Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Immerse yourself in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, reporting requirements for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and audit standards while you prepare for your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam with the University of Mary's online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program.

The University of Mary’s BS in Accounting program is offered in an accelerated format. This will enable you to prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in less time than traditional accounting programs at other colleges and universities. With our Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values imbued throughout every class and assignment, accounting graduates leave with the knowledge to live and lead fulfilling lives.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$81,680
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors.

Program Length

As little as 2.6 years depending on transferred credits

Formats

  • Online
  • Blended
  • Evening courses at our locations in Bismarck, ND; Fargo, ND; Watford City, ND; and Billings, MT

Tuition Per Credit

$510

Next Start Date: 2/9/2026

Rolling (every 5 weeks)

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Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Students interested in a career in accounting
  • Those with a mind for numbers
  • Entry-level business professionals seeking to move up into the financial side
  • Those who are detail-oriented
  • Anyone seeking to become a CPA

Career Paths

  • Accountant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Auditor
  • Tax Preparer
  • Comptroller
  • Budget Analyst
  • Accounting Clerk
  • Financial Analyst

What You’ll Learn

In this online or evening  bachelor’s degree in accounting, you will study diverse business disciplines and apply accounting principles for different businesses and industries. When you graduate, you will be able to:

  • Analyze the contemporary global business environment in an integrated manner.
  • Demonstrate professional business communication.
  • Apply business support tools to decision making.
  • Recognize the elements of an audit that was conducted with professional skepticism and in compliance with audit standards.
  • Prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Apply tax laws to prepare tax returns.

My education at the University of Mary prepared me well for both life and work after graduation. I would highly recommend this degree because it not only supports long-term financial success for you and your family, but also equips you to make a meaningful difference in the world. The accounting program stands out for its exceptional professors, personalized class experience, and the personal and spiritual growth opportunities available to every student.

Joseph Schroettner Class of 2025

Accreditations

  • IACBE

    The Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary has received specialized accreditation for its business program(s) through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA.

    View Accreditation (IACBE)

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online