City University of Seattle

What you'll study

This Bachelor’s degree covers core accounting concepts alongside supporting business disciplines. The curriculum typically includes financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, accounting information systems and business law, supported by courses in finance, economics, statistics and business communication. Students learn to prepare and analyse financial statements, apply tax rules, design internal controls, perform audit procedures and use accounting software and spreadsheets for analysis.

• Core accounting modules: Financial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Managerial/Cost Accounting, Federal/Income Taxation, Auditing and Assurance.
• Supporting business modules: Business Law, Corporate Finance, Micro/Macroeconomics, Business Statistics, Principles of Management.
• Technical and applied skills: Accounting Information Systems, Excel for Accounting, Enterprise resource planning basics, data analytics and reporting tools used in practice.
• Capstone and experiential learning: Senior capstone, practicum or internship opportunities with local firms, projects that emphasise real-world financial analysis and ethical decision-making.

The programme emphasises both conceptual understanding and practical skills—financial statement preparation and analysis, budgeting, tax compliance basics, audit planning, and use of contemporary accounting software. Elective options or concentrations allow students to explore taxation, auditing, forensic accounting or managerial accounting in greater depth.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education evidence of academic preparation in mathematics. Typical entry routes include a recognised secondary school diploma, A-levels, International Baccalaureate or equivalent; applicants from other higher-education institutions may be considered for transfer based on completed college credits and GPA. Mature students with relevant work experience are also welcomed.

As this is an English-language programme, proficiency in English is required; accepted evidence may include prior education in English or a recognised English proficiency test. Applicants should consult the university for exact documentation requirements. Additional materials commonly requested include transcripts, a personal statement and, where applicable, references. Placement testing or introductory accounting prerequisites may be required for students without prior accounting coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of accounting and finance roles. Common career paths include:

• Public accounting: staff accountant, tax associate or audit associate at accounting firms.
• Corporate accounting and finance: financial accountant, management accountant, financial analyst, cost accountant, payroll or accounts payable/receivable roles.
• Government and nonprofit accounting: budget analyst, grant accountant, compliance officer.
• Specialist roles: tax specialist, forensic accountant, internal auditor or financial controller after suitable experience and further study.

The degree supplies the foundational coursework needed for professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accounting pathways, though additional credit hours or postgraduate study may be required to meet specific licensing requirements in different jurisdictions. The programme’s applied projects, internships and career services support graduate employability and networking with local employers.

Why study at City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle offers a career-oriented accounting programme designed for flexibility, including evening and hybrid course delivery that accommodates working students. The university has strong links with the local business community in the Seattle region, providing opportunities for internships, practicum placements and professional networking.

Teaching is delivered by faculty who combine academic credentials with professional experience in accounting and finance, and the curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current practice and technology used by employers. Support services such as academic advising, career counselling and specialised workshops for certification preparation help students progress from classroom learning to workplace readiness.