Accounting

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At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you'll discover accounting is an exciting career path that is rewarding, social and diverse. Accounting professionals are valued critical thinkers and problem solvers in today’s competitive marketplace. A math background is not needed; you will build an understanding of how money flows to help others make decisions. With accounting knowledge, the career possibilities are endless—help individuals, small businesses or major companies thrive in Nebraska and across the world.

College
- College of Business
Hours Required

120 credit hours
Minors Available

Accounting (Available to business majors only)

The Nebraska Difference

Nebraska is one of only 2% of institutions with AACSB Accreditation for both business and accounting

#38 Best Public Undergraduate Business Program, according to U.S. News & World Report

96% of students secured employment or continued their education

Our unique Professional Enhancement Program offers hands-on career development

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Program Features

Study in One of the Nation’s Best Accounting Programs

Nebraska’s dual accreditation in business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) means you’re being educated by highly qualified professors and receiving a leading accounting education evaluated on engagement, innovation and impact.

Prepare for the CPA Exam

Pursue our 4+1 program, where you earn your accounting bachelor’s degree and Master of Professional Accountancy to best prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Our MPA students have a 96% job placement rate and a 76% first-time CPA exam pass rate.

Use Improv To Be a Better Accountant

Prepare for this ever-changing industry through an innovative course, Research and Communication in Accounting. Through writing, research and improvisational techniques and tools, you’ll gain increased confidence and effective communication and collaboration skills.

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Notable Courses

To earn your bachelor’s degree in accounting, you’ll take 120 credit hours of courses, equating to four or five classes per semester, on average.

Managerial Accounting (ACCT 308)

Help companies make better internal decisions through managerial accounting tools, including costing, budgeting and performance evaluation.

Accounting Systems (ACCT 309)

Learn how companies use accounting systems, including databases, software and processes, to organize and access information needed to make effective decisions.

Federal Tax Accounting (ACCT 312)

Practical application of tax law and tax planning. Learn to navigate the complexity of our tax system to minimize taxes and maximize wealth.

Intermediate Accounting I and II (ACCT 313 and 314)

Analyze and interpret financial statements used by stockholders and creditors to make investment decisions. Understand contemporary accounting theory and ethics to solve problems.

Auditing (ACCT 410)

Determine credibility of companies’ financial reporting through an audit. Gain an understanding of the audit environment, including auditors’ essential role in the global capital markets.

Research and Communication in Accounting (ACCT 455)

Prepare to communicate effectively in an ever-changing industry. Merges the worlds of business and theater to build skills in improvisation, professional writing and presenting.

Explore the 4-Year Plan

Huskers Do Big Things

From day one, you’ll have access to a career coach and potential employers at Hawks Hall. Your career development will feature hands-on learning experiences, like a resume review, networking and a practice interview with an employer. This major is also a STEM-designated program. This designation supports international students in obtaining a two-year OPT extension that allows you more time to gain work experience in the U.S.

Internships

Analyst intern, Goldman Sachs
Internal audit analyst intern, TD Ameritrade
Payroll master data intern, Kiewit
Financial services assurance intern, Ernst & Young
Compliance intern, Nebraska Department of Revenue

Careers

Financial analyst, Mutual of Omaha
Retail accounting manager, Amazon
Financial systems project manager, Google
Audit associate, FORVIS
Tax consultant, Deloitte

Graduate Schools

Master of Professional Accountancy, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Master of Science in Business Analytics, Boston University
Juris Doctor, University of Iowa
Master of Sports Administration, Ohio University

Outside the Classroom

Get the most out of your collegiate experience by taking advantage of opportunities to get involved. Challenge yourself and make meaningful connections along the way.

Intern Full-Time During Busy Season

Experience what it’s like to work full-time during tax or audit season without delaying graduation. Take accelerated classes for five weeks and intern for the duration of the semester.

Students standing in front of Deloitte sign

Compete in Case Competitions

Represent Nebraska in national audit and tax case competitions, where you’ll present a thorough analysis and innovative solutions to a business problem.

Learn Business in Northern Italy

Spend a summer or semester at CIMBA International University in Paderno del Grappa, Italy through Nebraska Business Abroad. Take business classes while learning the Italian language and culture.

Lead Student Organizations

Join one of 25+ business student organizations, like Beta Alpha Psi, to grow as a leader, gain experience and make meaningful connections.

Featured Faculty

Steven Hegemann, Associate Professor of Practice in Accountancy

Steven Hegemann teaches Accounting I; the first accounting course most first-year students take. Hegemann completed his BSBA and MPA at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as an Army veteran and worked as an auditor and forensic accounting consultant in New York City. He leverages his experience to challenge students’ perceptions about accountancy. His research interests include ethics, financial reporting fraud, forensic analysis, international financial reporting standards, moral hazard and unintended consequences.

Learn More About Our Faculty

Academics & Experiential Learning

Experience a tax or audit season as a full-time intern in our unique internship program without delaying graduation.
Analyze real-world data and cases to provide and present insights in class projects.
Develop communication skills through improv so you can easily adapt to changing situations.

Career Preparedness

Analyze an organization’s operations to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively.
Communicate accounting concepts to diverse groups of stakeholders.
Investigate financial trends to make educated decisions about budgets, operations and investments.

Community

Join business student organizations, like Beta Alpha Psi, to find networking opportunities and attend social events.
Gain and share your financial literacy so you can positively influence others in financial well-being.
Prepare free tax returns for low-income families through the university’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Accounting major or navigating the application process, contact us.

Contact Name: Kendra Ritchie
Contact Title: Associate Director of Recruitment
Phone: 402-472-7784
Email: businessrecruitment@unl.edu

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College

Hours Required

Minors Available