore More Options

Looking to connect with the college or find a similar degree?

  • Nislter College of Business & Public Administration
  • Find Similar Degrees

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.

Ready to Enroll?

  • Request Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Apply Now
  • UND.info@UND.edu
  • 701.777.3000
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • X
  • Contact UND
  • Campus Map
  • Events Calendar
  • Community & Belonging
  • Explore Programs
  • Employment
  • Make a Gift
  • Campus Safety (SafeUND)
University of North Dakota

© 2025 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System

  • Accessibility & Website Feedback
  • Terms of Use & Privacy
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Student Disclosure Information
  • Title IX
©
UND.info@UND.edu
701.777.3000 | 1.800.CALL.UND
UND.edu/programs