Accounting

Why Accounting?

Accounting is the foundation of every successful organization, translating numbers into insight that drives smart decisions and sustainable growth. In this program, you will learn how to manage financial information, analyze data, and guide businesses toward greater efficiency and profitability. You will build problem-solving and analytical skills that open the door to countless opportunities in business and finance.

At Mid-State, you will learn from experienced instructors who understand what employers need and provide the support to help you succeed. You’ll graduate ready for entry-level accounting positions or prepared to continue your education toward a bachelor’s degree.

Apply Now Request Information

Program Facts

Total Credits

61 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

Online, Online Live, Hybrid

Location

Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point Downtown, Wisconsin Rapids, Online

Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

Estimated Program Cost

$11,366.39

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Accounts Receivable/Payable Specialist

Financial Accounting Assistant

Junior Staff Accountant

Payroll Accountant

Tax Accountant

$58k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $58,267. Source: Lightcast Data Set

2,021

Average Monthly Hires

2,021 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (61 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10101120	Payroll Accounting	Yes	3
10101140	Accounting 1	Yes	3
10102101	Introduction to Business	Yes	3
10103106	Microsoft Office-Introduction	Yes	3
10804107 or 10804189	College Mathematics or Introductory Statistics	Yes	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10101106	Excel for Accounting	No	3
10101123	Income Tax Accounting	Yes	3
10101129	QuickBooks Applications	No	3
10101142	Accounting 2	Yes	3
10801195 or 10801136	Written Communication or English Composition 1	Yes	3

Term 3: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10101110	Intermediate Accounting 1	No	3
10101128	Managerial Finance	No	3
10101141	Business Taxation	No	3
10102104 or 10102110	Business Law or Employment Law	Yes or No 3
10809195	Economics	Yes	3

Term 4: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10101125	Cost and Managerial Accounting	No	3
10101158 or 10101159	Accounting Capstone or Accounting Internship	No	3
10801198 or 10801196	Speech or Oral/Interpersonal Communication	Yes	3
10809122 or 10809172 or	Introduction to American Government or Introduction to	Yes	3
10809196	Diversity Studies or Introduction to Sociology
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Bob Smith, BS, MBA
Bob is a CPA and holds a master's degree from Upper Iowa University. He is an experienced tax and financial accountant. A lifelong learner, Bob has earned expert certification in Excel. He 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, which means that accountants are needed by most business organizations.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

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

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad