Gain the knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, accounting theory and business practices with an Accounting degree.
What You’ll Study
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Accounting major is designed for those interested in public and private accounting careers. Master accounting and business principles through individualized instruction, one-on-one help sessions and group learning activities. The accounting program combines the broad liberal arts curriculum with emphasis on critical thinking skills and specialized knowledge to fully prepare students for careers with CPA firms, large corporations, government and not-for-profit agencies.
This means that students get both a broad education and the specialized knowledge that employers find especially attractive.
Faculty & Staff
Email any of our advisors with any questions you have about completing this program.
Wendy Achilles, Ph.D.
Monica Phillis, M.S.
Accounting Program Overview
The overall mission of the accounting major is to provide students with knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, accounting theory and business practices necessary for rewarding personal lives, good citizenship and professional advancement. Students are encouraged to engage in a continued life-long learning and to become productive and contributing members of both the accounting profession and their communities. The accounting major may also prepare students for advanced graduate studies as well as careers in business and accounting.
Accounting majors learn how to gather, record, analyze, interpret, and communicate information about an individual’s or organization’s financial performance and risks.
Here are some highlighted courses included in the Accounting Major:
ACC 201 – Financial Accounting
Introduces accounting as an information development and communication process that supports economic decision-making. Topics include the basic structure of accounting, accounting systems, balance sheet accounts, the income statement and the statement of cash flows.
BUS 206 – Principles of Management
A survey of the primary functions of management including planning organizing, leading and controlling. Emphasis on the importance of management as it relates to the various functional areas of both manufacturing and service businesses.
ENG 304 – Business Communication
Development of critical writing used in business, science, technology and government. The course will emphasize library research in professionally-related fields, assigned essays and reports, letters and memoranda oral communications, case analyses and job search strategies.
ACC 310 – Cost Accounting
A second and more advanced level of managerial accounting intended for those majoring in accounting. This course will focus upon the use of cost data in decision-making. Included will be the use of the computer as an aid for accumulating, processing and communicating cost accounting information.
ACC 320 – Accounting Information Systems
A basic course in accounting information systems and how they are used in business. Control and audit of the accounting information system will be explored as well as basic information system development concepts. Focus will be on gathering accounting data and communicating the data to decision-makers.
Curriculum & Applied vLearning: Structure and Experience
The BS in Accounting at North Carolina Wesleyan University is structured to give students clear progression from foundational principles to specialized accounting topics. Students begin with introductory courses like Financial Accounting, Principles of Management, and Business Communication. These core classes prepare students for more advanced work; upper-level courses include Cost Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Intermediate Accounting, Auditing, and Advanced Accounting Topics.
Required foundational courses cover economics, statistics, and general business skills. The major requirements include courses such as ACC 201 Financial Accounting, BUS 206 Principles of Management, and ENG 304 Business Communication. As students move into their junior and senior years, they complete specialized accounting courses and a senior seminar (ACC 482) to solidify their understanding of theory, practice, and professional standards.
Applied learning is a central feature of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s accounting degree programs. Students gain hands‑on experience through internships with public accounting firms, not‑for‑profit agencies, and government entities. Group work, client‑based problem solving, and financial reporting workshops help bridge theory and practice.
The program uses real case studies, accounting software tools, and projects that simulate what professional accountants do. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the CPA exam, for entry into graduate studies, or for roles in finance sectors that demand strong analytical, ethical, and communication skills.
What are the courses like in Accounting at NCWU?
Check out our latest university catalog for learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plans of study for NC Wesleyan University’s Accounting Program.
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
While many accounting degree holders find work as certified accountants and analysts, similar professions are also available across many industries. The analytical and critical thinking skills gained in an accounting program can help prepare you for more careers than you might think. You can work in a number of roles with an accounting degree besides accounting. Some positions may include budget analyst, business and financial consultant, financial analyst, financial examiner, finance manager, management analyst or personal financial advisor.
Accounting Major Career Paths:
- Public Accounting (CPA): Public accounting firms provide auditing, tax, accounting, and consulting services to businesses and individuals.
- Private Industry Accounting: In private industry accounting, you work for one company and gain in-depth knowledge and experience in accounting for that company. You prepare the financial information necessary to help management plan and control company activities.
- Government & Non-Profit Accounting: The goal of the accounting department in a typical government agency is to function within the budgetary constraints mandated by the legislature. Government accountants also monitor the appropriation of funds and awarding of contracts to private agencies that must follow governmental regulations.
- Financial Services
Wondering what you can do with a degree from NCWU? Check out these resources from NCWU Career Development & Leadership and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
Wesleyan is dedicated to assisting students in their professional development offering resources and guidance for hands-on learning experiences through internships, assignments within the courses and job search resources. Let us help you focus on your education and career at the same time!
Applied Learning Opportunities at NCWU
The BS in Accounting at North Carolina Wesleyan University integrates applied learning into every stage of the degree program. Students engage in real-world experiences that prepare them for immediate impact in the workplace.
Internships and Career Preparation
Accounting majors are encouraged to complete internships with local businesses, CPA firms, nonprofits, and government agencies. These experiences offer hands-on practice in tax preparation, financial reporting, auditing, and data analysis. NCWU’s strong connections with regional employers help students access meaningful roles that align with their professional goals. Internships also build students’ confidence and allow them to apply classroom theory to actual accounting challenges.
CPA and Graduate School Preparation
The structure of NCWU’s accounting degree program prepares students to pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure in North Carolina and other states. Advisors work with students to plan coursework and internships that align with CPA requirements. Graduates are also well-positioned to continue into graduate school or MBA programs.
Support from Career Services
Through the Office of Career Development & Leadership, students have access to resume reviews, interview preparation, career fairs, and employer networking events. These resources enhance the job search process and expand students’ exposure to opportunities in accounting and finance.
24/7 Tutoring Services. Free & Easy.
North Carolina Wesleyan University is partnered with Brainfuse, a complimentary online tutoring service, provided to all Wesleyan students. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features live tutoring in the subjects of writing, reading, math, computer and technology, science and business.
Student Organizations
Be engaged at NCWU!
Choose from 30+ student-led clubs and organizations to connect with other students who share your academic interests or… create your own.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, NC Wesleyan University has a number of partnerships with other community colleges, universities and institutions that allow students to enroll at NCWU with simple pathways. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to NCWU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
