Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 130,800 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

That means, the field of accountancy needs you, and you need NIU’s top-notch accountancy program.

Our accountancy graduates work for some of the most renowned accountancy firms and companies in the world, including:

KPMG
Deloitte
PwC
EY
Crowe
RSM
BDO
Walgreens Boots Alliance
Walt Disney Company
Caterpillar
Abbvie
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
MGM Resorts International
Illinois Tool Works
Northern Trust
Motorola Solutions

Your future in accountancy starts with a solid plan.

In our accountancy programs, you’ll gain comprehensive accounting knowledge combined with a all-encompassing general education in our Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program. Our faculty members are nationally recognized for excellence in teaching and research, and they care about your goals as much as you do. We offer many services to ensure your career success, including an accountancy career fair and internship program. We don’t just prepare students — we launch them.

As a bonus, you can earn your Endorsed Internal Audit Certificate while completing our undergraduate or graduate accountancy program. NIU is a member of The Institute of Internal Auditor's (IIA) Internal Auditing Education Partnership.

Retention Requirements

Any student admitted to NIU can declare accountancy as a major. However, all students must meet our program’s retention requirements before enrolling in any 300- or 400-level accountancy courses.

In addition, all students must meet the College of Business (COB) retention requirements and complete the Fundamental Business Requirement Courses before enrolling in any upper-level accountancy courses other than ACCY 370.

In order to meet these retention requirements, you must meet criteria option 1 or option 2. If you have questions about these requirements, please contact an accountancy advisor for assistance.

Criteria Option 1

Earn a 3.00/4.00 minimum cumulative GPA at all colleges and universities attended
Earn a minimum grade of B in ACCY 206 (Introductory Financial Accounting) or the equivalent course

Criteria Option 2

Pass the Accountancy Qualifying Exam (AQE)

Transcript Review Process

Students who meet criteria option 1 must submit a completed transcript review form with an unofficial transcript to the Department of Accountancy and Finance in Barsema Hall 345.

If you are an incoming transfer student, you will complete a transcript review form at transfer orientation.

Accountancy Qualifying Exam (AQE)

The Accountancy Qualifying Exam (AQE) is a comprehensive, multiple-choice test of information covered in most introductory financial accounting textbooks. The 30 financial questions are divided between computation and theory questions.

If you do not have a B or higher in ACCY 206 and/or do not meet the department’s 3.00 cumulative GPA requirement, you must pass the AQE to be retained as an accountancy major at NIU.

AQE Registration

The AQE will be offered online this summer on the following dates: June 2, July 21 and Aug. 11. To register for the AQE, please contact Angela Gray at agrimald@niu.edu.

Degree Requirements

Four Year Degree Path

Transfer Path

The accountancy program at NIU has played a significant role in making me feel safe, supported and successful. The professors are friendly and always willing to help, whether it’s with classwork or career guidance.

Tuba Azhar
Accountancy Student
Algonquin, Illinois

Accountancy and Finance

Contact Us

Department of Accountancy and Finance
Barsema Hall
740 Garden Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1637
accy@niu.edu