Help drive future business decisions by preparing and interpreting financial information
All business decisions impact and are impacted by "the numbers." Accountants work with individuals, small businesses, large corporations and everything in between–including government agencies and non-profits–to keep their finances in check. UNI's accounting program is dedicated to your success beyond your college years, which is why it's been recognized as one of the best programs in the country.
CPA or Non-CPA Track
While junior-level accountants might handle the more general accounting tasks, senior-level Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are typically more involved in guiding big picture financial decision making for their entire company. The benefits that come with being a CPA include increased trust, opportunity and financial reward–some of which are not standard with a general accounting degree.
Non-CPA track accounting majors can work in several different positions in a variety of companies without CPA certification. As an accountant, you can work for big and small businesses, school districts and various non-profit and government organizations. There are many executives, vice presidents and CFOs in Fortune 500 companies who are not CPAs.
UNI CPA Pass Rate
The CPA exam consists of four parts. A student must pass all four parts to become a CPA. Before the digital age, students were required to take all parts of the exam over two days, which provided clear pass/fail statistics. Today, the test is given online with flexibility on when students sit for each part. Each part is scored separately, but students still must pass all four parts to be licensed.
Due to the exam's flexibility, many students who start the CPA exam never finish it, delaying their CPA licensing progress. CPA review courses that are taken the final semester at UNI lead to the majority of our students completing and passing the CPA exam before their first day of employment.
92% of UNI students who start the CPA exam finish all four parts, compared to the 57% national average. 70% of UNI students pass all four parts of the CPA exam, compared to the 33% national average.
Careers
Careers for CPA and non-CPA track accounting graduates include:
- Corporate Accountant
- IRS Accountant
- Non-Profit Accountant
- Chief Financial Officer
- Auditor
- Government Accountant
- Controller/Comptroller
- Budget Analyst
- FBI Agent
- Forensic Accountant
- Entertainment Accountant
- Sports Accountant
Curriculum
UNI is nationally known as a top institution for CPA professionals because we tie professional-level exam preparation into the curriculum. If you plan to practice as a CPA you'll be responsible for completing a predetermined amount of semester hours. Iowa and most states require 150 credit hours to become a CPA. Typical CPA career track courses include:
- Principles of Financial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting I
- Intermediate Accounting II
- Accounting Information Systems
- Income Tax
- Auditing
- Advanced Accounting
- Legal Concepts for Accountants
- Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Advanced Income Tax
- CPA Review courses
As a Non-CPA track accounting major, you are required to take a minimum of 57 semester hours in accounting and business, although many students elect to take more than the minimum. Students in this track are encouraged to consider the CMA certification. Typical Non-CPA career track courses include:
- Principles of Financial Accounting
- Principles of Managerial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting I
- Cost Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting II
- Accounting Information Systems
- Income Tax
- Auditing
- Operations Management
- Business Policy and Strategy
Our accounting program will challenge you to become a leader in the accounting profession. UNI business college's education and practical experience, such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, will prepare you for employment in public or corporate accounting.
Shape your leadership skills and have some fun by joining the Accounting Club
The University of Northern Iowa Accounting Club is the premier student organization for accounting students and is well-respected by business professionals across the Midwest. As a UNI Accounting Club member, you’ll have access to the latest career information, attend networking events with potential employers or recruiters and increase your social interaction with other students who are majoring in accounting.
Learn more
Complete the form below to receive more information on how you can succeed with a degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa business college.
Accounting RFI
