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.
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.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
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.
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
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
- 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.
TJ Canann, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
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.
Clubs and Organizations
- College Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO)
- Delta Sigma Pi (collegiate business organization)
- Nebraska Society of CPAs (join at no cost as a student affiliate)
- FBLA Collegiate
- Sigma Beta Delta
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
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.
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.
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.
