College of Business
Accounting
Bachelor of Science | Major
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
At CWU, our Accounting Major focuses not only on mastering the technical skills of accounting but also on building meaningful relationships with faculty, peers, and industry professionals.
Throughout this degree, you will develop essential interpersonal skills for business success alongside the technical knowledge required for a comprehensive understanding of accounting. Led by experienced faculty who grasp the profession's demands and backed by alumni advocating for our graduates, our program offers a well-rounded foundation for your future career.
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Accounting Department
Shaw-Smyser 413
At the Center of a Better Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Accounting Department Website
Foundation Core Courses
- ACCT 251 - Financial Accounting
- ACCT 252 - Managerial Accounting
- BUS 102 - Business Computer Skills
- BUS 221 - Introductory Business Statistics
- OR MATH 211 - Statistical Concepts and Methods
- BUS 241 - Legal Environment of Business
- ECON 130 - Foundations for Business Analytics
- OR MATH 130 - Finite Mathematics
- ECON 201 - Principles of Economics Micro
Select one from the following:
- MATH 153 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics I
- MATH 154 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics II
- MATH 170 - Intuitive Calculus
- MATH 172 - Calculus I
- MATH 173 - Calculus II
Core Courses
- ACCT 455 - Accounting Information Systems
- BUS 301 - Contemporary Approaches to Personal and Professional Development
- COM 301 - Public Speaking for Business and Organizations
- ECON 202 - Principles of Economics Macro
- ENG 311 - Business Writing
- FIN 370 - Introductory Financial Management
- MGT 382 - Principles of Management
- MKT 362 - Essential Marketing Concepts
- SCM 310 - Supply Chain Management
Additional Required Courses
- ACCT 305 - Cost Accounting
- ACCT 310 - Career Planning for the Accounting Professional
- ACCT 340 - Income Tax Accounting I
- ACCT 350 - Intermediate Accounting I
- ACCT 351 - Intermediate Accounting II
- ACCT 352 - Intermediate Accounting III
- ACCT 460 - Auditing
Department-Approved Electives
- ACCT 405 - Advanced Cost Accounting
- ACCT 430 - Governmental and Non-profit Accounting
- ACCT 461 - Fraud Examination
- ACCT 462 - Computer Auditing
- ACCT 463 - Accounting Analytics
- ACCT 475 - International Accounting
College of Business Capstone
- BUS 489 - AACSB Assessment
- MGT 489 - Strategic Management
Software Proficiency
Learn the tools of the trade with essential accounting programs that employers are looking for including Excel, Power BI, Audit software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and SAP.
Data Analytics and Modeling
Learn to apply analytical tools to interpret financial trends, helping businesses uncover valuable insights within their financials, identify process improvements that can increase efficiency, and better manage risk.
Career Opportunities
Explore a wide range of career paths in accounting and finance, including roles like accountant, financial analyst, tax consultant, auditor, forensic accountant, and corporate or management accountant.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
The VITA Program is a unique opportunity where you can gain tax preparation experience while serving the community. You'll assist individuals with tax preparation, applying IRS guidelines in real scenarios.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
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for Scholarships
You'll have the opportunity to apply for over 10 scholarships that exclusively support students in the Accounting Department.
Club
The CWU Accounting Club connects students with industry leaders, recruiters, and alumni, offering networking and career development opportunities.
Accreditation
CWU’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 5% of business schools globally earn this coveted designation.
Why Study Accounting at Central?
- Our expert faculty members provide one-on-one mentorship to help students navigate coursework, internships, and career paths.
- Gain experience through internships with public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations with many internships leading to full-time job offers before graduation.
- Network with top employers at career fairs, accounting firm meet-and-greets, and alumni networking events, and take advantage of recruiting partnerships that CWU has established with firms like Moss Adams, PwC, BDO, Clark Nuber, Boeing, Amazon, Weyerhaeuser, and Tree Top.
Communication
Sharpen your ability to share financial and organizational information with clarity and confidence. In COM 301, Public Speaking for Business and Organizations, you’ll build public speaking skills tailored to professional settings. In ENG 311, Business Writing, you’ll develop a strong writing style through real-world business genres—emails, proposals, reports, and more. Together, these courses help you:
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Present information clearly to stakeholders and executives
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Adapt your message for purpose, audience, and format
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Write with professional tone, organization, and precision
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Communicate confidently in both spoken and written forms