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    Accounting Schools in Nebraska

    Colleges and universities in Nebraska offer a wide variety of accounting programs, from broad undergraduate accounting majors to specialized master’s degrees. This overview of accounting schools in Nebraska provides important information about your options so that you decide on a program that best fits your schedule and career goals. This page also includes information about different career outlooks and salary projections for those in the accounting field in the state. Continue reading below to learn more about different degrees, program rankings, and professional licensure in Nebraska.

    Quick Facts

    • 5 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Nebraska.1
    • 10 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Nebraska.1
    • 4 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*1
    • 4 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*1
    • 10 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*1
    • 4 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*1
    • 1 program ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.2
    • No programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.3
    • No schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.4
    • No schools ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016.5

    *Public or private not-for-profit colleges and universities only.

    Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Nebraska

    US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018

    • Creighton University #33 tie

    AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Nebraska

    The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) is a globally-recognized organization that provides accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. While over 800 business schools have been accredited by the AACSB, only 186 institutions hold AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs, having been found to meet the rigorous standards established by the AACSB.6 The following accounting programs in Nebraska have been accredited by the AACSB:

    • Creighton University (Heider College of Business)
    • University of Nebraska at Omaha (College of Business Administration)
    • University of Nebraska Lincoln (College of Business)

    Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

    Each year, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.7 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Nebraska in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Nebraska being 61.4%:

    1. Bellevue University 81.0%
    2. Creighton University 71.1%
    3. Wayne State College 70.0%
    4. University of Nebraska Lincoln 64.1%
    5. Hastings College 61.5%
    6. Nebraska Wesleyan University 60.9%

    Schools in Nebraska with Accounting Degrees

    Undergraduate Accounting Programs

    University of Nebraska Lincoln

    The University of Nebraska Lincoln offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting. The School of Accountancy emphasizes the technical aspects of the field while still teaching students about real-world business skills. Students learn a broad range of accounting concepts through core courses such as Managerial Accounting, Auditing, and Federal Tax Accounting. Coursework also emphasizes critical thinking and communication, and students are prepared to influence business decisions and take on management roles in organizations. UNL encourages students to search out internship and other learning opportunities, and the university also provides support for students nearing graduation who are searching for master’s programs or entry-level positions in the field.

    Nebraska Wesleyan University

    Students at Nebraska Wesleyan University can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program is ideal for those looking to gain a solid accounting foundation for further graduate study or entry into the accounting field. The core curriculum includes required classes such as Accounting Information Systems, Corporate Federal Tax, Auditing, and Cost Accounting. Students also complete experiential learning opportunities through volunteer programs, internships, and networking events. NWU emphasizes a business education that is concurrent with real-world experience so that students gain accounting knowledge at the same time as professional skills and confidence. Undergraduate students at Nebraska Wesleyan interested in the school’s graduate Master of Business Administration (MBA) program can take certain advanced courses as undergraduates and earn both degrees in five years.

    Wayne State College

    Wayne State College offers both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration in Accounting. Students learn the skills necessary to work in business, public accounting firms, governmental entities, and non-profit organizations. The curriculum focuses on using accounting theory to analyze financial information as well as make important business decisions. Classwork emphasizes group activities and projects that teach teamwork and collaboration in addition to real accounting industry knowledge. Students learn technical skills in accounting, assurance, financial reporting, tax, and auditing and professional skills in writing and communication. Depending on an individual student’s interests, he or she can add another major to the accounting degree. Common double majors include Economics, Finance, Management Information Systems, and Computer Information Systems.

    Graduate Accounting Programs

    University of Nebraska Omaha

    At the University of Nebraska Omaha’s College of Business Administration, students can earn a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. This master’s program is ideal for those interested in careers that require advanced accounting knowledge. Students learn an advanced accounting core before taking classes in contemporary business issues. Graduate students can also tailor their electives to match their career interests, and UNO offers four possible concentrations: Financial Reporting and Auditing Concentration, Strategic Management Accounting, Information Analysis, and Generalist. Students learn a set of technical accounting skills along with a broad understanding of business and finance concepts. Applicants without an undergraduate accounting degree can apply for admission but may need to complete additional prerequisites before beginning the program.

    Creighton University

    The Heider College of Business at Creighton University offers a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. The curriculum both meets the educational requirements for CPA licensure and also prepares graduates to sit for the examination. Students take a core set of graduate business and accounting courses and then choose from electives such as Tax Theory & Business Decisions, Corporate Governance, and International Accounting. Coursework gives students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the accounting field and in business management positions. Students are prepared to work in a wide range of roles, from accountant or tax manager to financial analyst or auditor. Graduate applicants without an academic accounting background may need to complete some required courses before beginning the program. Creighton University also offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting degree.

    Popular Articles: Business Schools in Nebraska | Online MBA Programs in Nebraska

    Online Accounting Programs

    Bellevue University

    Students at Bellevue University can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting entirely online or on campus. This program focuses on the skills needed in professional accountancy, such as financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, tax accounting, and fiscal analysis. The curriculum emphasizes the application of theory, and through projects, case studies, and real-world examples, students gain a hands-on understanding of accounting concepts. Classes include the use of industry-specific technologies and students also learn communication strategies. Online students also have the option to complete an internship as part of their academic schedule. Undergraduate students can add a degree emphasis in Business Finance or a minor in tax accountancy, and Bellevue University also offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree.

    University of Nebraska Kearney

    Through the College of Business and Technology at the University of Nebraska Kearney, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a minor in Accounting. This online program is ideal for working professionals who want to develop skills and knowledge in the accounting field. Students first complete core classes in general education subjects and business administration. Accounting minor students then take courses such as Principles of Accounting and Intermediate Accounting and electives like Cost Accounting or Auditing. The online coursework emphasizes business fundamentals, and accounting students learn how to apply theory to understand organizational performance. All online BSBA students gain an understanding of the skills needed to succeed in the business world as well as the communication and management tools necessary to advance into leadership roles.

    Nebraska CPA Requirements

    The Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy requires that students have at least a bachelor’s degree and 150 applicable semester hours from an accredited institution. Most CPA candidates choose to obtain a master’s degree in order to fulfill the full credit requirement and also to further their career potential. After passing the Uniform CPA examination, candidates must complete a minimum of 4,000 hours, or two years, of relevant experience in public accounting. This experience must be verified by a licensed CPA. After completing all the requirements, candidates can submit an application and receive their professional CPA designation. To maintain the licensure, CPAs must complete Continued Professional Education (CPE) hours, studying emerging topics in the industry or completing professional development activities.

    Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Nebraska

    Nebraska has several career opportunities available for accounting program graduates in both the public and private sectors. There are a large number of state and local government agencies that keep many accounting specialists on their staff. Large accounting firms like Ernst & Young and Deloitte are located in the state and often hire local graduates for both internships and full-time positions. Large companies such as ConAgra or Hormel are also based in the state and may offer numerous different accounting and tax specialist roles. Graduates can also choose an entrepreneurial path by starting their own CPA firms or small business in Nebraska.

    Nebraska Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

    Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors EmployedAverage Annual Salary
    Lincoln1,490$61,860
    Omaha-Council Bluffs4,990$68,160
    Sioux City490$63,890

    Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.8

    Nebraska Schools with Accounting Degree Programs

    University of Nebraska
    1400 R St
    Lincoln, NE 68508
    (402) 472-7211
    https://www.unl.edu/

    University of Nebraska
    6001 Dodge St
    Omaha, NE 68182
    (402) 554-2800
    https://www.unomaha.edu/

    Nebraska Wesleyan
    5000 St Paul Ave
    Lincoln, NE
    (800) 541-3818
    https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/

    Peru State College
    600 Hoyt St
    Peru, NE 68421
    (800) 742-4412
    http://www.peru.edu/

    Popular Accounting Degree State Pages:

    References:
    1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
    2. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
    3. US News & World Report Best Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
    4. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2018 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2017.
    5. Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-best-undergrad-business-schools/
    6. AACSB-Accredited Universities and Schools, Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
    7. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2015 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
    8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2016 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Nebraska: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm