Accounting B.Acc.
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Labovitz School of Business & Economics (DSBE)
244 - Bachelor of Accounting
Program description
The bachelor of accounting provides the core competencies in accounting and general business that are necessary for a successful accounting career. The program includes study in the following areas: financial accounting, management accounting, accounting information systems, financial, operational, and information systems auditing, and taxation. This accounting curriculum is combined with a foundation in the functional areas of business law, finance, information systems, marketing, operations, and management, as well as a broad general education.
The primary professional certification in public accounting is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Most states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin, require students to complete 150 semester hours of education to become a licensed CPA. All 150 hours may be taken at the undergraduate level or a combination of undergraduate and graduate level courses may be used to satisfy this requirement. At UMD, students can combine their B.Acc. degree with an MBA (the 4+1 MBA option allows students to complete their MBA in one year). Students can also pick from another major within LSBE, a minor from LSBE, a minor from another collegiate unit, or additional undergraduate coursework in accounting, business, or other discipline such that the total equals or exceeds 150 hours (Contact the Department of Accounting and Finance for additional information).
Other types of professional certifications for accountants in private industry do not require 150 hours of education. The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certificate is issued by the Institute of Management Accounting. The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certificate is issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors. The B.Acc. degree program also serves as basic preparation for both the CMA and CIA examinations.
A number of active learning opportunities are available to students in UMD's accounting program. ACCT 3796 Internship in Accounting allows students to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world accounting problems through work experience in sponsoring businesses. Most internships offer a salary, as well as the opportunity to earn credits through a supervised work experience. Another opportunity, ACCT 3705 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, gives students a general understanding of the U.S. individual income tax system, while providing a valuable service learning experience where students assist low-income clientele with tax planning and compliance. Finally, in ACCT 3701 Student to Business Initiative in Accounting, students working in teams are matched with local small businesses that need accounting assistance. Students define the specific scope of work with the business owner and then serve as a "consultant" to the business. At the end of the semester, students present the results of their work at the UMD Center for Economic Development offices.
The primary professional certification in public accounting is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Most states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin, require students to complete 150 semester hours of education to become a licensed CPA. All 150 hours may be taken at the undergraduate level or a combination of undergraduate and graduate level courses may be used to satisfy this requirement. At UMD, students can combine their B.Acc. degree with an MBA (the 4+1 MBA option allows students to complete their MBA in one year). Students can also pick from another major within LSBE, a minor from LSBE, a minor from another collegiate unit, or additional undergraduate coursework in accounting, business, or other discipline such that the total equals or exceeds 150 hours (Contact the Department of Accounting and Finance for additional information).
Other types of professional certifications for accountants in private industry do not require 150 hours of education. The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certificate is issued by the Institute of Management Accounting. The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certificate is issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors. The B.Acc. degree program also serves as basic preparation for both the CMA and CIA examinations.
A number of active learning opportunities are available to students in UMD's accounting program. ACCT 3796 Internship in Accounting allows students to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world accounting problems through work experience in sponsoring businesses. Most internships offer a salary, as well as the opportunity to earn credits through a supervised work experience. Another opportunity, ACCT 3705 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, gives students a general understanding of the U.S. individual income tax system, while providing a valuable service learning experience where students assist low-income clientele with tax planning and compliance. Finally, in ACCT 3701 Student to Business Initiative in Accounting, students working in teams are matched with local small businesses that need accounting assistance. Students define the specific scope of work with the business owner and then serve as a "consultant" to the business. At the end of the semester, students present the results of their work at the UMD Center for Economic Development offices.
Program last updated
Spring 2025