Accounting, B.S. Business Administration

Program Overview

Do you have the tendency to apply logic and order to numbers and processes? Have you ever been described as someone with excellent organizational skills and a keen eye for detail? Does the potential of helping organizations succeed and achieve their goals excite you? If so, a degree in accounting can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career.

Accounting has often been described as the language or foundation of business. By pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from PLNU, you can uncover, hone, and apply your natural problem-solving and decision-making skills — turning them into meaningful work. Classes in financial and managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, strategy, and more will prepare you to implement your knowledge and skill-set to a diversity of fields and industries.

With a high emphasis on experiential learning and application, networking opportunities through clubs like the Student Accounting Society or personalized internships will help develop your professional skills and connect you to future jobs in the accounting field.

A headshot of Nate Wanken in downtown San Diego

Student Profile

Nate Wanken

Nate Wanken leads a team of professionals as a Senior Audit Associate for KPMG LLP, one of the big four accounting firms worldwide.

Read More


Finally, PLNU prepares you for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) examination by providing the technical accounting knowledge to be successful, while also shaping you to be a leader of purpose and influence beyond your studies. PLNU’s accounting program has consistently been ranked in the top three for the CPA exam in either passing rate or average score for four of the last five years in California.

PLNU accounting students have ranked in the top 3 for the CPA exam in passing rate or average score.

 

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program complies with the California Board of Accountancy educational requirements for CPA Licensure in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in Accounting is available on this website nasba.org/stateboards. 

For more information on State Authorization and Program Licensure, please refer to our disclosures page.

 

Course List

Loading...

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

PLNU accounting graduates are sought after by national, regional, and local accounting firms and companies in a variety of industries due to their strong accounting foundation enhanced with a professional, passionate, and values-driven approach to their work. Alumni have held various positions at companies like Deloitte, KPMG, Moss Adams, Sempra Energy, Intuit, and ViaSat. PLNU cultivates your strengths in a context that intersects your intellect and faith, and equips you to become a purposeful and trustworthy leader in your workplace.

"The Fermanian School of Business at PLNU does an outstanding job preparing students for what to expect in their careers and how to interact with professionals. My professors made an effort to invest in me as much as I invested in them, and that made a huge difference."

Matthew Karahadian, Class of 2010
Assurance Supervisor, RSM

A Bachelor of Science in Accounting can lead to a career in the following positions:

  • Auditor
  • Tax Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Accounting Manager
  • Treasury Analyst
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Controller
  • Staff Accountant
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Vice President of Finance
Business People Engaged in Conversation

Business as Mission: A Christian Response to Why Business Matters

Those in business must work toward a redemptive and service-oriented view of business that seeks, ultimately, enables communities to flourish.

Read More in the Viewpoint Online Magazine 

Department Faculty

Get Involved

A student takes notes in class

Student Accounting Society

Are you interested in a career in accounting and expanding your professional network? Consider getting involved with the Student Accounting Society.

A blue-eyed male student in professional business clothing networks at a business development event

Finance and Investment Society

The Finance and Investment Society brings together PLNU students, faculty, and local business professionals who share a passion for finance and investing.

A group celebrates planting a new tree at the Human Factor Leadership Academy in Ghana.

Fermanian School of Business International Opportunities

Do you want to learn how business operates around the world? PLNU's Fermanian School of Business offers a variety of opportunities to study internationally.

TOP SEARCHES