Learn the art of accounting on Maine’s coast
Imagine yourself as a key figure in any business’s critical decision-making. A UNE Accounting degree prepares you for a profession that has evolved to require a broader and deeper skill set. Our curriculum adheres to the brand-new standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to position you to keep pace with new technologies, master modern techniques, and succeed on your licensing exam.
You’ll be able to assess financial performance using current data analytics tools, prepare key financial reports, evaluate internal control systems, and prepare business audits in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Why UNE for your degree in accounting
As a UNE Accounting major, you’ll be well prepared for your CPA exam, through a curriculum that follows the new standards of the AICPA and NASBA.
- Aligned to 2024 CPA licensure exam changes
- Earn Excel Expert certification
- Access to immersive internships with regional businesses
- Learn communication and professionalism skills for today’s workplace
- Access to latest tax and accounting software and technology
- Supportive professors with real-world experience
- UNE is Maine’s #1 college for getting a job after graduation (Zippia 2023)
- Regional demand for accountants is high — 24% above the national average
The Center for Sales Excellence
UNE’s Center for Sales Excellence cultivates premier sales talent through advanced training and industry engagement, preparing students for successful careers and innovative contributions in the modern sales landscape. As an accounting major, learning about sales is essential for accurate financial reporting, revenue recognition, and effective collaboration with other business departments.
What will you study? Accounting degree curriculum overview
The UNE Accounting curriculum is comprehensive, yet flexible enough to allow for a minor or double major. The following are some of the key courses offered within the Accounting degree program:
- Excel Expert Certification
- Innovation Through Technology
- Accounting Information Systems
- Data Analytics in Accounting
- Taxation for Individuals and Entities
- Auditing and Accounting Internship
Career Paths for Accounting Majors
With the knowledge you gain from your accounting degree coursework, you will be up to date with the AICPA guidelines as well as the latest tax and accounting software, making you well prepared to enter this much-needed profession.
Our graduates have access to careers in many exciting fields, including:
- Financial Analyst
- Auditor
- Controller
- Public Accountant
- Governmental/Nonprofit Accountant
- Tax/Financial Advisor
Start Your Career With the Women in Business Club
Accounting Careers by the Numbers
There is a dramatic need for accountants across the country, and availability of accounting jobs in New England is even higher at 24% above the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023).
U.S. job openings projected each year
the percentage of expected growth in U.S. accounting jobs through 2031
About the Accounting Minor
Our minor in Accounting is a great complement to many majors. You’ll gain the foundational skills to help manage finances for virtually any type of organization, in any industry. Courses for the minor include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
- Auditing Principles
- Tax for Individuals and Entities
The Accounting minor is available beginning in fall 2024 for those who started at UNE as first-year students in fall 2023 (class of 2027) and later.
Apply Today
The Accounting degree program is available beginning in fall 2024 for those who started at UNE as first-year students in fall 2023 (class of 2027) and later. If you are a current UNE student seeking more information, please visit Academic Advising.
Accounting Degree FAQ
What is an accounting degree?
An accounting degree provides comprehensive education in financial record-keeping, reporting, and auditing principles and practices. It prepares graduates for professional certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and careers as accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and roles in finance and business management.
The Accounting curriculum at UNE in Maine adheres to new standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. This positions you to keep pace with new technologies, master modern techniques, and succeed on your licensing exam.
You'll learn to assess financial performance using current data analytics tools, prepare key financial reports, evaluate internal control systems and conduct business audits in compliance with regulatory guidelines. The Accounting major provides skills for careers in public or private accounting, or for pursuing an advanced degree focused on research.
What degree do you need to become an accountant?
To become an accountant, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field like finance or business administration with an accounting concentration is typically required. This foundational education covers financial principles, accounting practices, auditing, tax law and prepares graduates for entry-level roles.
With UNE’s Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, you'll be well prepared for your Certified Public Accountant exam, through a curriculum that follows the new standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, UNE offers a minor in accounting which is a great complement to many majors. You’ll gain the foundational skills to help manage finances for virtually any type of organization, in any industry.
Courses for the minor include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
- Auditing Principles
- Tax for Individuals and Entities
What can you do with an accounting degree?
With an accounting degree, you can pursue diverse careers like certified public accountant (CPA), forensic accountant, financial analyst, budget analyst, tax advisor, or internal auditor.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of accountants and auditors to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032.
About 126,500 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
UNE Accounting majors in Maine will be well prepared for diverse careers such in corporate finance, government, and non-profit sectors. You can also specialize in areas such as management accounting, cost accounting, or auditing to help organizations optimize performance and achieve goals through expertise in financial practices and analysis.
What classes do you take as an accounting major?
As an Accounting major, you take core courses like financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, and accounting information systems.
At UNE in Maine, our accounting curriculum will equip you with skills to prepare financial statements, analyze costs, ensure compliance with regulations, manage tax obligations, understand legal implications, and leverage technology for reporting and analysis.
The following are some of the key courses offered within UNE’s Accounting degree program:
- Excel Expert Certification
- Innovation Through Technology
- Accounting Information Systems
- Data Analytics in Accounting
- Taxation for Individuals and Entities
- Auditing and Accounting Internship
What is the best accounting degree program for me?
To evaluate whether a business school fits your needs, start by looking at these important criteria. This list can help you choose which Accounting degree program is best for you.
Faculty
Seek out accounting professors whose expertise matches your interests, whether it's in areas like corporate finance, government, or non-profit sectors. Make sure their research interests and professional backgrounds align with your own.
UNE’s College of Business faculty are experienced, skilled and supportive offering relevant curricula that will help prepare students to thrive in and face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Meet faculty and professional staff in UNE’s College of Business
Curriculum
Evaluate the accounting program to suit your preferences, considering areas such as auditing, tax accounting, accounting information systems, or related subjects, as well as opportunities for business administration internships.
UNE’s Accounting program offers flexibility, allowing you to choose a concentration, minor, or double major that aligns with your interests. Concentration options include Excel expert certification, innovation through technology, accounting information systems, data analytics in Accounting, and taxation for individuals and entities. We emphasize hands-on learning through various internship opportunities.
Career Goals
Choose an accounting program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.
The UNE College of Business is committed to helping accounting students achieve their personal and career goals. We prepare students for entry-level positions in the private or public sector and offer graduate-level coursework preparation. Our accounting majors engage in experiential learning, preparing you for rewarding careers and leadership roles with prominent employers in Maine and nationwide.
According to our 2016–2022 UNE graduate surveys, 95% of our undergraduates are either employed or pursuing higher education, including MBA programs, within a year of graduation. Zippia ranked UNE as the top university in Maine for job placement in 2022. Students can also seek guidance from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have a specific career path in mind or a general interest in a field.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Learning Environment
Consider the location and environment that best supports your business school journey.
As a UNE Accounting student, you can study on our beautiful Biddeford, Maine Campus, near the Saco River’s convergence with the Atlantic Ocean. We also offer a unique semester abroad program in Tangier, Morocco.
Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us
UNE’s Global Education program lets you study abroad in Spain, France, Iceland, or our own campus in Morocco for a semester. You can also choose from shorter travel courses to destinations like Ireland, Mexico, Kenya, Italy, Cuba, and more.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Financial Aid
Consider whether the school you’re interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.
At UNE in Maine our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE
For more information contact Program Director Chris Boucher at cboucher3@vbj4.com.