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Accounting Degree (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration)

Master the theory and application of accounting with Creighton’s nationally recognized accounting degree program and prepare yourself for in-demand careers in governmental, managerial or public accounting guided by faculty committed to your success. Our accounting majors are recruited by leading national firms and are employed around the world.

An accounting degree from Creighton sets you apart. Here, undergraduates participate in internships—often more than one—with major firms locally, regionally and nationally, and take advantage of numerous leadership and service opportunities.

A Creighton accounting degree also prepares you for graduate school and to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

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Program Details

The accounting degree program at Creighton, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), is designed to prepare students for professional certification, leadership and success in a variety of careers, including public accounting, internal auditing, managerial accounting, accounting systems and analytics, and governmental accounting.

As an accounting major, you’ll learn:

  • The functions of accounting and the underlying concepts of accounting theory
  • How to apply accounting knowledge to business problems
  • The subfields of accounting, such as tax, accounting systems, etc.

Curriculum

Along with Creighton’s core requirements, there are 21 credits within the accounting curriculum.

Accelerated Master of Accounting (MAC) Program

Students in the Heider College of Business can earn two degrees in just four years—a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Accounting.

Students in the Accelerated Master of Accounting program will have the opportunity to:

  • Earn both a BSBA and Master of Accounting degree in four years, in addition to completing the 150 hours required to sit for the CPA exam
  • Complete a full-time internship for credit during the spring semester of junior year and gain real-world experience at a public accounting firm
  • Receive one-on-one faculty advising to help create an individualized four-year plan, and support your success on this expedited path
  • Join a freshman seminar with other students working toward the Accelerated MAC, led by a faculty advisor from the Accounting Department

Note: While the application for the master’s portion of the program is typically not completed until a student’s third year at Creighton, students need to indicate interest in the program as soon as possible to ensure the appropriate courses are taken to stay on track for the Accelerated MAC.

See the curriculum. View more information regarding the Accelerated Master of Accounting, or contact a graduate enrollment specialist.

The Heider Mindset Curriculum

Employers today need agile, adaptive professionals who understand that business can be done ethically and for the good of others. Creighton is paving the way in preparing students with those skills by implementing the Mindset Curriculum. Our courses help students work toward the skills that businesses are looking for, positioning them for success in the job market and beyond. It's part of how we teach students to do well while doing good. The six mindset are: Action, Analytical, Collaborative, Cross-Cultural, Reflective and Service.

Admissions Requirements

Creighton admissions are based upon:

  • High school GPA
  • ACT or SAT scores*
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Personal statement to demonstrate creative abilities not reflected in your transcripts
  • Recommendation from high school counselor
  • Honors sections and advanced placement courses will enhance a candidate’s application
*For students who are choosing to apply test-optional, ACT/SAT exam scores are not required at the time of application for admission.

Accounting Degree Program Admissions

Admission to the accounting program requires junior standing, a cumulative overall grade point average of 2.5 or better, no grade lower than “C” in 200-level accounting courses, and/or permission of the department chair. A student whose performance has been marginal or who has not completed enough courses at Creighton to provide a basis for judgment may be accepted with probationary status or deferred until the probability of successfully completing the program can be determined. Retention in the program is conditional upon demonstrating competence in upper division accounting courses.

Dates & Deadlines

Applications for the fall semester open on Aug. 1 of the prior year. For scholarship consideration, the earlier you complete your undergraduate application, the better. For up-to-date deadlines, visit our admissions page.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.

Financial Aid

To help make your undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. A variety of scholarships are also available.

Colin Fitzgerald
“There are very few universities that not only offer a rigorous and rewarding education, but also care for the whole person. I would put our accounting department, and the business leaders it produces, up against any competitor.”
— Colin Fitzgerald, Accounting Alumnus
Liv Cross
“Creighton’s Jesuit approach has been essential in shaping the way I consider issues in the industry, and my business classes give me the hard skills to look at complex situations and attack them in ways that are both ethical and beneficial to all.”
— Liv Cross, Accounting and Healthcare Administration Major
Maggie Knight
“The accounting faculty are absolutely committed to student growth, but in more ways than one. We want to see students grow academically, personally, and professionally. We want to be a part of their life journey, not just their college journey.”
— Maggie Knight, DBA, Associate Professor of Accounting

Accounting majors have direct access to a number of professional accounting organizations offering student affiliate memberships at no cost or a reduced rate.

Nebraska Society of CPAs

  • An affiliate membership in the Nebraska Society of CPAs, free to Creighton accounting students, will help you meet the challenges and seize the opportunities within the CPA profession.
  • Join Nebraska Society of CPAs

American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)

  • Being an affiliate member of the AICPA means you’re connected to a national professional network of CPAs that is over 400,000 strong.
  • Join American Institute of CPAs

Obtaining the CPA license is a two-step process involving education and experience. Creighton’s accounting programs meet the statutory and regulatory education requirements to sit for the CPA examination in the State of Nebraska, and through advising, the specific educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination imposed by the remaining 54 jurisdictions that oversee the practice of public accounting. Licensure as a CPA following completion of the CPA examination depends upon meeting varying amounts of supervised experience as stipulated by each of the 55 jurisdictions. In some states, licensure also requires additional educational requirements beyond those needed to sit for the CPA exam. In those situations, the accounting programs within the Heider College, through advising, meet those additional expectations.

Beta Alpha Psi: Accounting

  • Beta Alpha Psi recognizes academic excellence and complements members’ formal education by providing interaction among students, faculty and professionals and fosters lifelong growth, service and ethical conduct.

 
Alpha Kappa Psi: Business

  • Alpha Kappa Psi is the oldest and largest business fraternity. Become a part of a group that develops well-trained, ethical, skilled, resourceful, experienced business leaders.

    
Heider Business Senate

  • The Creighton University Heider Business Senate is a liaison between the student body and the administration. The Senate promotes the mission and values of the Heider College of Business through various projects.

    
Beta Gamma Sigma: Business

  • Beta Gamma Sigma promotes the advancement of education in the art and science of business and fosters integrity in the conduct of business activities.
Stat Top 25
Top 25

First-Time CPA Pass Rate

Stat 21
#21

Ranked Accounting Program by U.S. News & World Report

Stat 2
2

Degrees in 4 years with an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program

Stat 100
100%

of accounting students are employed, in a service program or enrolled in graduate or professional school within 6 months of graduation

In Demand

Over the past 10+ years, Creighton accounting majors boast 100% success rate after graduation – into a job, graduate or professional school.

Internships

More than 90% of business students complete at least one internship during their college career. Interns gain real-world skills that strengthen their qualifications and give them a competitive

Still have questions?

Reach out to an admissions counselor.

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