Program Overview
Accountants play a crucial role in creating financial reports, filing tax returns, and analyzing financial documents. A bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting from Peru State College not only equips graduates with the necessary skills but also opens doors to in-demand careers in financial reporting and management.
Peru State College’s accounting degree combines foundational business skills with advanced accounting knowledge. Students learn from certified professionals with practical accounting experience, and the program provides experiential learning to prepare graduates for accounting careers.
Interested in becoming a CPA? The Public Accounting/CPA focus will prepare you for the Uniformed Certified Public Accountant Examination. Or choose the CMA option to pursue your Certified Management Accountant credential after graduating from Peru State.
Why Apply?
Obtaining a bachelor's degree in accounting equips students for in-demand positions in accounting, financial reporting, and management. Entry-level job titles like accountant, auditor, and financial analyst typically mandate a bachelor's degree. Additionally, a bachelor's degree in accounting lays the groundwork for coveted certifications such as the CPA or CMA credential.
Program Type: Major
Program Level: Undergraduate
Degree: Bachelor of Science
School: School of Professional Studies
Program Location: On-Campus, Online
Program Study Mode: Full-time, Online
Program Duration: 4 Years
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting 100% online
At Peru State College Online, our BS in Business Administration in Accounting program offers dynamic online courses taught by licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) with extensive industry experience. These instructors prioritize staying abreast of current trends and regulations, ensuring a curriculum that equips you with essential knowledge for your accounting career.
Rest assured, our faculty are experts in accounting and online teaching, providing an engaging and interactive learning experience. With smaller online classes, we facilitate meaningful interaction between faculty and students, both individually and as a group.
Our online testing procedures are meticulously designed to optimize your performance. We offer proctored exams, which offer a more personalized and less stressful experience.
Excited about your academic journey with us? Our accounting option assures quality online education to propel your success.
Why Choose Peru State for Your Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting?
Peru State College is committed to empowering accounting majors as they embark on their career journeys. Through our comprehensive program, students have access to a wealth of experiential learning opportunities and dedicated career support services.
Our internship program provides hands-on experience in real-world accounting settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical situations while forging valuable networking connections that can be instrumental in their future careers.
Our program offers a streamlined pathway to the CPA exam for aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs). Unlike many other programs, which require additional graduate-level courses to meet the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure, our CPA track enables students to register directly for the certification exam upon completion of the program.
In addition to our commitment to academic excellence and career readiness, Peru State College's online degree programs are nationally recognized for their affordability and accessibility. We invite you to explore our online offerings and embark on a rewarding educational journey with us.
Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting
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A bachelor’s degree meets the entry-level requirement for high-paying jobs as an accountant or auditor.
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Peru State connects accounting majors with internship opportunities to gain hands-on professional experience.
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Free membership to the Nebraska Society of CPAs is available to all Public Accounting/CPA focus students.
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With live and recorded lectures, students can review
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting Careers
After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, professionals pursue careers as accountants and auditors. Accountants specialize in areas such as public accounting and management accounting. CPAs, for example, prepare taxes for individuals and corporations. CMAs recommend financial strategies based on financial analysis.
Other common career paths with an accounting degree include personal financial advisor, financial analyst, budget analyst and controller.
An accounting degree from Peru State prepares graduates for job roles such as:
- Accountant
- Controller (comptroller)
- CPA
- Auditor
- Tax professional
- Bookkeeper
- Financial advisor
- CMA
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting Job Outlook
Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in accounting benefit from a strong job outlook. The BLS projects 136,400 accountant and auditor jobs every year from 2021 to 2031. And many other accounting-related careers report positive job projections. For example, financial analysts will benefit from 9% job growth over the next decade, while personal financial advisors will see 15% job growth.
Typical Salaries for Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting Graduates
How much can you make with an accounting degree? Your earning potential depends on the industry, location and job title. In general, accounting professionals report above-average salaries. For example, accountants earned a median salary of over $77,000 per year in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other career paths, such as financial analyst, personal financial advisor and budget analyst, report even higher median salaries*.
Accountant $77,250 |
Auditor $77,250* |
Budget Analyst $79,940* |
Financial Examiner $81,410* |
Personal Financial Advisor $94,170 |
Financial Analyst $95,570 |
*Salary info based on data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Salary info based on data compiled by Payscale
Frequently Asked Questions
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With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can work as an accountant, an auditor or a personal financial advisor. The degree prepares graduates for in-demand certifications like the CPA and CMA credentials. You can also pursue entry-level roles in financial reporting or management.
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Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting report an average salary of $75,000 per year, according to March 2023 data from Payscale. The earning potential with an accounting degree varies depending on specialization, location and industry. For example, certifications such as the CPA or CMA credential can translate to a higher salary.
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Peru State’s accounting degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, which undergrads can complete in four years as full-time students. The CPA track requires 150 credits, which adds time to the degree. Students can also enroll part time. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits for a bachelor’s degree.
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Accounting majors choose from two concentrations: the CPA option, which prepares graduates for the CPA examination, and the CMA option, which prepares graduates for the CMA examination. Students can also earn an accounting degree without a concentration.
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A bachelor’s degree meets the entry-level educational requirement for careers in accounting, auditing, financial services and management. These careers report above-average salaries and strong job growth. With an accounting degree from Peru State, graduates can also earn their CPA or CMA certification
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- Students explain and apply important concepts related to the administration of business.
- Students will be able to describe basic concepts in each major functional area of business, including economics, accounting, finance, law, marketing, production operations, organizational behavior, global issues, information management and strategic policy.
- Students will be able to apply business concepts and theories to business situations.
- Students use appropriate technological and quantitative tools to make and support evidence-based reasoning.
- Students will be able to collect and interpret data that is relevant to the administration of business from a variety of systems and data structures.
- Students will be able to create accurate and useful quantitative documents and reports.
- Students will be able to analyze data to discover meaningful anomalies and trends.
- Students express themselves competently and persuasively in written and verbal forms.
- Students will be able to write well-organized and grammatically correct business documents.
- Students will be able to design and make effective oral presentations using presentation software.
- Students assume a leadership role and solve complex organizational problems.
- Students will be able to identify a business problem or opportunity, assess the dynamic business environment, research historical and best practices, and formulate a variety of possible recommendations.
- Students will be able to evaluate business recommendations using global perspectives and giving due consideration to ethical principles.
- Students explain and apply important concepts related to the administration of business.
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Peru State's Career Services & Accounting faculty are always available to assist students in their career search. Robert Half specializes in accounting and finance career information including job listings. Accounting and finance jobs can also be found on general career search sites like Indeed.com, Monster.com, CareerBuilder, ZipRecruiter and Simply Hired. LinkedIn is also a good source of career information.
You can also search for CPA firms in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and many other states.
Local internship/part-time opportunities:
- Airlines Reporting Corporation
- Ameritas Life Insurance
- Archdiocese of Omaha
- Aue & Company
- Berkshire Hathaway
- ConAgra
- Constellation West
- DeBoer & Associates, PC
- Deloitte
- Desroches & Company, CPAs, PC
- First Data Corporation
- First National Bank
- Frankel Zacharia
- Gavilon
- H&H Automotive
- H&R Block
- HBE
- HDR
- Hancock & Dana
- Hayes & Associates, LLC
- Hormel Foods
- Intuit
- Julie D. Bauman
- K-Coe Isom
- Kiewit Corporation
- Koski Professional Group
- KPMG
- Lutz
- Mumm & Associates, PC
- Mutual of Omaha
- Nebraska Book Company
- Nelnet
- New Era Tax & Accounting
- Northwestern Mutual
- Olsson Associates
- PayPal
- Performance Baxter Auto Group
- RSM
- Robert Half Accountemps
- Sandhills Publishing
- Schulz & Associates
- Seim Johnson
- Sojern
- Spreetail
- Teledyne Scientific & Imaging
- UNICO Group
- Union Pacific
- Woodhouse Auto Family
- WPS Health Solutions
Local career/full-time opportunities:
- American National Bank
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Bland & Associates
- ConAgra
- Dana F. Cole & Company, LLP
- Deloitte
- Desroches & Company, CPAs, PC
- Dohman, Akerlund, & Eddy, LLC
- First Data Corporation
- FORVIS
- Goracke & Associates, P.C.
- Hancock & Dana
- Hayes & Associates, LLC
- HBE CPAs & Consultants
- HSMC Orizon CPAs, Business & Technology Consultants
- Intuit
- Julie D. Bauman
- K-Coe Isom
- Koski Professional Group
- KPMG
- Lutz
- Mutual of Omaha
- Nebraska Department of Revenue
- Olsson Associates
- Omaha Steaks
- PayPal
- Peter Kiewit Sons' Inc.
- RSM
- Resort Lifestyle Communities
- SPGroup, P.C. CPAs
- Schulz & Associates
- Schleisman Onken & Associates, PC
- Seim Johnson
- TDAmeritrade
- Union Pacific
- Walmart
- West Corporation
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Meet the Firms
- September 5, 2024, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Professional attire available upstairs in CATS on Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 p.m.
- Resume review & mock interviews available prior to the event.
Accounting Interview Day
- Professional attire available upstairs in CATS on Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 p.m.
- Resume review & mock interviews available prior to the event.
Career Fair
- October 19, 2023, Student Center Live Oak Room 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Gleim CPA/CMA/CIA/EA Exam Prep.
- Please contact Suzie Adams with any questions.
Nebraska Society of CPAs
- Free membership to the Nebraska Society of CPAs is available to all accounting and CPA focus students.
- If you are interested in applying for membership please contact Ms. Weitzenkamp, CPA, CMA, CSCA, MPA.
Nebraska Society of CPA's Annual Business Meeting Scholarship Luncheon
- October 30, 2023, Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
- If you are interested in gaining real-world income tax return preparation experience, check out the VITA program!
- VITA program providers are located in Auburn, Nebraska City, Humboldt, Falls City, Tecumseh, Pawnee City, Plattsmouth, Lincoln, & Omaha. If you are an online student, you may find additional locations here: VITA locations.
- If you are interested in participating, please contact Ms. Weitzenkamp, CPA, CMA, CSCA, MPA.
Mock Taxpayer Interviews
- Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m. (TJM 307).
- If you are interested in participating, please contact Ms. Weitzenkamp, CPA, CMA, CSCA, MPA.
Mock Tax Return Preparation
- Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m. (TJM 307).
- If you are interested in participating, please contact Ms. Weitzenkamp, CPA, CMA, CSCA, MPA.
IRS Webinars
AICPA Virtual Field Trips
Future Business Leaders of America - Phi Beta Lambda - Collegiate (FBLA-PBL)
- If you are interested in participating, please contact Dr. Grotrian.
High School Business Contest
- February 7, 2024 Peru State College T.J. Majors.
- Volunteers check-in at the School of Professional Studies suite.
- If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here or contact Ms. Parriott.
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- myPSC Login
- Sidebar Menu under My Academics use Degree Audit to check your progress in your program requirement
- College Catalog
- Course Descriptions
- 4-year Business Course Rotation
- Internships for Credit
- Study Abroad
- Recommended Second Majors
- Recommended Minors
- Graduate Programs
Accounting Career Advisors
Matthew Gleason, CPA
Instructor of BusinessCassandra Weitzenkamp, CPA, MPA
Instructor of Business - myPSC Login
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Study Groups: Spring 2024
- Monday 3:00 to 5:00 P.M.
- Wednesday 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
- Thursday 9:30 to 11:00 AM
Questions?
- Please reach out to Sara Halvorsen
- shalvorsen@peru.edu
- Book an appointment
Individual (Online & On Campus) Tutoring
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Internship Requirements
- 45 hours of internship work = 1 academic credit hour
- Students pursuing the CPA exam in Nebraska should limit internships for credit to:
- Accounting: 3 credit hours
- Business: 3 credit hours
- Total (including Accounting, Business, & Other): 9 credit hours
- Students pursuing the CPA exam in Nebraska should limit internships for credit to:
- Internship Forms
If you would like more information on internships for credit, please contact Dr. Wendy Waugh, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Local internship opportunities
- 45 hours of internship work = 1 academic credit hour
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Peru State College Foundation Scholarships
- Ada Crooker Scholarship
- Chris Haddad Scholarship
- James G. & Mavis Green Scholarship
- Lena Huff Scholarship
- Loure Firoved Scholarship
- Nona Palmer Scholarship
Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (NESCPA)
- 150-Hour Scholarships (deadline April 1)
- General Scholarships (deadline August 1)
Nebraska Society of Independent Accountants (NSIA)
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA)
- Women in Transition (deadline April 30)
- Women in Need (deadline April 30)
- Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) (deadline April 30)
- Rhonda J. B. O’Leary Memorial (deadline April 30)
- Michele L. McDonald Memorial (deadline April 30)
- Moss Adams Foundation (deadline April 30
Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA)
- Omaha Chapter 2018-2019 Scholarship Application (deadline 3/30/19)
- Undergraduate Scholarship (deadline April 1)
- Diversity Undergraduate Scholarship (deadline April 1)
National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA)
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- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
- Certified Bank Auditor (CBA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
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Online Education Division
Enrollment Team:
Call: 308-260-0440
Email: onlineenrollment@peru.edu
Online Student Support
Call: 308-260-0440