Bachelor of Science
Accounting
Why JWU Accounting?
Do you use logic to solve puzzles? Are you detail-oriented? If you love facts and figures, you have the analytical mind of a JWU Accounting major — and you could be a critical component of organizational decision-making. From small non-profits to big corporations, agencies need accurate, knowledgeable accountants who can interpret data, evaluate risks, recognize cost savings and ensure compliance across functions. Through the Accounting program at JWU Providence, you could become that champion.
Here, you’ll be guided by professors with years of industry experience and multiple professional certifications. As practitioners, they’ll help you gain hands-on experience you’ll put into practice — whether you’re volunteering to help the underserved with their taxes, getting your foot in a door as an intern or taking on reporting and accounting roles within our student-run university investment fund. Through the faculty connections you’ll make at JWU, you’ll be mentored by professionals in the public, private, nonprofit and government sectors. Meanwhile, student clubs such as the JWU Accounting Association and the JWU Finance & Investment Academy (FIA) will allow you to network with like-minded peers.
Expand your skills by pursuing your choice of more than two dozen minors including cybersecurity, economics, finance, marketing, leadership studies, global studies, media & communication studies and human resource management to complement your Accounting degree. Our alumni have forged careers ranging from partner and practice leader at Financial Advisory Services Group to senior financial consultant at CVS to senior associate at PwC.
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Balancing More Than Numbers
Hailey Erickson '23, 24 MBA gained valuable skills helping people prepare their taxes in JWU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and working with JWU’s Wildcat Investment Value Fund (WIVF) — plus got a head start on her MBA through JWU’s accelerated master’s program. She reflects on how her experience as a JWU Accounting student-athlete helped prepare her for her future.
How Marquis Launched His Future at JWU
“At JWU,I got to meet employers firsthand, did an internship, got my résumé and went through many layers. I was fortunate to have the first job lined up right after school, which is something we want for all students. I like to think I was equally fortunate and prepared, and I expect that track to continue upward from here. I’ve gotten comfortable with saying I don’t know what's next, but I know it’s something I’ll be good at, ready for and excited about.”
– Marquis Cooper ’14, manager of global internal audit at Boston Scientific
Putting Accounting and Auditing Skills to Work
You’ll have many opportunities for academic and cultural experiences related to your studies — and you can apply free elective credit to them! Participate in a Directed Experiential Education initiative. Intern at a local firm. Study abroad. Help manage our successful JWU Wildcat Investment Value Fund, investing some of the university’s actual endowment. Join our IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team to help individuals in the community file their taxes.
In this program, you will:
- Learn how to apply the major concepts, skills and values of the accounting profession while communicating effectively with diverse audiences.
- Understand how to identify, analyze and resolve ethical issues and use decision-support tools to solve problems and facilitate organizational practices.
- Apply free elective credit to options ranging from Directed Experiential Education to internships to study abroad.
- Gain a solid foundation in accounting theory and practice as well as in the areas of business, communication and general studies.
Continue Your Education Through Johnson & Wales
Get your master’s faster through JWU’s signature accelerated master’s program, J2, by starting on coursework toward an MBA or M.S. degree your senior year — saving you time and money.
Sample Courses
- Federal Taxes
- Cost Accounting
- Auditing
- Accounting Information Systems
- Managerial Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Introduction to Business and Management
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
Career Possibilities
- Financial accountant
- Tax examiner/revenue agent
- Management accountant
- Financial analyst
- Tax accountant
- Budget analyst
- Auditor
- Forensic accountant
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Meet Our Faculty
Associate Professor
Cannata prides herself on involving students in the learning process and guiding them on the path to successful careers.
Associate Professor and Faculty Director of MBA Program
As an educator with a 20+ year track record of creating success at emerging companies, Howes has a passion for improving organizations and their people.
Associate Professor
In her teaching, Norris aims to help students understand the importance of accounting in reaching their own career goals.
Related Programs
Faculty Contact
Patricia Conn Ryan, DBA, CPA
Professor and Department Chair
Department of Accountancy & Finance
401-598-1866
Email
