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

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 BuiterFaculty Assistant for the Business + Economics Department

CONNECT WITH US

#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

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Gabe** Gabe found accounting to be the perfect match for his interests and abilities, and he is gaining leadership experience through his involvements at NWC.

ALUMNI

**Jenee** Jenee says her Northwestern education has enabled her to adapt quickly to three different roles in a job rotation program.

ALUMNI

**Evan** Evan's success on the golf course parlayed itself into a job as an accountant in his hometown.

FACULTY

**Vonda** A licensed CPA, Professor Post is committed to teaching her students how to think like accountants and understand the “why” behind accounting principles.

Experience

World-class education

Department mission

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Center for Innovation & Leadership

Business Club

Investment Club

Off-campus study

Bachelor's + beyond

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.