Program(s) Available: B.S.
Whether it’s preparing financial statements, auditing records or helping organizations plan for the future, accountants are instrumental in helping businesses operate and succeed. As an accounting major at Northwest Missouri State University, you’ll learn how to analyze financial information, ensure accuracy and support ethical decision-making, building a solid foundation in accounting principles. With two tracks available, you’ll also gain the expertise and profession-based learning experiences you need to eventually become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
This traditional four-year bachelor’s degree in accounting provides a strong foundation in general accounting principles with a focus on internal decision-making, cost management and performance analysis within organizations. It prepares you for careers in corporate accounting, operations, analytics and management and Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) certification.
Classes for the bachelor’s in accounting - managerial accounting track include:
After completing the program, you’ll be able to:
This track is also a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree in accounting. It is designed for students planning to pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure and careers in public accounting, auditing or tax at a professional services firm. The curriculum provides background knowledge of the material tested on the CPA exam.
Courses for the bachelor’s in accounting - public accounting include:
After completing the program, you’ll be able to:
The online accounting degrees are designed for students who need flexibility without sacrificing the structure or rigor of an on-campus program. The online programs cover the same core accounting principles and offer the same tracks as the in-person programs, preparing you for professional accounting roles while allowing you to complete coursework on a schedule that works for you.
Thu, April 9, 2026
(secondary education / business education)
Melvin D. & Valorie G. Booth School of Business
660.562.1835
kryan@nwmissouri.edu
At Northwest, you’ll do more than earn a degree. Through applied learning, internships and faculty membership, you’ll prepare to join a trusted profession with numerous career opportunities. You’ll take CPA- and CMA-aligned courses with small class sizes and receive the structure, rigor and support you need to become a professional accountant. Our program boasts a 100% job placement rate for both the managerial and public accounting tracks and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Develop the skills and expertise you’ll need to earn your CPA or CMA certification. The accounting major at Northwest offers two accounting tracks aligned with CPA and CMA goals, helping you prepare for licensure and certification requirements early in the program. You’ll also work closely with faculty to identify your long-term goals and which track works best for your interests.
Gain experience that reflects real professional expectations through applied coursework and internships aligned with your chosen track. In managerial accounting internships, you’ll record transactions and prepare internal financial reports, while public accounting internships allow you to take on responsibilities similar to those of entry-level staff, including completing audit procedures, preparing tax returns and conducting research using appropriate professional standards. Supported by case-based coursework and faculty guidance, you’ll build technical competence, professional judgment and the confidence needed to enter the accounting profession.
Develop a crucial skill for your career: data analytics. As an accounting major at Northwest, you’ll get introduced to accounting analytics early on and learn how to transform data into useful information. Throughout the program, you’ll practice using data to make financial decisions, understand audits and plan operations. These applied learning experiences allow you to analyze financial information the way professional accountants do, building confidence and practical skills you can carry into your career.
Get the support, mentorship and community you need to prepare you for a challenging, yet rewarding profession. With class sizes of 30 students or less – which is particularly important for upper-level courses – you’ll receive individualized feedback and guidance throughout the program and be able to connect with other students. Your professors will take time to get to know your goals and help you navigate coursework, internships and career options, while campus resources like advising and career services provide additional support.
The B.S. in accounting prepares you for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, government and nonprofit environments. Graduates have secured positions with accounting firms, businesses and public organizations across the region, including Waldinger, BlueScope Buildings North America, FORVIS, MFA Incorporated and RSM US LLP.
Specific accounting degree jobs include:
We understand that college is an investment, which is why we’re invested in you. Our program has several scholarships available for accounting majors. Search accounting scholarships or browse all aid below.
With over 200 programs, you can find what sparks your curiosity and combine majors and minors for an accounting education that’s as unique as you.
From e-sports to accounting-focused organizations like Accounting Society, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded students and gain field experience outside the classroom. Browse student organizations.
With the most national titles in DII football history, 12 different sports teams and a community that cheers them on, you’ll feel Bearcat pride wherever you go – and experience a campus that truly feels like home.
“I gained several transferable skills in my time at Northwest. My class work pushed me to be a better problem solver by using analytical reasoning as well as critical thinking.”
Claire Curtis | B.S. in Accounting - Public Accounting
Learn from accounting faculty who bring professional experience and high standards into the classroom. Northwest’s accounting professors have backgrounds in public accounting, corporate accounting, taxation and finance, and use that experience to connect coursework to real professional expectations. They’ve worked at respected organizations such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of the Inspector General, Missouri State Auditor’s Office and Habitat for Humanity. Some of our instructors even own their own accounting practices.
Yes – accounting is a strong major, particularly if you enjoy problem-solving and working with numbers and data. Accounting offers long-term career stability and flexibility, as accountants are needed in every industry, including business, health care, government and nonprofit organizations.
At Northwest, you’ll choose from two paths based on your career goals: public accounting or managerial accounting. These paths prepare you to become a Certified Personal Accountant (CPA) or Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA), helping you prepare for professional credentials and long-term stability.
A B.S. in accounting prepares you for professional roles that involve financial analysis, compliance, reporting and decision-making. Northwest accounting graduates pursue careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, government and nonprofit organizations, preparing to earn CPA or CMA certification after graduation. Specific accounting degree jobs include:
Yes, accounting can be a challenging major because it involves rigorous coursework and requires technical skills, precision, accuracy and critical thinking. Accounting majors learn to navigate complex financial reporting standards, analyze data, and exercise sound professional judgment. With the right support and a student-centered approach like the one at Northwest, you’ll master these skills and others with confidence so you can pursue a rewarding, stable career.
Accounting major salaries vary based on role, experience, location and professional credentials, but the field generally offers strong long-term earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was about $81,680 in 2024, with the lowest 10% earning under roughly $52,780 and the highest 10% earning more than $141,420.
