Accounting

Major, Minor

Oakley School of Business

Accounting is the language businesses use to understand where they are — and where they’re going. Accountants help organizations plan, track progress, and make smart decisions. At Quincy University, you can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting or add an Accounting minor to strengthen your career path.

Accounting major listening to professor in class

Opportunities & Outcomes

Through our Accounting curriculum, you will develop a broad working knowledge of the theory and practice in this complex field and meet the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examination and the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) examination in Illinois*.

Career Pathways

An Accounting degree prepares graduates for a wide range of professional roles in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. The strong analytical, ethical, and problem-solving skills developed in the program also provide a foundation for graduate study and leadership positions across many industries.

  • Staff Accountant

  • Auditor

  • Tax Associate

  • Financial Analyst

  • Payroll Specialist

  • Budget Analyst

  • Accounting Manager

  • Controller

  • Forensic Accountant

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Programs of Study Offered

The accounting curriculum offers pathways to match students’ academic interests and career goals, including preparation for public accounting, corporate and managerial accounting, taxation, and graduate or professional certification.

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting
  • Accounting Minor

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam

Each state’s board of accountancy outlines the state’s specific requirements for sitting for the CPA exam and licensure as a CPA. Illinois (and many other states) allow students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam with 120 semester hours of academic credit. Requirements for licensure vary from state to state and may require passing an ethics exam, completion of relevant work experience or completion of additional hours of education. You should consult your state’s board of accountancy for the specific requirements.  Visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website for list of individual state board requirements.

Students who elect to take additional hours to fulfill their state requirements should consider a double major or graduate education such as the Quincy University MBA program.

The U.S. Department of Education regulations require that Quincy University disclose to students whether a program leading to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements in all US states and territories.  Visit CPA Licensure Disclosure for additional information.

* consult the specific state board of accountancy for detailed requirements on licensure.

Learning by Doing

Nearly all Quincy University Accounting graduates find immediate employment in public accounting firms, corporate accounting, or governmental accounting. Our Accounting graduates have held positions in major firms and organizations across our region and beyond.

  • Internships

    Internships allow accounting students to explore real-world career paths, apply what they learn in the classroom, and start building a professional network. Opportunities are available for credit or non-credit.

  • Clubs & Organizations

    Accounting students can build leadership skills and professional connections through organizations such as the Women in Business club.

Faculty Spotlight

Vicky Eidson, D. Mgt

Vicky Eidson, D. Mgt

Dean, Oakley School of Business; Professor of Accounting

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science

Bonaventure Program

Every QU student’s foundation for our liberal arts education, involving service learning, signature courses, writing, technological literacy. Program Requirements

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