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A Degree in Business Administration - Public Accounting

Public Accounting Degree Program

Public Accounting Degree Program

With a public accounting education, you can use your math and analytical skills and interests to serve the public. Become a public accountant that everyone trusts, and you’ll be sought out time after time. After earning your degree from Wayne State, you’ll be prepared to sit for the CPA exam in Nebraska (and most other states), which you must pass in order to officially become a CPA (certified public accountant). Your education at Wayne State will provide you with a solid foundation in the technical areas of accounting, taxes, and auditing, to help you understand what the numbers mean. You’ll learn how to suggest and implement business strategies, how to identify financial statement deficiencies or accounting inefficiencies,
and how to assess fraud risks. We develop graduates who are able to see the big picture, but who do not neglect details. Class activities and project-based learning provide you opportunities to use technology, solve problems, prioritize to meet deadlines, and work effectively in teams. Through our Public Accounting degree program, Wayne State cultivates polished professionals of high integrity for placement in business, public accounting firms, governmental entities, or non-profit organizations.

Sample Program of Study

public accounting degree fact sheet

 

 


99.8% of WSC grads are employed or in grad school

Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey

Fast Facts

Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S. in Business Administration/Public Accounting


Hours required:
61 hours for concentration
30 hours in general education


Popular pairings: Economics Degree Program, Finance Degree Program, Management Degree Program


Popular minors: Criminal Justice, Economics, Management Information Systems, Spanish,


School: Business and Technology


Department:  Business and Economics


Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)


Licensure: Wayne State's Public Accounting program is designed to prepare students for eligibility to take the CPA Exam for later licensure in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state’s licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Learn more

Scholarships and Aid

In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships for the Public Accounting degree program at Wayne State College.

Join the Nebraska Society of CPAs

Students in the Public Accounting degree program at Wayne State College can join the Nebraska Society of CPAs at no cost as a student affiliate.

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Our Focus is Results

Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the Public Accounting degree program.

public accounting degree skills

Skills Learned

  • Financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Understanding and generating financial reports
  • Fundamentals required to prepare tax returns
  • Tax research and planning methods
  • Familiarity with audits and assurance services
  • Internal control, evaluation, and handling deficiencies
  • Business management and leadership
  • Legal and ethical standards of business
  • Principles of business marketing
  • Presentation and public speaking
  • Fraud examination

public accounting careers

Possible Careers

  • CPA
  • Tax preparer and consultant
  • Accounting systems specialist
  • Chief financial officer
  • Financial advisor
  • Auditor
  • Forensic accountant
  • Fraud investigator
  • Risk management specialist
  • Budget analyst
  • Internal auditor
  • Controller

employers of public accounting majors

Employers

  • CPA firms
  • Businesses corporations
  • Private organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Software/tech companies
  • Hospitals / medical clinics
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Law firms
  • Banks / financial institutions
  • Self-employment

Learn From the Best

Our faculty are accomplished professionals that have been recognized as experts in their fields. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Public Accounting degree program.

Outside the Classroom

At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the Public Accounting degree program by participating in clubs, organizations, internships, and more.

public accounting degree clubs

Clubs and Organizations

WSC Service-Learning

Service-Learning

Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.

public accounting major activities

Opportunities

  • Peer tutoring and mentoring programs – Help fellow students master their courses and improve their skills, or be part of a support system for new students, all while gaining valuable experience for your resume.
  • Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
public accounting degree internships

Internships

We encourage all students to complete an internship before graduating with a Business Administration - Public Accounting degree. You are not required to complete an internship; however, Career Services is available to help you find internship and employment opportunities if you wish to do so.

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