Accounting

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Finance Cluster Icon

Why choose Accounting?

  • Accounting has grown into a dynamic field that is the backbone of the financial world and the only way for businesses in every industry to grow and flourish.
  • Accounting is a career with many different specialties, depending on your interests and strengths.
  • Regional demand for accountants is growing today and expected to more than double over the next ten years.
  • Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
Accounting emerged around the development of trade and commerce, signaling how vital it is for the health and prosperity of any business. Today, accounting has grown into a dynamic field that is the backbone of the financial world and the only way for businesses in every field and industry to grow and flourish.

Program Locations

Adams Campus
401 North Main Street
Adams, WI 53910

Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449

Stevens Point Downtown Campus
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Online

What You'll Learn

Mid-State’s Accounting program is ideal for students with strong logic and attention to detail. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in exciting business and industry settings as well as public accounting firms.

The program provides stimulating cooperative learning activities, some taking you outside the classroom for real-world experience. Class activities include hands-on income tax and payroll projects, computerized simulations, and guest lectures.

Outcomes

  • Process financial transactions throughout the accounting cycle.
  • Evaluate financial information to support decision making.
  • Process payroll.
  • Perform cost accounting tasks.
  • Perform income tax accounting tasks.
  • Apply internal controls to reduce risk.
  • Manage accounting data through advanced spreadsheet applications.

Employability Skills

  • Behave Responsibly:  Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
  • Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
  • Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
  • Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
  • Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility

Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $9,698.20
  • Books: $1,807.62
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $11,505.82

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10101140 Accounting 1  3
  10101120 Payroll Accounting  3
  10103106 Microsoft Office-Introduction  3
  10801195 Written Communication  3
-or- 10801136 English Composition 1  3
  10102101 Introduction to Business  3
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10101142 Accounting 2  3
  10101123 Income Tax Accounting  3
  10101129 QuickBooks Applications 3
  10804107 College Mathematics  3
-or- 10804189 Introductory Statistics  3
  10101106 Excel for Accounting 3
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 3
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10101110 Intermediate Accounting 1 3
  10101128 Managerial Finance 3
  10102104 Business Law  3
-or- 10102110 Employment Law 3
  10809195 Economics  3
  10101141 Business Taxation 3
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 4
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10801198 Speech  3
-or- 10801196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication  3
  10101125 Cost and Managerial Accounting 3
  10101158 Accounting Capstone 3
-or- 10101159 Accounting Internship 3
  10809198 Introduction to Psychology  3
-or- 10809188 Developmental Psychology  3
  10809122 Introduction to American Government  3
-or- 10809172 Introduction to Diversity Studies  3
-or- 10809196 Introduction to Sociology  3
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
  Program Total   60 Credits

Instructors

BOB SMITH, BS, MBA

Bob holds an MBA from Upper Iowa University and is an experienced tax and financial accountant. A lifelong learner, Bob recently earned expert certification in Excel. He also graduated from the Wisconsin Leadership Development Institute in 2017.

“Accounting is a proud, challenging, and endlessly interesting profession. Graduates of our program have many career paths open to them. Accounting is the language of business, and accountants are needed by business and organizations of all sizes.”

Careers

  • Accountant
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Accounts Receivable/Payable Specialist
  • Cost Accountant 
  • Financial Accountant
  • General Accountant
  • Payroll Accountant
  • Tax Accountant

Video

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

"The Accounting program at Mid-State equipped me to handle the many real-world tasks I see on a daily basis in my work as a controller."

JAVIER VERA
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Accounting Pathway