Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Whether you choose to study for your Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting entirely online, in-person one evening per week, or a blend of both, our accounting courses cover topics such as standards for audits, reporting requirements for the SEC, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations.

The University of Mary’s BS in Accounting program is offered in an accelerated format, which will enable you to prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in less time than traditional accounting programs at other colleges and universities. In addition, you’ll walk away with knowledge of ethical business practices because of the Benedictine, Christian, and Catholic values conveyed throughout our program.

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

$78,000
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors.

Program Length

As little as 3.3 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

$495

Next Start Date: 1/6/2025

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.

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.

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