Accounting

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Do you enjoy learning in a small classroom where implementation and auditing are a center focus of your degree? The University of Minnesota Crookston’s (UMC) Accounting B.S. degree teaches students the fundamental and advanced techniques needed to assist future clients and firms with financial reports. Presenting numbers in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles through problem solving for profit, public and non-profit organizations, accountants apply themselves through problem solving and methodical strategies. With a bright mind and promising future, students often locate careers in Financial Analysis, Public Accounting, Management Accounting, Banking, Taxation, or Finance just to name a few.

Accounting Quick Facts (PDF)

This program is also offered as...

Online Minor

On-campus Major

On-campus Minor

Key Features

UMN Crookston was recently granted official accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Our accounting program also received separate accreditation, which makes UMN Crookston one of only two universities in the state of Minnesota with this honor. Learn why this accreditation matters.

The University of Minnesota Crookston's degree in Accounting is designed to provide students with both the theoretical and the analytical framework required to work effectively in public, private, or governmental accounting.
There are many growth opportunities and a wide variety of job possibilities.
UMC Accounting graduates have excellent communication and technology skills which makes them very marketable.
We also offer classes outside of the major that compliment it and help students become successful.
Small class sizes and individualized attention.
If you're not interested in an Accounting major, try our online accounting minor.

Image of Accounting numbers

Certificates & Certifications

Degree or non-degree seeking students interested in advancing as a tax professional have the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Taxation at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The certificate is offered to students both on campus and online.
Upon completion of the 120 credit hour program, a graduate may choose take certification examinations through our campus to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (CPA exam review courses available through UMC), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) at a 4-year university instead of being involved within a master’s program. The respective certificates will be issued with the attainment of a satisfactory score and the completion of the appropriate experience. For more information, visit the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) site for more information.
*Many states now require 150 semester credits of education to take the CPA exam or be licensed. Please check with individual state boards of accountancy or Accounting faculty knowledgeable about this requirement.

Program Requirements & Curriculum

To view the current Accounting, BS curriculum, visit our catalog site:
View Accounting, BS curriculum

Also, we offer a minor in Accounting:
View Accounting minor curriculum

Careers

Starting Salaries: $41,600 - 60,000

Jobs are projected to remain in high demand for the foreseeable future. Accounting graduates take positions as/in:

Financial Accountants
Financial Managers
Cost and Management Accountants
Management Advisory Consultants
Tax Accountants and Consultants
Financial Analysts and Personal Financial Advisors
Independent Auditors with CPA Firms
Internal Auditors for Corporations or Government Organizations
FBI Agents
Forensic Accounting and Auditing
Banking and Management

Accounting also provides a good foundation upon which to build a career in many business ventures.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam Preparation Courses

Prepare for your CPA Exam online while earning college credits at the same time!

The Business Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) has teamed up with Gleim CPA Review to offer CPA Review courses that can be taken online for college credit.

Program course features:

Online Classes
UMC CPA Review courses contain four unique online classes totaling twelve credits

ACCT 4511. CPA Review Course-- Regulation. (3 cr. ; Student Option; Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer) Prepares students for Regulation section of CPA exam. prereq: 4405
ACCT 4512. CPA Review Course--Financial Reporting and Accounting. (3 cr. ; Student Option; Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer) Prepares students to sit for Financial Reporting/Accounting section of CPA exam. prereq: 4111
ACCT 4513. CPA Review Course--Auditing and Attestation. (3 cr. ; Student Option; Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer) Prepares students to sit for Auditing/Attestation section of CPA exam. prereq: 4310
ACCT 4514. CPA Review Course--Business Environment and Concepts. (3 cr. ; Student Option; Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer) Prepares students for Business Environment/ Concepts section of CPA exam. prereq: 3322

Earned Credits
Credits earned can be applied toward the 150-credit requirement to sit for the CPA exam.
Expert Instruction
Courses are taught by highly-qualified Accounting faculty members with extensive subject knowledge, industry experiences, and notable online teaching experience.
Convenience and Flexibility
Courses are offered entirely online and are accessible 24/7

Note: Many states now require 150 semester credits of education to take the CPA exam or be licensed. Please check with individual state boards of accountancy or Accounting faculty knowledgeable about this requirement.

Registration

To register, or for more information, please contact:

Admissions
University of Minnesota Crookston
Owen Hall, Suite-A
2900 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
218-281-8569
800-UMC-MINN (862-6466)
218-281-8575 (FAX)
umcinfo@umn.edu

Certificate in Taxation

Degree or non-degree seeking students interested in advancing as a tax professional will now have the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Taxation at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The certificate is offered to students both on campus and online.

The certificate is designed to prepare the student for a career in tax preparation, including individual, farm, business, trusts, estates, payroll, estate taxes, etc. In addition, it prepares the student to pass the registered tax return preparer competency test.

The certificate also would appeal to non-licensed paid preparers and to individuals interested in a new career as a tax preparer. In order to complete the certificate, students will take classes in income tax, tax preparation, and accounting systems.

Background

Effective January 1, 2011, all paid preparers of 1040 income tax returns are required to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) before preparing and filing tax returns. Current preparers will be issued a provisional PTIN, and have until the end of 2013 to pass the Registered Tax Return Preparer competency test administered by the IRS.

Required Courses:
See current list of required courses

Apply Now!:
Apply Online
Paper Application Forms

Tuition & Fees:
Learn more about tuition and fees.

Financial Aid:
Financial aid is available for eligible degree seeking students. Students must fill out the FAFSA form in order to apply for financial aid. Use code 004069 when applying for financial aid for this program. UMC offers more information on financial aid and scholarships to help students understand options for paying for college.

Questions:
Office of Admissions
218-281-8569 (local)
1-800-862-6466 ext. 8569 (toll free)
218-281-8676 (fax)
cronline@umn.edu
www.umcrookston.edu/online

Certifications - CIA, CMA and CPA

Upon completion of the 120 credit hour program, a graduate may choose to take any of the following certifications:

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The CIA designation is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors and remains the standard by which individuals demonstrate their competency and professionalism in the internal auditing field. Moreover, earning the CIA designation is more than just proof of what you know and what you’ve achieved — it’s the best way for auditing professionals to communicate to the world that they are prepared to meet today’s challenges. Candidates leave the program enriched with educational experience, information, and business tools that can be applied immediately in any organization or business environment. Learn more about being a CIA.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential is the advanced professional certification that delivers tangible value. It demonstrates your command of the critical accounting and financial management skills demanded by today’s dynamic businesses, translating into significant career opportunities for you. Learn more about being a CMA.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

CPAs, and potential CPAs, have a variety of career paths from which to choose. Within public accounting, you can work for any sized firm, ranging from a large, international CPA firm to a small local accounting practice. Within the firm, you can work in such areas as audit, tax and management consulting. The same holds true in business and industry, where you can choose careers in companies of all sizes, working in diverse areas such as financial accounting and reporting, management accounting, financial analysis and treasury/cash management. Within government, you can create a path to success at either the federal, state or local level. Non-profit organizations and education also offer many diverse opportunities. Learn more about being a CPA.

The UMC Online Advantage

Personal, Prestigious

Earn a prestigious University of Minnesota degree in an affordable, close-knit campus setting. The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most esteemed. As a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota system, the U of M, Online offers access to world-class teaching, learning and research resources, as well as enhanced internship and undergraduate research opportunities. As a graduate, your diploma features one of the most respected names in higher education.

Individual Attention and Mentorship

You expect an education that not only focuses on your needs but also allows your talent and interests to shine through. The dedicated faculty and staff at the U of M, Online serve as true mentors, offering prompt personalized attention catered to an online learner. You will have the opportunity to communicate with advisers and other students by participating in discussions, and other interactive tools to give you an exceptional educational experience.

A Technological Edge

The University of Minnesota, Online allows you to learn anywhere, anytime. You will have the flexibility to access your courses 24/7 without having to worry about leaving work or home to get to class. The U of M, Online utilizes a broad variety of technological tools that make learning online easy! Employers consistently report that the U of M, Online graduates they hire are extremely well prepared for the demands of today's technological workplace.

Global Perspectives

As a University of Minnesota, Online student, you have the opportunity to study abroad! The U of M, Online through the Crookston campus has made it a priority to promote an understanding of diversity and global perspectives and to offer you the resources, programs and activities necessary for you to succeed in today's global economy. Our international recruitment efforts bring students from more than 20 countries, and our Study Abroad program offers more than 300 opportunities for you to study in 67 different countries. There are also numerous cultural activities and clubs to participate in. We offer many ways for you to expand your worldview, gain international experience, and make connections with people from across the globe.

Applied Learning and Internships

Learn and do! Online learners have the opportunity to participate in hands on internships. Our internship programs give you the chance to practice the principles and theories you've learned in your courses and make contacts with potential employers that are near you. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is also available to all students and allows online learners to design and conduct research as an undergraduate!

No Out-of-State Tuition and Transfer-Friendly

The U of M, Crookston is the affordable choice for anyone! Whether you live just across the border, across the country or on the other side of the ocean, you pay the same as those who live in Minnesota. We offer an incredible value that's also extremely transfer-friendly. Our staff will work with you to make sure your credits count. Our faculty advisers will personally talk with you about career goals, degree interests and review your records to develop a plan, and our transfer specialist will help make the process as smooth as possible.

Excellent Job Placement

The Crookston campus has a reputation for a job placement rate of more than 93% for students in their field of study within six months of graduation. Some programs on our campus have even a higher rate of placement.

Online Faculty

Kara Bowen Lecturer, Department Chair 110-M Sahlstrom Conference Center (218) 281-8267 klbowen@crk.umn.edu	Ken Bulie Teaching Specialist (218) 281-8176 bulie001@crk.umn.edu	Baizhou Chen Teaching Specialist chen0670@crk.umn.edu	Wm Leckie Assistant Professor 110-A Sahlstrom Conference Center (218) 281-8174 wsleckie@crk.umn.edu
Grace Menze Lecturer 112-A Dowell Hall and Annex (218) 281-8185 gmenze@crk.umn.edu	Craig Miller Lecturer 110-L Sahlstrom Conference Center (218) 281-8194 mill0184@crk.umn.edu	Ali Saeedi Associate Professor 110-B Sahlstrom Conference Center (218) 281-8117 asaeediv@crk.umn.edu	Lisa Sparby Academic Advisor, Online Academic Advisor 143-3 Kiehle Building (218) 281-8179 laleiran@crk.umn.edu
Barry Stephens Lecturer 110-K Sahlstrom Conference Center (218) 281-8173 bstephen@crk.umn.edu C.P.A., M.P.A.

Awards & Recognition

Related Majors, Minors & Programs...

Interested in a double major or minor to complement your Degree? Check out these other programs at UMC:

Academics Home

Online Programs Home