Signature Courses

As an accounting major, you'll take classes like these:

Acctg 230 — Introduction to Financial Accounting
Acctg 231 — Introduction to Managerial Accounting
Acctg 330 — Intermediate Accounting I
Acctg 331 — Intermediate Accounting II
Acctg 335 — Introduction to Taxation
Acctg 338 — Cost Accounting
Acctg 433 — Accounting Systems and Auditing
Acctg 443 — Business Processes and Controls
Acctg 438 — Advanced Cost Accounting and Management
Acctg 439 — Auditing

To enroll in 300 and 400 level business courses, you need to be certified into a business major.

On the Pullman campus, certifying as a business major is competitive and course enrollments are limited. Admission to the business program is determined by cumulative GPA and performance in the certification prerequisite courses (other factors may also be considered).
Full certification requirements

Note: Consult the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

• One of only three programs in the Northwest and approximately 165 worldwide that have earned the prestigious AACSB Accounting Accreditation at all levels: for the bachelor's degree, the master of accounting degree (M.Acc.), and the doctoral degree (Ph.D.).
• Accounting faculty are award-winning teachers, work closely with students, and take a personal interest in their success.
• Outstanding job placement: WSU accounting graduates win positions in Big 4 international and national public accounting firms, corporations, and government agencies. 
• Beta Alpha Psi is a premier student organization, providing students the opportunity to interact weekly with top-tier accounting professionals and executives.
• WSU accounting students experience exceptional success on the CPA examination, resulting in national rankings for the Department of Accounting.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

For accounting students

Students majoring in accounting qualify for scholarships from the Department of Accounting and may also be eligible for scholarships from WSU’s College of Business.

For all students at WSU

Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

To get information on the full range of available aid or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

Beta Alpha Psi (the Accounting Honorary Society) is a dynamic club open to all accounting students.

Beta Alpha Psi meets frequently and allows students to network with professionals who share their interests. The club hosts alumni and executive guests who share their real-world experiences and discuss technical issues, career opportunities, and special topics like ethics, liability, and job interviews.

Beta Alpha Psi also helps connects its members to internship and job opportunities, coordinates field trips to firms, and sponsors activities on campus.

Job placement

WSU accounting majors typically have job offers and accept professional positions before graduation.

Job placement of WSU master of accounting (M.Acc.) graduates is outstanding, annually approaching 100%. Graduates of the WSU accounting program also experience exceptional success on the CPA exam.

Careers

Accounting graduates have a diversity of career opportunities, and can work as auditors, consultants, and tax professionals. Accounting careers are characterized by rapid increases in salary and responsibility.

WSU accounting graduates have an extremely strong track record of obtaining career positions in public accounting firms, consulting firms, financial institutions, high tech and start-up companies, manufacturing, agribusiness, communication, government, and health care organizations.

Graduates can boost their opportunities and salary potential by attaining professional certification as a CPA (certified public accountant), CMA (certified management accounting), and CIA (certified internal auditor). With experience, accounting graduates can become chief financial officers, partners in public accounting firms, and controllers in organizations of all sizes around the world.

Salaries

Entry-level salaries range from $45,000–60,000. Master’s and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications can greatly affect an accountant's future salary growth.