Augsburg University

What you'll study

This degree builds a foundation in core business principles and specialised accounting topics. Early coursework typically covers financial accounting, managerial accounting, principles of economics, business law and statistics. As you progress you study intermediate and advanced topics such as auditing, taxation, cost accounting, accounting information systems, financial statement analysis and ethics in accounting. The programme emphasises applied skills in spreadsheets, financial modelling and accounting software, and usually includes a capstone course or project that integrates technical knowledge with real‑world problems.

Program structure normally combines general education requirements from the liberal arts with a sequence of major courses and business electives. Many students take internships or cooperative placements with public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, governmental agencies or nonprofit organisations to gain practical experience. Elective options and seminars allow exploration of related areas such as forensic accounting, corporate finance, data analytics for accountants and leadership.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in relevant subjects. Recommended preparation includes coursework in mathematics (algebra and statistics), English and, where available, introductory economics or computer studies. Admissions decisions consider academic record, letters of recommendation and a personal statement describing interest in accounting and career goals.

Transfer students are assessed on college transcripts and may receive credit for prior business and accounting coursework. International applicants must meet institutional requirements for English proficiency and submit certified academic records. Mature applicants with relevant work experience may be considered through the university’s standard admissions pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates commonly move into roles such as staff accountant, tax associate, audit associate, management accountant, payroll specialist and financial analyst. The degree provides a pathway to public accounting firms, corporate accounting and finance departments, government finance offices, nonprofit organisations and small business advisory roles. Many graduates continue with postgraduate study or professional certification—most notably the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)—each of which may require additional coursework or credit beyond the bachelor’s depending on jurisdictional rules.

Courses in accounting information systems and data analysis also prepare graduates for specialised positions in systems implementation, compliance, internal control and forensic accounting. Practical experience gained through internships and campus career services supports job placement and networking with regional employers in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area and beyond.

Why study at Augsburg University

Augsburg combines a liberal arts tradition with professional preparation, offering small class sizes and close faculty mentoring. The university’s location in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region provides access to a broad labour market and internship opportunities with national and regional accounting firms, corporations and nonprofit organisations. Faculty often bring practical experience to the classroom, and programmes emphasise ethical decision‑making, community engagement and experiential learning.

Students benefit from support services such as career counselling, internship placement assistance and student accounting organisations that facilitate networking and professional development. The curriculum is designed to provide both the technical competence and the analytical, communication and teamwork skills employers seek in accounting professionals.