Accounting

Start your standout story.

Accounting

Your time is valuable. That’s why Northwestern’s accounting program is designed to be completed in four years, unlike those of many colleges and universities. Our accounting students consistently score among Iowa’s best on the CPA exam. When you add it all up, a degree from Northwestern could be a major asset to your accounting career.

Major requirements

Accounting
Why NWC?

Why NWC?

Northwestern’s accounting major prepares students for accountancy excellence while also paving the way to successful business careers. It equips students to work in a variety of settings, from Big Four firms to companies around the country. You’ll also learn from licensed CPAs who have helped students achieve outstanding placement on the CPA exam.

Major course offerings include principles of accounting, income tax, auditing, and business law. Related minors include accounting, business administration, economics, entrepreneurship, leadership studies, nonprofit management and project management. 

CONTACT
Kirsten Buiter
Kirsten Buiter
Faculty Assistant for Business + Economics
#1 BEST IN IOWA BestValueSchools.org ranks Northwestern’s accounting program #1 in the state and #27 nationally. TOP SCORE In 2023, a Raider accounting grad achieved a national top-40 score on the CPA exam. IACBE ACCREDITED Our accredited business programs meet international standards for business practice.
250K INVESTORS Members of Investment Club manage $250,000 of the Northwestern College endowment.
STANDOUT PASS RATE In 2023, three of the five candidates who passed the South Dakota CPA exam on their first try were NWC grads.

Outcomes

About 135,000 job openings are projected for accountants and financial auditors each year, with an employment growth rate of 7% percent between 2020 and 2030. Median pay for this field is also noteworthy—in 2020, accountants earned an average of $73,560, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Join our standout alumni at:

Eide Bailly
Sioux Falls, SD
EY (Ernst & Young)
Minneapolis, MN
BerganKDV
Des Moines, IA
McGowan, Hurst, Clark & Smith
Des Moines, IA

Experience

World-class education

World-class education

Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Northwestern College business programs teach the most cutting-edge business practices worldwide. The department also receives counsel from a board of local business professionals, helping us stay up to date on current market needs and trends.

Department mission

Department mission

Our vision: Cultivating the next generation of business leaders to make an impact for Christ.

Our mission: Equipping and preparing students for excellence to fulfill their calling in the marketplace.

Our promise to students: We will challenge you to academic and personal excellence by:

  • Delivering high-quality, specialized instruction,
  • Guiding your development of market-leading skills, and
  • Providing experiential learning opportunities as we help you discern your calling and follow the example of Christ. 

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences at accounting firms, whether you stick close to home or find opportunities further afield. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.

Center for Innovation & Leadership

Center for Innovation & Leadership

The Center for Innovation & Leadership connects students with area professionals, offers micro-credentials, and hosts the Impact Competition, where students pitch ideas for making a difference on campus and in the community.

Business Club

Business Club

As a member of Northwestern’s student-led Business Club, you’ll tour regional businesses, hear from northwest Iowa business professionals, and travel to larger cities to tour businesses and network with alumni. 

Investment Club

Investment Club

As part of Northwestern’s Investment Club, you’ll grow in your knowledge of financial markets and practice making investment decisions by helping to manage $250,000 of the college’s endowment. 

Off-campus study

Off-campus study

Study abroad programs in dozens of countries are great opportunities to learn about business around the globe.

Bachelor's + beyond

Bachelor's + beyond

If you’d like to take your business knowledge to the next level, you can apply to Northwestern’s Master of Business Administration program after graduation. Our 100% online program can be completed in as little as one year, giving you the critical skills necessary for managerial roles and increasing your value as an employee.

World-class education

Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Northwestern College business programs teach the most cutting-edge business practices worldwide. The department also receives counsel from a board of local business professionals, helping us stay up to date on current market needs and trends.

Department mission

Our vision: Cultivating the next generation of business leaders to make an impact for Christ.

Our mission: Equipping and preparing students for excellence to fulfill their calling in the marketplace.

Our promise to students: We will challenge you to academic and personal excellence by:

  • Delivering high-quality, specialized instruction,
  • Guiding your development of market-leading skills, and
  • Providing experiential learning opportunities as we help you discern your calling and follow the example of Christ. 

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences at accounting firms, whether you stick close to home or find opportunities further afield. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.

Center for Innovation & Leadership

The Center for Innovation & Leadership connects students with area professionals, offers micro-credentials, and hosts the Impact Competition, where students pitch ideas for making a difference on campus and in the community.

Business Club

As a member of Northwestern’s student-led Business Club, you’ll tour regional businesses, hear from northwest Iowa business professionals, and travel to larger cities to tour businesses and network with alumni. 

Investment Club

As part of Northwestern’s Investment Club, you’ll grow in your knowledge of financial markets and practice making investment decisions by helping to manage $250,000 of the college’s endowment. 

Off-campus study

Study abroad programs in dozens of countries are great opportunities to learn about business around the globe.

Bachelor's + beyond

If you’d like to take your business knowledge to the next level, you can apply to Northwestern’s Master of Business Administration program after graduation. Our 100% online program can be completed in as little as one year, giving you the critical skills necessary for managerial roles and increasing your value as an employee.