Central Washington University

What you'll study

The programme focuses on advanced accounting topics and applied skills needed for professional practice. Core study areas typically include advanced financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance services, federal taxation, managerial and cost accounting, and accounting information systems. Students also study business law, ethics in accounting, and quantitative or research methods for accounting practice.

Study is usually a mix of required core courses and elective options that allow specialisation in areas such as taxation, audit practice, forensic accounting, public sector accounting or accounting systems and analytics. Most students complete a culminating experience in the form of a capstone project, applied practicum or comprehensive examination that integrates technical knowledge with professional communication and decision‑making.

Typical modules and topics

• Advanced Financial Reporting and Consolidations
• Auditing Theory and Practice
• Federal and Corporate Taxation
• Managerial Accounting and Performance Measurement
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics
• Ethics, Professional Responsibility and Regulation
• Research Methods or Quantitative Techniques for Accountants
• Capstone Project or Practicum

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Candidates without an accounting undergraduate degree may be admitted on condition of completing specified prerequisite undergraduate courses in core accounting subjects (for example, financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, taxation and auditing).

Typical admissions materials include academic transcripts, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement describing objectives and relevant experience, and letters of recommendation. A minimum GPA is usually required for regular admission; applicants with lower GPAs may be considered for conditional admission with a plan to meet programme standards. Professional test scores such as the GMAT or GRE are sometimes requested but often considered optional; international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue professional careers in public accounting firms (audit and tax), corporate accounting and finance departments, government and regulatory agencies, non‑profit organisations and advisory firms. The programme is designed to provide much of the advanced coursework and credit hours required for professional certification such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation; students should consult programme advisors and state boards for specific licensing requirements.

Typical job roles held by alumni include auditor, tax consultant, management accountant, financial analyst, internal auditor, compliance officer and forensic accountant. Graduates also move into advisory and consulting roles, financial reporting and controller tracks, or continue into doctoral study and academic careers.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty who combine academic credentials with professional experience. The university has close links with regional accounting firms and public sector employers across the Pacific Northwest, which supports internship and practicum placements and local recruitment.

The programme emphasises practical, career‑oriented training—preparing students for professional examinations and the technical demands of practice—while also allowing elective choices to tailor study toward taxation, auditing, analytics or public sector accounting. Support services such as career advising, exam preparation resources and networking events help students transition to professional roles after graduation.