Accounting Programs

The Accounting Department offers 2 majors and a minor for students who are interested in accounting careers.

These programs will prepare you with skills needed for a lifetime of career development. 

Undergraduate Programs

Ready to Get Started?

Undergraduate students complete the College of Business admissions process to be accepted into the Accounting Department. 

Master of Professional Accounting (MPA)

This program is no longer accepting new applications.

Further your career in accounting with this online master’s degree program designed for busy professionals.

FAQs about the MPA Program

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Master of Accounting program.

You must have access to the internet and a laptop or desktop computer. Tablets and smartphones are not able to run some of tools in these courses.

You can lease a laptop from WSU through the eWarrior Digital Life and Learning Program, or use a personal computer.

Learn more about the minimum technology requirements.

Qualifying students may enroll in the ACCT 513 and ACCT 522 courses while still an undergraduate student.

If you are considering the MPA program, you should take these courses as a graduate student.

A thesis is not required for the MPA.

Accounting Salaries

Here are the average salaries for college graduates in public and private accounting. If you also have a CPA license, you will potentially make 10-15% more when you start out.

EmployerJr. Level (0-3 yrs.)Sr. Level (4-6 yrs.)
Public Accounting (large firm)$63,250 - $83,250$78,500 - $106,500
Public Accounting (medium firm)$56,500 - $67,750$70,500 - $96,000
Public Accounting (small firm)$51,500 - $60,500$63,750 - $81,500
Corporate Accounting (large co.)$53,750 - $69,500$68,750 - $87,750
Corporate Accounting (medium co.)$49,250 - $65,250$61,250 - $79,750
Corporate Accounting (small co.)$45,000 - $59,000$57,500 - $70,000
Contact the Accounting Department
Bill Ortega
Department Chair

Somsen 323B

507.457.5180

Email Bill Ortega
Liz Schwanke
Advising Specialist
Email Liz Schwanke
Carolyn Sinniger
Office & Administrative Assistant

507.457.5600

Email Carolyn Sinniger