Wartburg College

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core accounting subjects with a liberal arts foundation and business electives. Coursework typically covers financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, cost accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. Supporting courses commonly include business law, finance, economics, statistics and data analysis, and spreadsheet/database applications for accountants.

Students follow a sequence of lower‑ and upper‑level classes that build technical competence and professional judgement. Typical modules and topics include:

• Introduction to Financial Accounting — recording transactions, financial statements and reporting basics
• Intermediate Financial Accounting I & II — in‑depth study of assets, liabilities, equity and revenue recognition
• Managerial and Cost Accounting — budgeting, cost behaviour, performance measurement and decision support
• Taxation — individual and business tax principles and compliance issues
• Auditing and Assurance — audit process, internal control, risk assessment and professional standards
• Accounting Information Systems — accounting software, data management and controls, use of spreadsheets and analytic tools
• Business Law and Ethics — legal environment of business and ethical issues in accounting practice
• Capstone/Integrative Projects — applied cases, simulated audits, or research projects integrating accounting topics

Emphasis is placed on applied learning: students often complete internships with regional firms, use industry‑standard software, participate in case competitions and work on collaborative projects that mirror professional practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent with a record demonstrating readiness for collegiate study. Typical preparation includes courses in mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus), English and introductory economics or business if available. Admissions decisions consider cumulative GPA, strength of curriculum, and supporting documents such as a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and information about completed accounting or business coursework for credit evaluation. International applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or equivalent evidence of education in English.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide variety of accounting and finance roles. Common early career paths include staff accountant, tax associate, audit associate, payroll and financial reporting roles in public accounting firms and corporate finance departments. Other opportunities include positions in governmental accounting, non‑profit finance, internal audit, forensic accounting and accounting systems/analytics.

The programme also provides preparation for professional credentials such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), either directly through course coverage or by positioning students to pursue post‑baccalaureate hours required for licensure. Alumni frequently progress into managerial and leadership roles, consulting, and graduate study in accounting, business or law.

Why study at Wartburg College

Wartburg College offers a small liberal‑arts environment that emphasises close faculty mentorship, experiential learning and ethical formation. Accounting students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities for one‑on‑one advising, and local employer connections that support internships and job placement.

The college integrates liberal‑arts skills—critical thinking, written and oral communication, and ethical reasoning—into the accounting curriculum, helping graduates adapt to changing regulations and technology. Strong career services, an active alumni network and regional employer partnerships help students find internships and launch their careers in public, private and nonprofit sectors.