Bachelor's in Accounting

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Program Overview

The Accounting major at the Carlson School of Management leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB), combining financial reporting, management accounting, taxation, auditing and business analytics. The program suits students who enjoy working with numbers, solving business problems and interpreting financial information to support organisational decisions, while preparing for careers in public accounting, corporate finance and consulting.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish a foundation in accounting, economics and quantitative analysis through Financial Reporting (ACCT 2051), Business Economics (ECON 1165) and Business Statistics in R (BA 2551). They also learn to model business scenarios in Excel, building practical skills in data analysis and financial decision-making.

Second Year: Students study Strategic Management Accounting (ACCT 3001) alongside Finance Fundamentals (FINA 3001) and Information Systems & Digital Transformation (IDSC 3001). The Impact Core also introduces marketing, management and supply chain operations, helping students understand how accounting information supports decisions across an organisation.

Third Year: Students develop advanced accounting and analytical skills through Intermediate Accounting (ACCT 5101), Intermediate Accounting II and III (ACCT 5111 and ACCT 5112), and Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax (ACCT 5151). They also study Financial Data Analytics (ACCT 5141) and Business Analytics (BA 3551), strengthening their ability to interpret financial information and support data-driven business decisions.

Fourth Year: Students specialise further through Auditing Principles and Procedures I and II (ACCT 5121W and ACCT 5122) and Intermediate Management Accounting (ACCT 5201), alongside accounting electives. These courses build expertise in financial controls, audit procedures and management reporting, preparing students for professional accounting roles and further study.

Focus Areas

Financial reporting, intermediate accounting, management accounting, auditing, federal income taxation, financial data analytics, business analytics, corporate responsibility, business law and accounting information systems.

Learning Outcomes

Prepare and interpret financial information, analyse business performance, understand auditing procedures and internal controls, apply taxation principles, use data analytics in accounting, evaluate business decisions, communicate financial findings and apply ethical principles to accounting practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

CPA preparation: The Carlson School states that its Accounting major prepares students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) pathway through coursework in financial and management accounting, taxation, auditing and business law. Students must confirm the applicable education, examination and licensing requirements in their intended jurisdiction.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The Carlson School reports that 97.1% of its 2025 undergraduate graduating class had received a job offer, started a business, joined the military or been accepted into graduate school within 90 days of graduation. The reported average undergraduate starting salary was $73,149; these figures cover Carlson undergraduates generally, not Accounting majors alone.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Carlson School integrates practical business problem-solving, data analysis and global learning into its undergraduate curriculum. Accounting students can apply classroom knowledge through projects with real organisations, professional networking, accounting case competitions and volunteer tax assistance. Key opportunities include:

Impact Lab: Work with a real business, nonprofit or social enterprise to investigate a problem and develop practical solutions through BA 2062 and BA 3062.
Financial Data Analytics: Use ACCT 5141 to develop skills in analysing accounting data and presenting insights to support business decisions.
Business Statistics in R: Learn statistical analysis and data interpretation using R through BA 2551.
Excel-Based Business Modelling: Apply spreadsheet skills to model business scenarios and evaluate potential decisions through BA 2051.
Accounting Case Competitions: Participate in competitions that challenge students to analyse accounting or business scenarios and present recommendations.
Carlson School Accounting Club (CSAC): Explore networking events, resume workshops and professional panels featuring accounting practitioners and corporate partners.
Nonresident Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (NRVTAP): Explore volunteer opportunities assisting international students, scholars, teachers and researchers with tax preparation.
International Experience: Complete the school's international learning requirement through an eligible short-term program or semester abroad, developing a broader understanding of global business.
Career Preparation: Access Carlson Business Career Center appointments, career-preparation programs and employer networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Accounting major prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, auditing, taxation and financial analysis. Its combination of technical accounting knowledge, business analytics and ethical decision-making can help graduates contribute to organisations across industries. Potential career paths include staff accountant, audit associate, tax associate and financial reporting analyst.

Career Development Services: The Carlson Business Career Center provides career coaching, one-to-one appointments and career-preparation programming to help students prepare applications and navigate recruitment.
Industry Networking: The Accounting Club offers opportunities to connect with accounting professionals and corporate partners through networking events, workshops and panel discussions.
Practical Experience: Impact Lab projects, accounting case competitions and volunteer tax assistance can help students develop problem-solving, communication and professional skills.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: Carlson reports a 97.1% positive post-graduation outcome rate and an average starting salary of $73,149 for its 2025 undergraduate class. These are school-wide figures, not accounting-specific outcomes.
Professional Qualification: The curriculum provides a foundation for the CPA pathway. Additional coursework, examinations and licensing requirements may apply depending on the jurisdiction.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, auditing, taxation, consulting and financial reporting. Relevant internships, technical skills and professional qualifications can support career progression.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue the Master of Accountancy (MAcc), a specialised Master of Business Taxation (MBT) or an MBA. The Carlson School's MAcc is a 30-credit professional program designed for students with an accounting degree or equivalent preparation. Students interested in academic research can also consider a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.