Study Accounting in Wisconsin
An accounting degree requires hard work and dedication through years of study. However, with modern online programs, you can enjoy a greater degree of flexibility for finishing your degree than traditional on-campus options.
Across Wisconsin’s vast public college system, you’ll find undergraduate and graduate accounting options you can complete fully online. Some of Wisconsin’s private colleges also offer online undergraduate and graduate degrees in this field. In other words, you have your pick of whatever program suits your needs best.
To help you plan, we’ve compiled a list of some of the popular options. Consult the descriptions below to learn more about each of these online degree programs.
Online Accounting Degrees in Wisconsin
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online accounting degrees in Wisconsin:
- University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
- Pennsylvania State University World Campus
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Greenbay
- Capella University
- Grand Canyon University
- Southern New Hampshire University
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Online Bachelor of Business Administration
The online Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater is a 120-credit program that prepares you for a wide variety of accounting careers. Throughout the curriculum, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills, enabling you to work for public and private businesses and organizations.
Better still, you have options regarding how you complete this degree. On the one hand, you can enroll in a traditional program, finish it in four years, and work entry-level accounting jobs. On the other hand, you can complete this program and a second major, earn more than 150 college credits.
In either case, you’ll finish the same categories of classes to meet the initial 120-credit requirement. This includes required and elective general education courses, required major-area courses, and major-area electives.
All undergraduate students are required to complete a sequence of general education classes regardless of major. These classes focus on foundational knowledge and skills that will be helpful to you in accounting and other aspects of business, as well as in everyday life.
For example, you might take a world religions course that explores the major religions practiced today to satisfy part of the social sciences general education requirements. Taking a course like this opens your eyes to other cultures and belief systems, which can be valuable for working with others in a business or organizational setting or for providing services to people of different backgrounds than your own.
Other general education fields you’ll take classes in include the following:
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- English
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Art and Humanities
The second component of this degree is the major-area requirements. This is where you’ll gain essential knowledge of key accounting principles. One of the first courses you’ll take is Introduction to Accounting Theory and Foundations. As the name suggests, this course explores broad theories and applications of accounting. Think of it as a “movie trailer” of sorts – you’ll cover a lot of topics that give you a broad overview of accounting, but your studies aren’t all that in-depth.
The depth component comes later in the program when you take upper-division accounting coursework. For example, you’ll take a course on Individual Taxation or Business Taxation that familiarizes you with specific tax laws for businesses, organizations, partnerships, individuals, and more. You’ll also take a course specifically on auditing, so you’re familiar with the processes of evaluating the financial statements of individuals and businesses.
Other required accounting courses in this Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited program include the following:
- Intermediate Accounting I and II
- Accounting Information Systems
- Cost Management
- Advanced Accounting
- Accounting Analytics
You must also complete two elective accounting classes of your choice. UW Whitewater gives you plenty of choices to fulfill this requirement. You can take courses on Fraud Examination, Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations, or Service in Accounting, to name a few. You can also choose to complete an internship, which is an excellent choice if you want to gain real-world accounting experience before graduating.
When applying, you must provide a copy of your high school transcript showing that you’ve earned a diploma (or, alternatively, provide a GED certificate). You can submit ACT or SAT scores, too, but this is optional.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Concordia University Wisconsin offers a popular online Bachelor of Science in Accounting that’s preparatory for careers in such diverse fields as business and industry, public accounting, government, or nonprofit work. Even if you want to work in one of these specific fields, you’ll earn a well-rounded education that prepares you for many other types of accounting careers so you have maximum career flexibility.
In fact, completing this degree will help you meet part or all of the educational requirements for various certifications. For example, you can sit for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam, the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam, or, with 30 additional college credits, the CPA licensure.
Another benefit of this program is that you can easily add a graduate degree. Concordia University offers an MBA Fast-Track program that allows you to complete your undergraduate and MBA studies in just five years. This is possible by taking graduate credits as an undergraduate student, which apply to both degrees.
Your undergraduate studies include general education coursework, as described earlier. These required and elective courses account for roughly half of the credits needed to graduate with this degree. The other half focuses on business, accounting, and related fields.
For example, you must complete required core business courses that explore areas like Business Statistics, Financial Accounting, and Managerial Accounting. Each of these courses is introductory in nature and focuses on building foundational skills like understanding descriptive statistics, preparing financial statements, and using financial data for making management decisions.
Furthermore, you’ll take classes in Business Law, Quantitative Business Essentials, and Management Information Systems. These classes are each valuable in their own right, but as technology becomes more and more important in accounting, the Management Information Systems course presents an opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills.
In addition to that, you’ll take courses like:
- Business Policy and Ethics
- Microeconomics
- Principles of Finance
- Management and Leadership
- Sales and Marketing
Obviously, with this broad range of courses, you’re prepared to use accounting principles in all facets of business. Likewise, you’ll gain an understanding of other essential functions in business, like marketing, management, and finance.
The accounting-focused classes dive into niche accounting topics. A good example of this is the required Cost Accounting class, which explores differential analysis, process costing, budgeting, and other critical aspects of cost management. You’ll also take two Income Tax courses, one of each in personal taxes and business taxes. The remaining accounting courses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Intermediate Accounting I and II
- Accounting Information Systems
- Auditing
- Business Combinations, Governmental, and Not-for-Profit Accounting
If applying as a first-year student, be sure you meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- Submit official high school transcripts or GED scores.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.
- Submit official ACT or SAT scores unless you select the test-optional admissions process. The test-optional track is only available if your cumulative high school GPA is 3.0 or above.
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Yet another online undergraduate program worth considering is the Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. As with the options discussed above, this program prepares you for the next step by building the skills needed for an array of accounting careers. What’s more, you can prepare to sit for the same certification exams – CIA, CPA, and CMA – as many other online and on-campus accounting programs offer.
This program is offered by UW Stevens Point’s Sentry School of Business and Economics. The school is accredited by AACSB and is ranked in the top 20 percent of business schools in the nation. As a result, you can graduate from this program knowing that you have the requisite industry skills to be an attractive candidate for accounting positions of all types.
This is a four-year program for most students. However, you can speed up the process of degree completion by taking extra classes each fall and spring or enrolling in summer courses. Doing so can save you a semester or two in most cases. Alternatively, you can study part-time if your work and life obligations just cannot support full-time studies.
No matter if you study on a part-time or full-time basis, you have to complete the same curriculum. The first two years are mostly spent earning general education requirements. For example, your first year at UW Stevens Point might include the following general coursework:
- Introduction to Business
- Calculus
- Oral Communications
- Academic Writing and Research
- Business Law
You’ll note that some business and accounting classes often occur in the first two years of the program. This blend of general studies and introductory courses in business (e.g., Building Relationships for Business and Principles of Finance) gives you a strong foundation upon which to build more specific accounting knowledge.
Typically, the third year of college is when you begin shifting away from general education courses to focus more on your major studies. In this case, you might build on the introductory accounting and business courses you’ve already taken by completing classes like Intermediate Financial Accounting, Federal Individual Income Taxes, and Advanced Managerial Accounting.
Furthermore, you’re required to take other upper-division business and accounting classes, such as:
- Federal Business Income taxes
- Accounting Information Systems
- Advanced Financial Accounting
- Strategic Management
- Auditing
UW Whitewater also requires you to take a three-credit internship course. The internship can be completed at your choice of location, provided the accounting department approves. This internship opportunity is valuable on a number of fronts, from helping you gain further skills, learning how to apply your classroom learning in the real world, and building a network of professional colleagues who can help you transition from college to a career.
The undergraduate application to UW Whitewater is available online. Follow these steps to apply as a first-year student:
- Fill out and submit an application for admission, either from the UW System or the Common App.
- Submit official high school transcripts.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.
- Submit letters of recommendation, ACT scores, SAT scores, or any other optional documentation you wish to provide.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus offers an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Accounting, which you can complete without needing to visit the Penn State campus or travel to Pennsylvania.
This program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), prepares you for becoming a CPA by offering 120 of the 150 credits required to qualify for the CPA exam. By completing this program, you’ll gain key skills in accounting, such as conducting audits, working ethically and responsibly, and assisting business leaders with more effective decision-making.
The coursework covers a range of study areas. First, you’ll complete Entrance-to-Major Requirements, which focus on fundamental topics in accounting. This includes courses like Introduction to Accounting, Introduction to Finance, and Economics 102, among others. Introductory courses in marketing, management, and math are also required.
The main portion of the program includes Prescribed Courses, focusing on accounting and business subjects. These classes introduce important themes in accounting and business and cover specialized topics in advanced courses. For example, you’ll take foundational classes in Cost Accounting, Auditing, and Federal Taxation. Other required courses include Financial and Managerial Accounting, Business Strategy, and Microeconomic Analysis and Policy.
At the upper level, courses will focus on areas like Corporation Finance, Intermediate Financial Accounting, and Supply Chain Management. Other courses in this section include:
– Information Systems Management and Applications
– Principles of Marketing
– Basic Management Concepts
– Business Writing
– Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
You are also required to complete 18 additional credits in accounting, business, math, and statistics. This includes courses such as Federal Taxation II and Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting. You’ll also take Elementary Statistics, a course on Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment for Business, and either Techniques of Calculus I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry.
The 120-credit curriculum is completed with six additional credits in areas of your choice, such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, or Marketing, among others. Most students can finish the requirements within four years or less, although part-time study options are available if you prefer to take fewer classes each semester.
Once you complete this degree, you’ll be qualified for a variety of accounting certifications, including:
– Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
– Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
– Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
– Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
You may also use the Penn State World Campus Career Services Center to transition from your studies to employment. The center offers assistance with career counseling, helps you identify your goals, supports finding internships, and connects you with potential employers. The Career Services Center also provides resources on salary information and guidance for graduate school, should you consider a master’s degree.
To apply, you must follow these steps:
- Complete the application for admission.
- Show proof of high school graduation or a GED.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Demonstrate English proficiency if it is not your native language.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Online Master of Science in Accountancy
In addition to the undergraduate program discussed earlier, Concordia University Wisconsin also offers a fully online Master of Science in Accountancy degree that can be completed in as little as one year. The program focuses specifically on public accounting issues and prepares you to sit for the CPA exam.
In fact, Concordia has aligned the curriculum for this degree with the latest CPA-aligned model curriculum. As such, you’ll learn CPA-related skills and develop competencies related to working in public accountancy. You’ll even take a for-credit CPA exam review course as part of the degree requirements and can take individual CPA exam sections upon completing relevant coursework throughout the program.
The 30-credit curriculum includes essential studies in graduate-level accounting, such as Financial Statement Analysis, Accounting Theory, Taxation of Business Entities, and International Accounting. You might also take classes like Advanced Auditing, Law and Accounting, and Data Analytics for Accounting.
In addition to these general classes, you can also study within a specific accounting concentration. You have three options:
- Business Analysis and Reporting
- Information Systems and Controls
- Tax Compliance and Planning
The Business Analysis and Reporting option focuses on how to use data analytics. You’ll study concepts like derivatives and hedging, business consolidations, and public company reporting, among others.
If Information Systems and Controls sounds enticing, you’ll learn how to use internal control testing, risk assessments, and data utilization and management to gain a better understanding of accounting data. To do so, you’ll participate in case studies and task-based simulations that provide real-world-like experience.
The Tax Compliance and Planning concentration examines individual and business tax issues, like compliance and planning. You’ll also learn about the basics of federal taxation and multijurisdictional tax issues, as well as conduct tax research.
The specialization you choose is in addition to the core coursework needed for this degree. The Master of Science Core comprises 24 of the 30 credits needed to graduate (the remaining six credits come from your specialization). The core courses examine both broad and specific accounting topics.
An example of a broad-based class is Ethical Leadership for Dynamic Organizations. This course looks at ethical principles in business and how effective leaders model ethical behavior and encourage their employees to practice ethically as well.
Another broad course is Financial Accounting theory. This is actually a two-part course that explores topics such as:
- Accounting for not-for-profit entities
- Governmental accounting
- Financial statement presentations
- Accounting transactions and events
You’ll take more focused accounting courses, too. Advanced Taxation, Advanced Auditing, and Excel-Based Decisions in Managerial Accounting are all examples of higher-level coursework that help you build specific accounting skills.
Use this online application to apply to Concordia University Wisconsin. The following requirements must be met to be considered for admission:
- Have a business-related bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
If you don’t have a business-related bachelor’s degree, you can complete prerequisite courses and then apply to this program. Whether you have a business-related bachelor’s or not, GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree Online?
The time it takes to obtain an accounting degree online varies based on the type of degree and the specific program. Here are the general timelines:
Associate’s Degree in Accounting: An online associate’s degree in accounting typically takes about two years to complete. This program usually consists of 60 credit hours and covers foundational courses in accounting, business, and general education.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting: An online bachelor’s degree in accounting usually takes about four years to complete. Most programs require approximately 120 credit hours, including courses in accounting principles, financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing.
Master’s Degree in Accounting: An online master’s degree in accounting generally takes one to two years to complete. The program typically requires around 30 to 36 credit hours and includes advanced courses in accounting, finance, and business management.
How Do I Become an Accountant in Wisconsin?
To become an accountant in Wisconsin, follow these steps:
- Education: Obtain at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and complete 150 credit hours
- CPA Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Work Experience: Gain one year of full-time accounting experience under the supervision of a CPA.
- Licensure: Apply for CPA licensure, including proof of education, experience, and exam scores.
Wisconsin CPA Education Requirements
To sit for the CPA exam in Wisconsin, you must complete 120 college credits, including 24 accounting credits and 24 business education credits. These credits should lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Unlike many states, Wisconsin requires you to complete all degree requirements before sitting for the CPA exam.
With a bachelor’s degree, you need at least 24 semester hours of accounting coursework in the following areas:
- Accounting information systems (specific to accounting)
- Auditing
- Cost or managerial accounting
- Financial accounting
- Taxation
If you pursue a master’s degree, it must have an accounting concentration, and include at least 15 semester hours covering the same subjects.
Wisconsin CPA Experience Requirements
To obtain a CPA license in Wisconsin, you need at least 12 months of documented and supervised accounting experience, equivalent to 2,000 hours. This experience should be recent, not more than five years before your license application date, and can be full-time or part-time.
Candidates must document their work experience on Form 127 from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The documentation must include:
- Job or position title
- Detailed job description
- Signed and dated endorsement from the employer
Teaching experience in accounting can also qualify, evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA).
CPA Exam Requirements in Wisconsin
To qualify for the CPA exam, you must meet the following criteria:
- At least 120 semester hours of college coursework
- A bachelor’s degree
- Coursework covering accounting and business topics
Applying for and Scheduling the Exam
You can apply for the CPA exam on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website. Submit complete academic transcripts, sent by your educational institution(s) to NASBA’s CPA Examination Services.
After submitting your application, WICPA will review your transcripts to confirm eligibility. Upon approval, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA. You must pass all four sections of the CPA exam within 18 months.
After Passing the Exam
Upon passing all four sections of the CPA exam within 18 months, you need to:
- Complete 150 semester hours of education if not already done
- Obtain 12 months of qualifying work experience
- Pass Wisconsin’s open-book ethics examination
Maintaining a Wisconsin CPA License
CPA licenses in Wisconsin expire every odd-numbered year on December 14. To maintain your license, you must meet the following continuing professional education (CPE) requirements:
- At least 80 CPE credits per two-year licensing period
- At least 20 CPE credits each year
- At least 40 CPE credits covering accounting education
- At least three CPE credits in professional ethics
Failure to renew by the deadline results in the loss of eligibility to practice as a CPA until the license is reinstated.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CPA in Wisconsin?
Including education, work, and licensing requirements, becoming a fully licensed CPA in Wisconsin typically takes 6 to 7 years.