Northern Illinois University

College of Business - NIU

B.S. Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What degree programs are offered in Accountancy?

There are three degree programs in the Accountancy Department; the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Master of Accounting Science, and Master of Science in Taxation.


Is there a minor available in Accountancy?

No, at this time, there is not a minor in Accountancy available.


Are there special requirements that have to be met to take junior and senior accounting courses?

The basic requirements for taking upper-level classes are the same as other business majors. For admission criteria click here.


Do you offer a B.S. degree in Accountancy off-campus, online, or at night?

No, the B.S. degree in Accountancy is only offered during the day at the DeKalb campus.


What kind of jobs can a person get with an Accountancy degree?

An Accountancy major has a wide and varied selection of jobs from which to choose. Auditing is one of the best-known services provided. Public accounting firms provide most auditing services to public companies. Public accounting firms may also provide tax advice and information system services. Accountants take positions in business or industry as financial officers, controllers, internal auditors, and staff accountants. Other jobs include financial advisers for governmental and other not-for-profit organizations and personal financial planners.

Success requires commitment to service, strong communication skills, problem solving ability, and the ability to work in a team.


What is the job market like for an Accountancy graduate?

Demand for accounting majors continues to be very high. The new focus on corporate responsibility will increase the need for the services provided by professional accountants.


What are the starting salaries for an Accountancy graduate?

The starting salaries for Accountancy undergraduates vary by industry and public accountancy firms. Most undergraduates begin within the $43,000 - $56,000 range. Graduate students generally begin at a higher salary.


How large is the Accountancy Program?

The undergraduate program is the largest department in the College of Business with over 800 majors.


How large are the upper-level Accountancy classes?

Upper-level Accountancy classes have approximately 25-40 students in a class. An outstanding full-time faculty, many of whom have received teaching awards and national recognition, teach junior and senior accounting courses.


Are there academic internships available to Accountancy majors?

Academic internships are offered for the summer and spring terms. Internships are taken for three to six credit hours. The internship program is designed to give students practical work experience with outstanding accountancy firms and successful corporations. Internships pay within a range of $20.00 - $25.00 per hour. Approximately 25-35% of the upper-level Accountancy majors participate in this experience, which gives our students a tremendous advantage when they begin their first full-time job after graduation.


How do I plan my schedule?

Each semester students meet with a professional academic advisor to plan and coordinate a schedule that meets each student's personal circumstances and graduation timeline goals. For general schedule guidelines click here.