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Accounting and Finance Major

Bachelor of Science

With an accounting and finance degree, you’ll gain the technical skills to become a certified public accountant (CPA) and a well-rounded, ethical business professional.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.S. in Accounting and Finance, you’ll develop the skills for a career in certified public accounting and related fields. You’ll meet the required credit hours for taking the Certified Public Accountant exam for CPA licensure in Minnesota. And you’ll develop the critical thinking skills and business acumen to meet the challenges of providing insight and strategic direction. With strong finance knowledge, you will be equipped to provide valuable support to leaders in many businesses and organizations.

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Why should I study accounting and finance at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Business, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    You’ll explore the intersection of business and faith, develop your God-given talents, and learn to use the tools of business to make a difference in your community and the world.
  • Join our vibrant and active business community
    Here, you won’t study business or start your career alone. You’ll join our strong business community, find mentorship, and build a network with classmates and professionals through BBEA, BethelBiz, and much more.

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Contact us

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

As you gain the skills and knowledge for a successful and fulfilling career, you’ll acquire a strong foundation of adaptable skills that will prepare you for diverse roles in the business world. And you’ll explore ways to serve others and integrate your faith into your career.

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Prepare for CPA licensing

You’ll meet the required credit hours and develop the necessary skills to gain licensure in Minnesota as a certified public accountant.

A strong foundation in business and accounting

Acquire well-rounded skills in financial, managerial, taxation, auditing, and data analysis to prepare you for diverse roles in the business world.

Advanced financial techniques

Master advanced techniques like financial modeling, sensitivity analyses, and tax preparation. You’ll also develop qualitative risk analysis skills and learn how to present financial data effectively, making you proficient in supporting decision-making processes.

Strategic and global perspective

Gain a global perspective on finance, enhancing your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether it’s partnerships, mergers, or international and government accounting, you’ll be ready to tackle it all.

Data analysis and ethical reasoning

Sharpen your data analysis capabilities and ethical reasoning. You’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complex financial world with integrity and a strong analytical foundation.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Internships

Put your skills into practice and apply classroom lessons by completing an internship, working with clients on a capstone project, and preparing tax returns for individuals and families in need. And you can participate in clubs and activities like the Royals Investment Fund, the Chartered Financial Analyst Challenge, the Innovation Scholars program, and more.

Build valuable connections

Pursue opportunities to grow as a business through student-led groups like BBEA. You’ll also build your network and gain mentorship through our alumni network through BethelBiz, Women in Business events, and more.

Opportunities to travel

Learn firsthand about the global economy. Examine how businesses like advertising agencies, banks, accounting firms, manufacturing facilities, and multinational corporations operate across borders.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with an accounting and finance degree?

An accounting and finance degree is a great gateway to careers in certified public accounting and related business fields.

Certified public accounting

Follow in the footsteps of most accounting and finance graduates who work as CPAs. You’ll meet the required credit hours to take the CPA exam and become licensed. You’ll be equipped to provide insight and strategic direction in roles at accounting firms, corporations, not-for-profits, auditing firms, consulting firms, and more.

Business and finance-related fields

Along with working as a CPA, you’ll develop critical thinking and well-rounded business skills that will equip you to serve in a variety of roles. You can work as a financial analyst, business analyst, credit analyst, investment analyst, financial planner, banker, corporate auditor, insurance underwriter, and more.

Strategic skills for numerous roles

You'll gain the finance knowledge to support leaders across all functional areas in any organization. You’ll be equipped to analyze financial data, offer strategic insights, and make informed decisions.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. And in our state-of-the-art business space, you’ll find a large lounge space, huddle rooms, and interactive classrooms where you can connect with classmates and professors every day.

Department of Business


Location

Robertson Center (RC) 310

Contact

Mary Ann Harris

Bethany Opsata

Mary Ann Harris

Mary Ann Harris

Professor of Business

Bio >

Bethany Opsata

Bethany Opsata

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Shyla Allard

Shyla Allard

Assistant Professor of Business

Bio >

Mauvalyn Bowen

Mauvalyn Bowen

Professor of Business

Bio >

Michael Disher

Michael Disher

Assistant Professor of Economics

Bio >

Leo Gabriel

Leo Gabriel

Professor of Business

Bio >

Brian Holland

Brian Holland

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Jeff Jacob

Jeff Jacob

Professor of Economics

Bio >

Joyce LeMay

Joyce LeMay

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Andrew Paine

Andrew Paine

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Shawn Sauve

Shawn Sauve

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Stephen Whiting

Stephen Whiting

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Drew Whitson

Drew Whitson

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

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Diana Dutcher

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Tracy Harris

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Julie Hedlund

Julie Hedlund

Adjunct Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

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Paul Ives

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Logan Kix

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Daniel Meyer

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Richard Olson

Richard Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

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Lisa Sellner

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Greg Bourland

Greg Bourland

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Judy Jones

Judy Jones

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Gregg Lindberg

Gregg Lindberg

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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David Danforth

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

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Nikki Daniels

Nikki Daniels

Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership Emerita

Bio >

Chuck Hannema

Chuck Hannema

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

Bio >

Bruce Olsen

Bruce Olsen

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

Bio >

84%

recent alumni donate to charitable causes

95%

or more alumni reported being prepared for current job

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements