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Department of Accounting and Information Systems


Innovative learning, comprehensive career preparation

Students studying accounting and information systems benefit from our programs rooted in the goals of the Wisconsin School of Business to provide focused research excellence, inspiring learning experiences, and an exemplary learning community. The department offers an undergraduate program with the option of entering a fifth year master’s program, as well as a master’s program for those with little or no accounting background. PhD students contribute to the research mission, often collaborating with faculty on a growing body of published scholarly articles and textbooks.

Our faculty’s dedication to research, and their expertise on a wide range of topics and industries, cultivates an evolving curriculum and cocurricular activities that prepare you for the demands of the accounting profession. Your classroom experience will be enhanced with case competitions, internships, The Future is Now annual conference, and the Ethics and Professionalism Program.

Graduates excel on the CPA exam and have gained internships with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The department is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), recognizing progress in the areas of research, teaching, and outreach.

Faculty and Research

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Faculty

Our faculty members contribute to the accounting profession both in and beyond the classroom.

Meet our faculty

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Featured Publications

Read our most recent published articles.

View publications

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Research Seminars

Browse upcoming, recent, and archived research seminars.

View seminar details

Degrees We Support

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Undergraduate Program

Students may earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting. Students choose coursework in preparation for a career in private or public accounting, taxation, or auditing. Eligible students may choose to add a fifth year to earn a master’s degree.

Learn more about the major

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Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

Designed for undergraduate students to develop skills essential to the accounting profession and public accountant certification. Open to accounting, other business, and nonbusiness majors, with different paths to completion, lasting from 2-6 semesters.

Learn more about the MAcc degree

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PhD in Accounting

The accounting and information systems specialization has a strong track record of producing high-quality researchers and teachers. Our approach values collegiality; students work closely with faculty in an apprenticeship-type approach.

Learn more about the doctoral degree

Knowledge Centers

The Robert Beyer Center for Managerial Accounting and Control

The Robert Beyer Center for Managerial Accounting and Control provides nationally recognized leadership in managerial accounting and control through education, research, and public service.

Arthur Anderson Center for Financial Reporting and Control

The mission of the Arthur Andersen Center is to promote research that is useful in resolving financial reporting and control problems, and to explore potential changes in academics to help students understand the complexities of the changing business environment.

Beyond Degrees

Events

The Future is Now annual event encourages undergraduate students to explore career options and explore ethics and leadership topics.

Badger Account

Our annual publication highlights news, recognitions, and achievements. Visit our archives or click below for the most recent edition.

Read the latest Badger Account

Student Organizations

Accounting students are often active in one or both of the following accounting organizations:

Sigma chapter of Beta Alpha Psi

UW–Madison chapter of the IMA

Ethics and Professionalism Program

Ethical and professional approaches are discussed and encouraged through coursework and extracurricular activities.

Learn more

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board provides guidance, advice, and support to the chair to achieve the department’s vision.

Meet the board

Contact Us

Want to learn more about our accounting programs? Let us know how we can help.