Accounting
At Manchester University, earning an accounting degree means you will be the sort of tax or audit professional that accounting firms value and every business needs. Leading U.S. accounting firms return to MU year after year to recruit for interns and full-time employees.
Earn an Accounting Degree That Will Get You Noticed by Employers
A recruiter for a leading certified public accountant (CPA) firm stated that Manchester “is legendary for producing professionals who do extremely well. The reputation that Manchester has earned is well-deserved and makes it a go-to place for talent.”
A bachelor’s degree in accounting from Manchester, in other words, opens a world of opportunities, whether in major corporations or small businesses. And now Manchester is enhancing those opportunities, and the value of a student’s accounting education, by offering a Master’s of Business Administration. This 3+1 program enables students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in four years, eliminating a year of increased costs and lost earnings. In addition, because MU offers an MBA with an Accounting Track students will be full-time undergraduate students and they will retain all their undergraduate financial aid—making Manchester’s MBA much more affordable than other programs.
Program Information:
- 56 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
Hannah Field’16, CPA
Audit Senior Associate, BKD
Why Choose MU for Accounting?
major networking opportunities
Certified public accountant (CPA) preparation
Capstone courses
What You Can Do with Your Accounting Degree
Auditor
Examine financial records for accuracy and compliance.
Tax Accountant
Prepare tax returns for individuals or businesses.
Budget Analyst
Help organizations plan and monitor their finances.
Payroll Specialist
Manage employee pay, benefits, and deductions.
Average Starting Salary for Accounting Majors
Accountants and auditors made, on average, $81,680 per year or $39.27 per hour in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The career outlook for accountants and auditors is strong, with employment projected to grow 6% through 2033, faster than average. About 130,800 job openings are expected each year, driven by retirements and business needs. As technology handles routine tasks, demand is rising for professionals who can offer strategic insight and adapt to evolving regulations and global markets.
How the Accounting Program Supports Your Growth
Classes
Our courses prepare you to work in a variety of accounting professions. Popular courses, such as ACCT 311 and 312, expand your knowledge of financial accounting. You will also begin researching the Accounting Standards Codification and start prepping for the CPA exam.
Accreditation
Manchester University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Get Started
Take the next step toward earning your degree. We have the resources to help you get started.
MBA 3+1 Program
Our Master of Business Administration Program Accountancy Track
The MBA Program is an integrated 3+1 program. You can enroll simultaneously in both undergraduate and master’s level accounting courses, which will allow you to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years instead of the traditional five. Highlights include a mandatory internship and courses in data analytics, accounting research and advanced business information systems.
Student Groups
The College of Business Club (CBC) is designed to provide members with opportunities to develop leadership experiences; to provide exposure to business professions through presentations from guest speakers, both inside and outside the classroom; to provide a social organization for students to develop relationships with their peers as well as with prospective business partners and employers; and to relate what is learned in the classroom to the business world. Students are eligible to join CBC immediately upon entering Manchester University, and the Club provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved. A number of committees exist within the Club that provide interested students with many leadership opportunities.
Meet the Faculty
Heather Twomey
Dean of the College of Business and the Howard and Myra Brembeck Professor of Accounting and Business
Beth Driscoll
Associate Professor of Marketing and Management
FAQs About Manchester University’s Accounting Degree
How does the program support CPA exam preparation?
What career pathways does the Accounting program prepare students for?
Is an internship required for accounting majors?
Accounting Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate that they possess the core business knowledge generally expected of all business students and the depth of knowledge generally expected of students in their particular major or minor areas of study.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental business principles, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
- Students will apply specialized knowledge in their major or minor areas of study to practical and real-world scenarios.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will gain hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings and develop practical skills that are essential for their career.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to apply business concepts to real-world situations, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to communicate effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically by identifying, analyzing, and resolving unstructured business problems, and by making evidence-based decisions.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.