Accounting Schools in Nevada

Nevada’s public and private universities maintain a broad array of programs for students looking to earn a degree or certificate in accounting. The following outline of accounting schools in Nevada is designed to help you understand and compare your options to find the school that best fits your schedule and career goals. Read on below to find out more about school rankings in Nevada, different curricula offered by various schools, and career outlooks in the accounting industry in the state.

Quick Facts

6 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Nevada.¹
1 private not-for-profit college or university offers an accounting degree program in Nevada.¹
4 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
3 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
2 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
2 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*¹
No programs 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.

AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Nevada

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 Nevada have been accredited by the AACSB:

University of Nevada Las Vegas (Lee Business School)
University of Nevada Reno (College of Business Administration)

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 Nevada in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Nevada being 52.9%:

University of Nevada Reno 58.1%
University of Nevada Las Vegas 49.6%

Schools in Nevada with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

University of Nevada Reno

Students at the University of Nevada Reno can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program emphasizes both the theory and application of accounting subjects, and students are prepared for the many different roles accountants play in the business world. The curriculum starts with general education classes before students complete a business core and accounting specialization courses. The core courses cover relevant topics in public, industrial, managerial, and government accounting. Students can also choose a hybrid Accounting and Information Systems major, which is ideal for those interested in technology-based positions in managerial or financial accounting, systems consulting, electronic auditing, and forensic accounting. Accounting graduates can pursue entry-level accounting positions, start their own businesses, or continue advanced graduate studies.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

At the Lee Business School at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting. Students follow a curriculum that blends both accounting fundamentals and practicable skills. Coursework emphasizes accounting theory in the context of analytical decision-making in business, and students also learn how to use accounting and business information technology. Students frequently work in teams and complete collaborative projects, developing communication and management skills. UNLV also encourages experiential learning opportunities, providing students with the chance to complete internships or professional training. This focus allows students to develop real-world skills and professional connections before graduating and take this experience with them as they pursue different career opportunities.

Western Nevada College

At Western Nevada College, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting. The curriculum first focuses on general education requirements and business fundamentals, and students then take courses in accounting such as Intermediate Accounting and Microcomputer Accounting Systems. These courses teach students how to analyze, understand, and communicate financial information in order to make decisions. Students also learn how to research and compile accounting data in manual and automated accounting systems. Graduates know the fundamentals of accounting technology and preparing financial statements. WNC gives students a background that they can use to pursue further undergraduate or advanced accounting education. Graduates can also pursue entry-level positions in the accounting field such as bookkeeper or auditor.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of Nevada Reno

The College of Business at the University of Nevada Reno offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree. This graduate degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing the CPA designation and an accounting career in the private or public sector. Students gain an advanced but broad business foundation, learning about the functional business knowledge needed to succeed in the field. In addition to technical and professional accounting skills, students also learn teamwork, leadership, and communication strategies. Coursework focuses on current and industry-relevant techniques used in tax planning, auditing, and financial reporting as well as technological trends in information systems. This program is open to students with and without academic accounting backgrounds, but those without an undergraduate accounting degree may need to take additional prerequisites.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Students at the University of Las Vegas’ Lee Business School can complete a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. The graduate program prepares students to work in taxation, public accounting, managerial or corporate accounting, and government. Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis, and those with non-accounting undergraduate backgrounds may need to complete some prerequisites before beginning the program. The curriculum builds on accounting basics to teach students advanced, applicable accounting knowledge. Students learn about topics in the accounting field that are required for CPA licensure as well as new industry and business trends. Coursework focuses on the role of accounting in business decision-making, and students are encouraged to work collaboratively in teams. Graduate students at UNLV who are interested in internal audit have the opportunity to add an Internal Audit Certificate to their degree.

Online Accounting Programs

Currently, no colleges or universities in Nevada offer fully-online undergraduate or graduate degree programs in accounting. Nevada students interested in online programs may consider researching accounting programs in neighboring states.

College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Accounting that can be completed entirely online. This four-semester degree can be finished in two years. Students gain an understanding of the principles and process of organizing and running a business. Classes focus on both the theory of the accounting cycle as well as real-world skills like preparing financial statements or taxes. Students start with general education courses before completing core accounting requirements such as Cost Accounting, Taxation for Individuals, Business Law, and Introduction to Information Systems. This program has an emphasis on processing accounting information through accounting systems, and students also have the option to add a Skills Certificate in Bookkeeping. Many students use this degree as a stepping stone for further study in accounting, while other students seek entry-level positions in the field such as auditing assistants or payroll clerks.

Nevada CPA Requirements

The Nevada State Board of Accountancy requires that CPA candidates have 150 credit hours logged before they can sit for the CPA examination. 30 semester hours should be advanced accounting courses, and 24 semester hours should be advanced business courses. While a master’s degree is not required, many choose to obtain their graduate degree in order to fulfill the credit requirement for the exam and also to give themselves a competitive edge in the job market. Before he or she can be fully licensed, a candidate must fulfill a minimum of two years experience in public accounting and have this experience verified by a licensed CPA. Next, candidates can apply for licensure, but this designation must be maintained through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours completed every two years.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Nevada

There are many possible career paths for accounting program graduates in Nevada. Graduates may find opportunities to work with large corporations such as Southwest Gas Corporation or Sierra Health Services. Nevada’s thriving gaming industry employs a vast number of accounting and tax experts, and Nevada grads can work in the tourism industry in city centers like Las Vegas and Reno. Others may choose to start their own accounting firms or work in small, regional businesses. Accounting graduates can also pursue public accounting positions in government or nonprofit agencies in Nevada.

Nevada Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro Area	Accountants & Auditors Employed	Average Annual Salary
Carson City	240	$78,750
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise	5,730	$63,840
Reno	1,530	$70,500

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.⁸

Nevada Schools with Accounting Degree Programs

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

University of Nevada
4505 S Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 895-3011
https://www.unlv.edu/

Student Review: “My experience was a good one. I enjoyed learning about the GAAP, how LIFO and FIFO is used in the business world. The teachers in this Accounting school are awesome. They taught me a lot and gave me internships in the summer so I could broaden my experience in the field. UNLV is a great school to attend the accounting school. They offer a variety of opportunities in this field. I would recommend this school to anyone. If an individual is willing to learn and expand their area of thinking then UNLV is the place to be. All the teachers are helpful and offer office hours to assist students.” -Student at University of Nevada Las Vegas

University of Nevada
1664 N Virginia St
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 784-1110
https://www.unr.edu/

Sierra Nevada College
999 Tahoe Blvd
Incline Village, NV 89451
(775) 831-1314
www.sierranevada.edu

Great Basin College (Elko, NV)
1500 College Pkwy
Elko, NV 89801
(775) 738-8493
http://www.gbcnv.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, Nevada: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nv.htm