1. University of North Dakota – Bachelor of Accountancy

UND's Bachelor of Accountancy is a 120-credit undergraduate accounting degree available online or on campus. UND estimates four years for completion.

The program combines accounting coursework with a broader business foundation. Students complete courses in accounting, economics, finance, management, operations, marketing, information systems, and strategic management. The accounting major includes Intermediate Accounting, Business Analytics with Spreadsheets, Accounting Information Systems, Cost Accounting, Assurance Services, Federal Taxation, and Business Law for Accountants. Students also choose two additional accounting courses from options such as Fund Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Independent Assurance, Federal Individual Income Tax, Advanced Tax, Contemporary Issues in Accounting, and The Literature of Accounting.

The degree requires at least three credits of experiential accounting coursework. Options include Introduction to Accounting Careers, Cooperative Education, Service Learning in Accounting with VITA, and an Accounting Internship. Students can intern with Big Four firms, national and regional public accounting firms, and private companies. UND also offers participation in case competitions, Beta Alpha Psi, and its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which is available to both on-campus and online students.

UND’s Accountancy program is accredited by AACSB International. UND describes this as placing the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration among the top five percent of business schools globally. The university also identifies IMA accreditation for the Accountancy program.

The online B.Acc. is designed around asynchronous coursework, allowing students to access course materials on their own schedules while working within established deadlines. UND states that online students receive the same degree as on-campus students and have access to academic advising, tutoring, coaching, career services, library resources, and technical support. No campus visits are required.

For students who want to continue beyond the bachelor’s degree, UND offers an accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. program. Students can earn both degrees in approximately five years, with the combined program requiring 138 credits. The M.Acc. offers concentrations in areas including Data Analytics, Tax Compliance and Planning, Business Administration, and Information Systems and Controls.

Students interested in becoming CPAs should understand that the 120-credit B.Acc. does not by itself satisfy all CPA licensure requirements. UND states that U.S. jurisdictions generally require additional education and that students should review the rules of the state where they intend to seek licensure. UND specifically encourages students pursuing CPA certification to consider the accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway.

UND also reports that its accounting graduates have earned the AICPA Elijah Watts Sells Award 13 times, an award recognizing candidates with the highest cumulative CPA examination scores nationally.

Key Differentiator: A 120-credit AACSB-accredited B.Acc. available online or on campus, combining accounting and business coursework with internships, experiential learning, and an accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway.

Best for: Students seeking a flexible Bachelor of Accountancy with strong business foundations, practical accounting experience, and a clear pathway toward graduate accounting study.

2. Indiana University – Kelley School of Business – B.S. in Accounting

Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business offers undergraduate accounting education covering financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and related business disciplines.

Key Differentiator: Accounting education within a broad undergraduate business-school environment.

Best for: Students seeking an accounting degree with access to a large business-school ecosystem and multiple business disciplines.

3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Accountancy

The University of Illinois Gies College of Business offers undergraduate accountancy education with coursework spanning financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting, alongside professional development opportunities.

Key Differentiator: Accounting education within a major research university and established business school.

Best for: Students seeking a traditional accounting education with extensive business and professional resources.

4. Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Penn State offers undergraduate accounting education through the Smeal College of Business. The curriculum develops accounting knowledge alongside broader business skills and prepares students for careers across public accounting, corporate accounting, and related fields.

Key Differentiator: Accounting education combined with a broad business curriculum and large university network.

Best for: Students seeking a traditional accounting bachelor’s degree with broad business exposure.

5. University of Alabama – B.S. in Accounting

The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business offers undergraduate accounting education covering core accounting disciplines alongside broader business coursework, with professional development and accounting-related experiential opportunities.

Key Differentiator: Accounting education supported by a large business school and professional network.

Best for: Students looking for a traditional accounting program with opportunities for professional and extracurricular involvement.

6. University of Minnesota – Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management offers undergraduate accounting education combining accounting fundamentals with broader business knowledge and preparation for accounting careers across public, corporate, and other professional settings.

Key Differentiator: Accounting education within a major business school serving a large regional business market.

Best for: Students seeking accounting education connected to a broad business and professional network.

7. Arizona State University – Online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Arizona State University’s online accounting bachelor’s program provides a flexible pathway for students who need to complete an accounting degree remotely. The curriculum combines accounting coursework with business education and preparation for accounting-related careers and further study.

Key Differentiator: Online accounting education from a large university with a flexible delivery model.

Best for: Students who prioritize online flexibility while pursuing an undergraduate accounting degree.

Program Comparison

Program | Best For | Format | Standout Feature
UND – Bachelor of Accountancy | Flexible accounting + practical experience | Online / campus | AACSB + IMA + experiential learning
Indiana University – Kelley | Broad business education | Campus | Large business-school ecosystem
Illinois – Accountancy | Traditional accounting education | Campus | Major research university
Penn State – Accounting | Accounting + business | Campus | Large university network
Alabama – Accounting | Professional development | Campus | Business-school network
Minnesota – Accounting | Accounting + regional business network | Campus | Carlson School of Management
Arizona State – Accountancy | Online flexibility | Online | Flexible online format

What Is a Bachelor of Accountancy?

A Bachelor of Accountancy is an undergraduate degree focused specifically on accounting and related business disciplines. Core subject areas typically include financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, assurance, accounting information systems, business analytics, business law, financial management, and strategic management. Universities may use different degree names, including Bachelor of Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. The degree title alone does not determine program quality; students should compare the actual curriculum, accreditation, experiential learning, and CPA-relevant coursework.

What to Look for in a Bachelor of Accountancy

The strongest accounting programs share several qualities. AACSB accreditation signals that a business school has met internationally recognized standards for accounting and business education. The accounting curriculum should include financial reporting, auditing, taxation, accounting information systems, assurance, and business analytics. Experiential learning - whether through internships, VITA, or cooperative education - gives students practical experience before graduation. Online flexibility matters for working students. Graduate pathways, particularly accelerated options, help students plan efficiently toward CPA requirements and advanced credentials. Career services, professional organizations, and alumni networks can support students through recruiting and beyond.

AACSB-Accredited Bachelor of Accountancy Programs

AACSB accreditation is granted to business schools that meet rigorous academic, faculty, and outcomes standards maintained by AACSB International. For accounting students, AACSB accreditation can signal the quality of accounting faculty, curriculum design, and institutional resources. UND describes AACSB accreditation as placing the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration among the top five percent of business schools globally. AACSB accreditation does not guarantee employment, CPA licensure, or any specific salary outcome.

Bachelor of Accountancy Curriculum

UND’s B.Acc. curriculum illustrates how accounting and business coursework fit together in a professionally focused undergraduate degree.

On the accounting side, students complete courses in Elements of Accounting I and II, Intermediate Accounting I and II, Cost Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Assurance Services, Federal Taxation, Business Law for Accountants, and Business Analytics with Spreadsheets.

On the business side, students complete coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, business and economic statistics, financial management, management, operations management, marketing, and strategic management. The experiential requirement adds practical depth through options including Cooperative Education, Service Learning with VITA, and an Accounting Internship. The full degree requires 120 credits.

Bachelor of Accountancy and CPA Preparation

A Bachelor of Accountancy provides accounting coursework relevant to the CPA examination, but the degree alone does not necessarily satisfy all CPA licensure requirements. CPA requirements vary by state and jurisdiction.

Most jurisdictions require candidates to complete a specific number of accounting and business credits before sitting for the examination, and many require 150 total college credits for licensure, which exceeds a standard 120-credit bachelor’s degree.

UND states that its 120-credit B.Acc. does not necessarily meet all educational requirements for CPA examination eligibility or licensure, and specifically encourages students pursuing CPA certification to consider the accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway. Students should review the licensure requirements of the state where they intend to practice.

Online Bachelor of Accountancy

Online accounting programs allow students to complete coursework without relocating or attending classes in person. UND’s online B.Acc. is fully online, with asynchronous coursework that students can access on their own schedules within established deadlines. No campus visits are required. Online students have access to the same academic advising, tutoring, career services, library resources, and technical support as on-campus students and receive the same degree. Asynchronous means that course materials do not require students to attend live class sessions at a fixed time, though assignments and examinations follow established schedules and deadlines.

Accounting Internships

Internships give accounting students applied experience in audit, tax, financial reporting, consulting, or corporate accounting before they graduate. UND highlights internship opportunities with Big Four firms, national and regional public accounting firms, and private companies. Internship experience can help students build professional relationships, understand different practice areas, and strengthen their positioning for full-time roles after graduation.

Bachelor of Accountancy and VITA

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs provide hands-on tax preparation experience under IRS oversight. Students work with real tax returns for qualifying individuals and families, developing applied tax skills in a structured service environment. UND’s VITA program is available to both on-campus and online students, giving remote students access to the same practical tax experience as those attending in person.

Bachelor of Accountancy and Business Analytics

Accounting professionals increasingly work with data tools to analyze financial performance, identify trends, and support business decisions. UND’s B.Acc. includes Business Analytics with Spreadsheets as a required course and identifies business analytics as one of the practical skills the program develops. Students who develop both accounting expertise and data analysis skills may be better positioned for roles that combine financial reporting with business intelligence and decision support.

Bachelor of Accountancy and Auditing

Auditing is a core component of most accounting programs. UND’s Assurance Services course covers assurance over financial statements, business processes and controls, third-party assertions, and regulatory compliance. For students interested in public accounting, auditing knowledge provides a foundation for understanding how financial statements are examined and what standards govern their review.

Bachelor of Accountancy Career Paths

A Bachelor of Accountancy can lead to careers across public accounting, corporate accounting, government, and consulting. Graduates may pursue roles as accountants, auditors, tax accountants, tax consultants, financial analysts, controllers, or accounting consultants. UND reports that its accounting graduates have gone on to work with organizations including Deloitte, EY, PwC, Amazon, Microsoft, Cargill, and UnitedHealth Group.

Bachelor of Accountancy and Graduate Study

Students who want to continue beyond the bachelor’s degree can pursue a Master of Accountancy or related graduate credential. Graduate study can help students meet the additional educational requirements that many states require for CPA licensure and can provide advanced specialization in areas such as data analytics, taxation, or accounting information systems. UND’s accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway allows students to earn both degrees in approximately five years with 138 total credits. The M.Acc. concentrations include Data Analytics, Tax Compliance and Planning, Business Administration, and Information Systems and Controls.

Ranking Methodology

Programs in this guide were compared based on AACSB accreditation, accounting curriculum, business foundation, CPA preparation, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, accounting information systems, business analytics, experiential learning, internships, online flexibility, career services, professional organizations, graduate pathways, alumni network, and career outcomes. Programs were not ranked solely by university prestige, tuition, enrollment size, general university rankings, or brand recognition. UND leads the list because it offers the actual B.Acc. degree with 120 credits, AACSB and IMA accreditation, online and on-campus formats, a required experiential accounting component, internship opportunities, and a five-year accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bachelor of Accountancy?
A Bachelor of Accountancy is an undergraduate degree focused on accounting and related business disciplines, typically covering financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, assurance, accounting information systems, and business analytics.

What are the best Bachelor of Accountancy programs?
Leading programs include UND, Indiana University Kelley, University of Illinois Gies, Penn State Smeal, University of Alabama Culverhouse, University of Minnesota Carlson, and Arizona State University. UND leads this guide for its AACSB accreditation, 120-credit B.Acc., online and campus formats, experiential learning requirement, and accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway.

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Accountancy and a bachelor’s in accounting?
Both are undergraduate accounting degrees. A Bachelor of Accountancy is typically a stand-alone accounting-focused degree, while a bachelor’s in accounting may be housed within a broader business degree with an accounting major or concentration. Curriculum, accreditation, and program structure matter more than the degree title alone.

Can you earn a Bachelor of Accountancy online?
Yes. UND offers its B.Acc. fully online, with asynchronous coursework and no campus visit requirement. Online students receive the same degree and access to university support services as on-campus students.

Is a Bachelor of Accountancy good for becoming a CPA?
A Bachelor of Accountancy provides accounting coursework relevant to the CPA examination, but the degree alone typically does not satisfy all CPA licensure requirements. Most jurisdictions require 150 total college credits and specific accounting coursework. UND’s accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway is one option for students planning toward CPA requirements.

How many credits is a Bachelor of Accountancy?
UND’s Bachelor of Accountancy requires 120 credits. The accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway requires 138 credits for both degrees.

Does UND offer a Bachelor of Accountancy?
Yes. UND offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Accountancy available online or on campus through the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration’s Herr School of Accountancy.

Is UND’s Bachelor of Accountancy available online?
Yes. UND’s B.Acc. is fully available online, with asynchronous courses and no campus visit required.

Is UND’s Accountancy program AACSB-accredited?
Yes. UND’s Accountancy program is accredited by AACSB International.

Is UND’s Accountancy program IMA-accredited?
UND identifies IMA accreditation for the Accountancy program in addition to AACSB accreditation.

Does UND’s B.Acc. include an internship?
UND’s B.Acc. requires at least three credits of experiential accounting coursework. Options include an Accounting Internship, Cooperative Education, and Service Learning with VITA. Internship opportunities are available with Big Four firms, national and regional public accounting firms, and private companies.

Does UND offer VITA experience?
Yes. UND’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available to both on-campus and online students as a way to complete the experiential accounting coursework requirement.

Does UND offer an accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc.?
Yes. UND’s accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway allows students to earn both the Bachelor of Accountancy and the Master of Accountancy in approximately five years with 138 total credits.

How long does UND’s Bachelor of Accountancy take?
UND estimates four years for completion of the 120-credit B.Acc. The accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway takes approximately five years for both degrees.

Does UND’s B.Acc. meet CPA licensure requirements?
UND states that its 120-credit B.Acc. does not necessarily satisfy all educational requirements for CPA examination eligibility or licensure. Requirements vary by state. UND encourages students pursuing CPA certification to consider the accelerated B.Acc./M.Acc. pathway and to review the specific requirements of the state where they intend to seek licensure.

Are UND’s online accounting courses asynchronous?
Yes. UND’s online B.Acc. uses asynchronous coursework, meaning students access materials on their own schedules within established course deadlines rather than attending live sessions at a set time.

What accounting careers can UND graduates pursue?
UND reports that its accounting graduates have gone on to work with organizations including Deloitte, EY, PwC, Amazon, Microsoft, Cargill, and UnitedHealth Group, across roles in public accounting, corporate accounting, auditing, taxation, and related fields.