What is Accounting?

Accounting is an important tool used by managers of organizations to plan, control and report financial activity. A thorough knowledge of Accounting is necessary to understand the operation and financial condition of any business, non-profit organization, or governmental agency.

Accounting Degree(s)

Accounting, BA

A broad program of accounting courses with a foundation of economics and business administration courses. Graduates are ready for an accounting career or post-graduate studies.

Contact

Harry Werber, Academic Department Manager
werberh@wwu.edu | 360-650-2195

Economics/Accounting, BA

Degree Type: Interdisciplinary

This major is designed for students wishing to obtain a strong preparation in both Economics and Accounting, and is an excellent undergraduate program for those who are considering pursuing a Masters of Business Administration.

Contact

Diane Brearley, Economic Major Information: Academic Department Manager
Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu | 360-650-3910

Accounting — Economics Concentration, BS

A unique program that blends accounting with analysis-based business coursework and an internship requirement.

Contact

Harry Werber, Academic Department Manager
werberh@wwu.edu | 360-650-2195

Accounting — Finance Concentration, BS

This program provides an integrated coursework approach to prepare students to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and also prepares students for a business environment that increasingly demands effective communication, critical thinking, understanding of diversity in the workplace, and the ability to analyze data.

Contact

Harry Werber, Academic Department Manager
werberh@wwu.edu | 360-650-2195

Accounting — Financial Economics, BS

This program provides an integrated coursework approach to prepare students to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and also prepares students for a business environment that increasingly demands effective communication, critical thinking, understanding of diversity in the workplace, and the ability to analyze data.

Contact

Harry Werber, Academic Department Manager
werberh@wwu.edu | 360-650-2195

Accounting — Management Information Systems, BS

Contact

Harry Werber, Academic Department Manager
werberh@wwu.edu | 360-650-2195

Accounting — Operations, BS

Contact

Harry Werber, Academic Department Manager
werberh@wwu.edu | 360-650-2195

Accounting at Western

Western's Accounting students take a broad array of Accounting courses, including courses from the Economics and Business Administration programs, to prepare them for accounting careers or post-graduate studies. Graduates leave the program equipped to take examinations to become certified public accountants (CPA) or certified management accountants (CMA). 

Student Experiences

Internships and Scholarships

Western's Accounting program provides students with many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to be connected with relevant internships and jobs, and have access to a variety of scholarships through the College of Business and Economics.

Organizations and Clubs

Many students join the Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi chapter to attend professional events, meet other accounting students, and participate in service learning. These organizations meet jointly to maximize student interaction with the accounting profession. Chapter participants have the opportunity to meet professionals from all areas of the accounting field.

Western's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has earned national recognition as a superior chapter every year since it was installed as a chapter.

Western's accounting program boasts many features that set it amongst some of the region's most distinguished curriculums. The caliber and accessibility of its faculty make it truly exceptional.

Andrew Kangiser

Accounting major

What can you do with Accounting?

Accounting graduates can expect to find employment in a number of areas including private business, public accounting, non-profit organizations, or governmental units. Typical work may include areas such as cost analysis, auditing, accounting systems, taxation, or cash management.

Western's Accounting program offers a fast track for a MPAcc (Master of Professional Accounting).

Accounting careers

  • Public Accountant
  • Controller
  • Cost Analyst
  • Estate Planner
  • Arts Management
  • Auditor Certified
  • FBI Agent
  • Fraud Examiner
  • Revenue Agent

Western graduates who pursue graduate studies are doing so at schools such as:

  • University of Washington (Master's in Professional Accounting/Taxation)
  • University of Notre Dame (PhD in English)
  • Concordia University (Law School)

Employers of recent Western graduates

  • Moss Adams: Staff Accountant
  • Washington State Department of Revenue: Revenue Auditor
  • T-Mobile:Tax Analyst
  • Amazon: Financial Analyst