Mastering financial decisions requires specialized expertise.

Are you passionate about numbers and aspire to assist individuals and industries in managing their finances effectively? Accounting might be the ideal path for you! 
Pursuing an accounting degree equips you to navigate crucial financial decisions, maintain meticulous financial records, and ensure precision in numerical data. This accounting degree program delves into how businesses and individuals leverage accounting principles to administer funds, evaluate outcomes, strategize for the future, and drive successful ventures. 
Throughout this journey, you'll cultivate essential knowledge and skills, laying the foundation for a career that creates an impact - whether you aspire to a certified public accounting path or another area within the accounting, finance or other field.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$83,980

Average Salary

$37/hr

Average Wage

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

1 in 5

Students Make Dean's List
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The Hutton School of Business provides student-focused instruction and develops leadership skills. In addition to becoming well-versed in lifelong learning skills, ensuring they are always able to stay ahead of the curve, students will be prepared to:

Evaluate business’s global, legal, social, and economic environments.
Examine the ethical obligations and responsibilities of the business decision-maker and the business.
Demonstrate professional business communication skills.
Demonstrate analytical and critical-thinking skills in the context of organizational decision-making.
Apply tools and resources for problem-solving and business decision-making.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Accounting Careers & Outcomes

All stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Government Accountant: $64,090

Government Accountant: $64,090

Government accountants maintain and examine the records of government agencies. They also audit private businesses and individuals whose activities are under taxation or regulation by the government. Federal, state, and local government accountants ensure money is received and spent according to laws and regulations. Their responsibilities include auditing, financial reporting, and management accounting. 

Management Accountant: $62,200

Management Accountant: $62,200

Management accountants combine accounting and financial information to guide decision making for businesses. They also understand financial and non-financial data and how to integrate information. Management accountants work with information intended for internal use by business managers, not for the public. 

Public Accountant: $76,820

Public Accountant: $76,820

Public accountants have a range of different accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting tasks. Their clients include corporations, governments, individuals, and nonprofits. 

External Auditor: $58,038

External Auditor: $58,038

External auditors make sure that organizations are properly managing funds, revenue, and financial data, and managing risks. They are employed by an outside organization rather than the one they are auditing. 

IT Auditor: $68,090

IT Auditor: $68,090

IT Auditors look at an organization’s IT systems to ensure that both financial and nonfinancial data come from a reliable source. 

Internal Auditor: $77,772

Internal Auditor: $77,772

Internal auditors’ duties are similar to those of external auditors, but internal auditors are employed by the organization they are auditing. They find ways to improve the processes for eliminating waste, fraud, and other financial risks to the organization. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

An accounting degree focuses on understanding and managing financial records for businesses or individuals. It covers principles like auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and management accounting, preparing students for various careers in finance, auditing, and bookkeeping.

An associate degree in accounting typically takes two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes about four years to complete. Both programs require general education courses and specialized accounting coursework.

Yes, many institutions offer online accounting degree programs, allowing students to earn their degree remotely while gaining the same foundational knowledge and skills required in the accounting field.

An accounting degree can be a valuable investment, providing strong career prospects in a growing field. With roles like accountant, auditor, or financial analyst, the demand for accounting professionals remains steady, and earning potential is generally favorable.

With an accounting degree, you can pursue careers such as public accountant, management accountant, government accountant, auditor, or financial analyst. These roles involve managing financial data, auditing, tax preparation, and providing financial insights to guide business decisions.

To get an accounting degree, enroll in an accredited program at a college or university. You can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, depending on your career goals. Complete the required coursework, which typically includes topics like financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.

The best degree for accounting is typically a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a focus on accounting. These programs provide the necessary foundation for various accounting roles.

Accounting is usually offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Some schools may offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting, but the BS or BBA is more common and focuses more on technical skills.

Yes, you can become an accountant without a finance degree. A degree in accounting is typically preferred, but other degrees in related fields, such as business administration, can also lead to accounting roles with additional certification or experience.

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you typically need an accounting degree or a degree with a concentration in accounting. You must also meet the specific educational and experience requirements of your state and pass the CPA exam.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Learn more about the professors you will interact with and view the list of the accounting faculty. 

Dr. Joseph Krupka

Dr. Joseph Krupka

Adjunct Professor
Accounting
Business Administration

Dr. Joseph Krupka

Contact Information

joseph.krupka [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Raymond McGhee

Raymond McGhee

Assistant Professor
Accounting
Business Administration

Raymond McGhee

Contact Information

raymond.mcghee [at] ucumberlands.edu
Hutton School of Business
Margaret Combs

Margaret Combs

Professor
Accounting
Business Administration
Doctor of Business Administration
Master's in Strategic Management
MBA - Master Business Administration
PhD Business

Margaret Combs

Contact Information

Program Accreditation

The Hutton School of Business at University of the Cumberlands has received specialized accreditations for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page

Please review our Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.

2025 IACBE Logo

 

 

 

 

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