The accounting major is designed to prepare students for careers as professional certified public accountants, corporate controllers, financial officers, internal auditors, governmental accountants, or accountants in charitable organizations. The degree is granted upon completion of 136 credits as specified in the catalog (40 credits must be in 3000- or 4000-level courses).

What will I study?

As an accounting major, you will study broad areas of accounting such as the accounting information system, financial statements, the accounting cycle, corporate accounting, present value techniques, long-term debt, investments, financial statement analysis, managerial accounting principles and systems, the techniques and methods of job order costing, standards, ethics, and legal responsibilities of an auditor.

Many accounting classes take a case study approach that involves a less-structured classroom environment that utilizes small groups and discussion. The approach is interactive, requiring students to take responsibility for investigating aspects of the case. Accounting students are regularly exposed to interesting resources, literature and accountants in the field. The department keeps up with current trends and advancements in accounting while maintaining its roots in more traditional areas, allowing for a well-rounded education.

What makes Northwestern College a great place to study Accounting?

• Small class settings
• One-on-one teacher-student approach
• Christian environment
• Excellence in education based in biblical ethics
• Internship and excellent job opportunities in organizations such as:
  • Christian organizations
  • Banking and financial Institutions
  • Business (all types)
  • Consulting firms
  • Corporations
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Government agencies
  • Insurance companies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Public accounting firms
• On-campus involvement: Investment Club

Degree Requirements

Accounting Major – 150 Credit Rule

The State of Minnesota requires the completion of 150 credits to be licensed as CPA. A 150-credit major is not required. One option would be to complete 18 additional credits at NWC. It is suggested that FIN3225 Investments and FIN3226 Money and Banking be included in these 18 additional credits.

• Philosophy course in core curriculum: BUS4435 [WCE].
• Natural World mathematics course in core curriculum: one of MAT2035, MAT2121.
• Social Science course in core curriculum: ECO2201.
• Students must receive a grade of "C" or better in all business core courses. Courses with grades below "C" must be repeated.

Note: WCE=Written Communication Emphasis; OCE=Oral Communication Emphasis. See the catalog for explanation and prerequisites.