Program Overview
Accounting Major
The Accounting major involves the systematic recording, analysis, and communication of financial information to facilitate decision-making, ensure regulatory compliance, and assess the financial health of businesses and organizations. Today’s accountants need to be tech-savvy problem solvers, insightful planners, and strategic thinkers. All industries hire accounting majors, with jobs existing in industries such as sports, local/state/federal government, healthcare, hospitality, and aerospace.
Details about this Major
Why study Accounting
Choosing to major in accounting can be a smart decision for several reasons:
- High Demand: Accountants are in high demand across many industries, ensuring strong job security and numerous career opportunities.
- Versatility: An accounting degree opens doors to diverse roles such as auditing, tax consulting, financial analysis, and management accounting.
- Competitive Salary: Accounting professionals often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, with potential for growth as they gain experience and certifications.
- Skill Development: This major helps develop critical skills like analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail, which are valuable in any career.
- Pathway to Certifications: It provides a solid foundation for pursuing certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant), which can further enhance career prospects and earning potential.
Required Courses
The requirements for the Accounting major are outlined in the WSU Catalog. Students often pair their Accounting major with the Management Information Systems major to gain technical expertise and additional credits needed to be eligible to take the CPA exam.
About the CPA Exam & License
The Uniform CPA Examination is a professional licensing examination used by all state accountancy boards to ensure CPA applicants possess at least a threshold mastery of technical knowledge needed to enter the CPA profession.
CPA Certification Information
To pursue a CPA license, students must complete 150 credits, which often takes a year longer than the standard 120 credits required for the Accounting major. The decision to pursue a CPA license should be based on career goals and the potential for higher salaries and greater career growth.
Salary Prospects
- With a CPA License: CPAs generally earn higher salaries due to their specialized skills and qualifications.
- Without a CPA License: Accounting graduates without a CPA can still earn competitive salaries, but their earning potential may be lower compared to CPAs.
Career Growth
- With a CPA License: CPAs have access to a broader range of high-level positions, such as senior auditor, financial manager, or partner in an accounting firm.
- Without a CPA License: While non-CPA accountants can still achieve significant career growth, they may find it more challenging to reach the highest levels of the profession.
Requirements to Sit for the CPA Exam
To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam, students must complete a bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in Accounting that includes:
- 24 semester credits in Accounting classes, of which 15 credits must be at the upper division or graduate level.
- 24 semester credits of business administration subjects at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Requirements to Qualify for a CPA Licensure
To qualify for a CPA licensure, students must:
- Complete at least 150 semester credits.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in Accounting that includes:
- 24 semester credits in Accounting classes, of which 15 credits must be at the upper division or graduate level.
- 24 semester credits of business administration subjects at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Possible Careers
Accounting majors can pursue various careers, including:
- Accountant/Auditor: $81,680 Median Salary
- Budget Analyst: $87,930 Median Salary
- Personal Financial Advisor: $102,140 Median Salary
- Tax Examiner/Compliance Officer: $59,740 Median Salary
- Tax Preparer: $50,560 Median Salary
- Treasurer/Controller: $161,700 Median Salary
Get Involved
Accounting students can get involved in various activities, such as:
- Beta Alpha Psi (BAP)
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Club (VITA)
- Meet the Firms: Network with representatives from a variety of companies seeking to hire accounting majors.
- BAP Case Competition: Analyze a business scenario and present formal recommendations to a panel of professional judges.
- Accounting Firm Tours: Visit accounting firms and businesses in the greater Seattle area to network with professionals and learn about each organization's culture and office space.
Fund your Education through Scholarships
The Carson College of Business awards more than $1,000,000 in scholarships each year. Scholarships are available for both new and continuing WSU students. Applications are collected through the WSU General Scholarship Application. The Delbert J. Hayes Scholarship awards $30,000 toward tuition and fees for up to 4 years to graduates from Clarkston High School majoring in Accounting.