Accountancy program
Undergrad major Undergrad minorWhat can you do with an accounting degree?
Use your skills with numbers to help organizations manage their resources, monitor or report on finances. Such insights will help drive important business decisions. An accounting degree is a springboard into a successful career with traditionally excellent pay.
In UWL's accountancy program, you'll find a flexible approach to earning the required 150 credits for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. You'll find many opportunities to earn money while you learn whether in full-time, paid accounting internships or scholarships. An extensive accountancy scholarship program offers more than $100,000 each year to support student success.
The accountancy program is committed to helping students find opportunities and network, as well as offering the most relevant, up-to-date practical and theoretical skills in the field.
The accountancy program provided me with the foundational knowledge and other resources I needed moving forward in my career. Everyone in the program truly wants what is best for you as a young-professional.
Cole Eron
Accounting careers
Accountancy majors enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities and starting salaries are excellent. The profession also provides many opportunities for advancement.
The vast majority of graduates begin their careers as staff accountants in public accounting firms. Others find employment in industry, high-tech companies, healthcare and more.
Entry-level opportunities
- Bank manager trainee
- Private industry accountant
- Public or staff accountant
- Revenue agent
- Internal auditor
- Tax accountant
- Technical account trainee
What is accounting?
Accounting involves summarizing, analyzing and reporting financial transactions of a business. The information accountants share can help guide business decisions such as how to manage the business or where to invest.
What distinguishes UWL's accountancy program?
Both the undergraduate and graduate business programs of UWL's College of Business Administration are accredited by the AACSB International. ACCSB accreditation places UWL's programs in the top 5% of business programs in the world today. It is also attractive to employers looking to recruit accounting graduates.
The Accountancy Department has an extensive scholarship program for both incoming students and continuing students with over $100,000 typically available. Applications are completed online through the UWL Foundation website. An annual spring accountancy banquet honors scholarship recipients and acknowledges donors.
Wisconsin and Minnesota, along with most other states, require 150 credits as part of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. In Wisconsin, you have flexibility in earning your credits. With 120 required business and accountancy credits complete, you have the option of sitting for the CPA exam if ready. Students earn certification once they complete the remaining 30 credits, which can be in any area of study.
Area public accounting firms and industry partners provide excellent opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in the field. Most students will find a paid, full-time internship where they can potentially earn up to 12 credit hours toward the required 150 credits. During tax season, students might work up to 60 hours per week and make anywhere from $20-26 per hour. An Accountancy Department faculty internship coordinator works with Career Services to coordinate internships. For almost all students, an internship leads to a permanent job offer.
Every fall accountancy students are able to connect with employers during an Accounting Career Expo. This expo, specifically for accountancy students, attracts about 40 companies.
Annually, almost all accountancy graduates are placed in accountancy positions with public accounting firms, industry, high-tech companies, healthcare and more. Many students receive offers while working as an intern. See the Academic Advising and Career Services website for up-to-date information.