In an increasingly data-driven business world, accountants and financial advisors are indispensable to organizational strategy and success. They are responsible for collecting and tracking key financial information and communicating this information clearly and effectively.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Financial Analysis prepares you to be this important business partner. We provide you with foundational accounting principles so that you can become a strategist who can transform complex financial data into useful business insights.

Our accounting degree ensures that you will be equipped with the knowledge you need to step into a wide range of roles, including those with accounting firms or within corporate finance. We have built every aspect of this degree to support those who would like to go on to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. See the accounting and financial analysis curriculum.

At Cal Lutheran, we pride ourselves on providing personal attention to each of our students. Our classes are intentionally kept small so that you can connect with your instructors and peers. You’ll also have access to a personal academic counselor who will guide and support you every step of the way.

This major is part of our Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program, which is designed for working adults and lifelong learners resuming their education. Each student enters the program with a minimum of 24 transfer credits, with many bringing in even more credits.

Program Overview

building

On-campus courses at Thousand Oaks campus

clock

Evening classes once per week, Monday – Thursday

calendar

Flexible part-time and full-time options

diploma

Complete the degree in as little as two years


What You’ll Learn

This accounting and finance bachelor’s degree balances practice and theory. It prepares you for accounting jobs in firms or in corporate finance roles. You’ll graduate with:

  • An intermediate understanding of accounting principles and the systems and regulations that shape the financial world
  • Experience in business concepts including strategic thinking, organizational behavior, law and ethics
  • Enhanced analytical abilities, with a focus on statistical data analysis, so that you can interpret and apply data to business decisions
  • A strong sense of professional and ethical judgment that allows for well-reasoned decision-making
  • Advanced interpersonal and teamwork skills so that you can collaborate in team environments and create productive professional relationships
  • Professional writing and speaking skills in order to effectively communicate your messages with clarity and impact

“My favorite thing about being in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program is that it gives me a chance to actively work on my career while I’m getting my bachelor’s degree. I’m making the most out of my time by gaining experience and working on my major.”


Maria Fernandez, ’23

Accounting and Financial Analysis Degree Curriculum

Required courses

All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted

Foundations of business

Research Writing for Professionals

Advanced Research Writing for Professionals

Microeconomics

Macroeconomics

Applied Math for Business

Principles of Professional Communication

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Business and Society

Foundations of Business Law

Organizational Behavior

Foundations of accounting

Foundations of Financial Accounting

Foundations of Managerial Accounting

Intermediate Financial Accounting 1

Intermediate Financial Accounting 2

Essentials of Cost Accounting

Information Systems in Accounting

Principles of Auditing and Assurance

Accounting Ethics and Responsibility

International Accounting

Intermediate Auditing and Assurance

Principles of Individual Taxation

Principles of Business Taxation

Data Analytics in Accounting

Financial Statement Analysis

Accounting disciplines

Students must choose at least two of the following three tracks.

  • Business Analysis and Reporting (Course: “Advanced Financial Accounting”)
  • Information Systems and Controls (Course: “Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection”)
  • Tax Compliance and Planning (Course: “Individual Compliance and Planning”)

Total Credits to Complete the Degree

To graduate, students must complete 124 credits minimum. This total includes:

  • Major courses: At least 78 credits are completed through accounting and financial analysis major courses. Out of these, at least 54 credits must be upper-division courses (these courses are identified by course numbers in the 300 and 400 ranges).
  • General education and other courses: The remaining credits can consist of general education courses, additional major courses if desired and any transferred credits.

Want to learn more about earning your accounting and financial analysis degree at California Lutheran University? Download our brochure and explore our FAQ page. Ready to apply? Start your application now.

Request Information

To learn more about the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals offered by the California Lutheran School for Professional and Continuing Studies and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admission counselor directly by calling us at 866-944-8289.

* All fields are required. Your privacy is protected.

California Lutheran University has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.