University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme provides a comprehensive foundation in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation and accounting information systems, along with supporting business subjects. You will complete University of Hawaiʻi general education requirements and a sequence of accounting core courses delivered by the Shidler College of Business.

• Core accounting topics: financial accounting, intermediate accounting, managerial/cost accounting, auditing, Federal taxation (individual and business), accounting information systems and accounting ethics.
• Analytical and technical skills: spreadsheet modelling, database fundamentals, financial statement analysis, data analytics for accounting and use of contemporary accounting software.
• Supporting business studies: introductory and intermediate finance, managerial economics, business law, organisational behaviour, marketing fundamentals and statistics for business decisions.
• Experiential learning: internship opportunities in Honolulu’s public accounting firms, corporate finance departments and government agencies; practicum or capstone projects that integrate accounting knowledge with real‑world problems.
• Electives and special topics: forensic accounting, international accounting (with emphasis on the Asia‑Pacific region), nonprofit accounting and advanced tax topics depending on available electives.

Programme structure

The degree is typically completed over four years as a full‑time undergraduate. Early years emphasise general education and introductory business courses, while later years focus on intermediate and advanced accounting subjects plus an internship or capstone. Students who intend to pursue CPA licensure should plan coursework to meet educational requirements and consult academic advisers about additional credits or a graduate accounting qualification where necessary.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is based on standard undergraduate entry criteria. Specific entry into the accounting major may require completion of introductory business and mathematics prerequisites and a minimum grade point average. Typical expectations include:

• Successful secondary school completion with records demonstrating academic readiness for college‑level work.
• Competence in mathematics and English; prior coursework in algebra, precalculus or calculus and in English composition is advantageous.
• Completion of introductory business or accounting courses may be recommended or required for direct admission into the major—check with the Shidler College of Business academic advisers for current prerequisite details.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifications is required.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; transfer credit for introductory business and general education courses may be evaluated by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of accounting and finance roles in public accounting firms, corporations, government departments and not‑for‑profit organisations. Common entry and mid‑career roles include:

• Audit associate and tax associate positions in public accounting firms.
• Financial accountant, management accountant (cost accounting), and internal auditor roles within corporate accounting departments.
• Budget analyst and financial analyst positions in state and local government, and in nonprofit organisations.
• Forensic accounting, compliance, and risk management roles in specialised practices.
• Consulting roles advising on accounting systems, financial reporting and business process improvements.

Many graduates pursue professional qualifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which typically requires additional coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree in many jurisdictions, or further study such as a Master of Accounting or MBA. The programme’s location in Honolulu also provides regional opportunities with firms and organisations engaged in Asia‑Pacific trade and finance.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Mānoa

The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers accounting education with a distinct Pacific‑rim perspective and connections to local and regional employers. Students benefit from faculty who combine research and professional experience, opportunities for internships and industry placements in Honolulu, and student organisations that support career development.

• Regional advantages: proximity to international business activity in the Asia‑Pacific region and access to internships with local accounting firms, corporations and government agencies.
• Student support: academic advising tailored to professional certification pathways, career services, and student chapters of professional accounting organisations.
• Learning environment: a mix of small seminar classes and larger core lectures, with access to computer labs and software used in modern accounting practice.

Prospective students should consult the Shidler College of Business admissions pages and speak with programme advisers for up‑to‑date information on prerequisites, course availability and planning for professional licensure.