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Academics Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

BSBA in Accounting and Finance

at Nichols College

Accounting explains the numbers; finance puts them to work. Together, they create a powerful foundation for your future.

You can maximize your career potential with a dual concentration in accounting and finance at Nichols College, a program designed specifically for ambitious students who want to learn both financial reporting and analysis.

Our program integrates technical knowledge, practical financial skills and an experiential component, preparing you for leadership roles in corporate finance, accounting, investment banking and financial consulting. With access to Bloomberg terminals, industry certifications and internships at firms like EY, KPMG, PwC and Fidelity, you’ll be prepared with an impactful skillset, whether your goal is to pursue a career or advanced study after graduation.

Close-up exterior of a Nichols College brick building with a large arched window, with a vibrant yellow fall foliage tree visible along the campus sidewalk

Why Study Accounting and Finance at Nichols College?

Pursuing a dual concentration in accounting and finance at Nichols College builds a strong foundation for careers that require both accounting expertise and financial acumen, a skillset that is increasingly in demand. Here’s what sets our program apart:

Comprehensive Curriculum

Build a strong foundation in accounting principles, financial analysis, capital markets and decision-making, supported by faculty who are practicing CPAs and experienced finance professionals

Industry Skills and Credentials

Use the same financial tools used by Wall Street professionals to obtain Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals and ESG certifications; you can also gain portfolio management experience through our student-managed investment fund

Strong Career Outcomes

Gain a launch point into competitive accounting and finance roles, which have been successfully landed by many Nichols graduates

Professional Connections

Engage with professionals and secure meaningful internships through our career contacts, hands-on employer experiences and alumni network that's 16,000+ members strong

Worcester County Location

Benefit from strategic access to New England's financial corridor while getting the personal attention of a close-knit campus community

Plus, our program is AACSB-accredited—only six percent of institutions worldwide are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Becoming an Accounting and Finance Major at Nichols College

Given the academic demands of a dual major program, students cannot apply directly to the double concentration. You’ll begin in either accounting or finance, then submit a Declaration of 2nd Major/Concentration form for approval. To learn more about the process and whether this track is right for you, connect with an academic advisor or explore our accounting and finance programs.

Experiential Learning at Nichols College

Hands-on, experiential learning is a key component of a Nichols education. Every business student completes an internship, a professional certification and a research, experiential or consulting project before they graduate. Add holistic professional development to that hands-on foundation, and you get real results—95% of recent graduates secured jobs or entered graduate school within six months. All from a college ranked top 10 nationally among undergraduate business schools for mid-career salary potential and best value.

A Nichols College student intern assists with an event at historic Fenway Park in Boston.

Student-Faculty Projects

From assisting with faculty research and teaching to working on an advanced project with your professor, there are many ways to extend your learning beyond the classroom at Nichols.

Learn More About Experiential Learning at Nichols.

Student-Run Opportunities

Whether you’re managing the Thunder Fund, working with Bison Consulting clients, helping run the Nichols Dudley Hill Golf Course Club and Bison Den or pitching ideas to companies, you’ll build career-ready skills. Learn more about student-run opportunities.

Learn More About Student-Run Opportunities.

Holistic Professional Development

Build confidence and vital soft skills through experiences that take you into the community, paired with public speaking practice, networking etiquette and signature leadership development.

Learn More About Professional Development at Nichols.

Study Abroad

Take your education global through faculty-led trips, international internships, semester abroad programs and short-term travel that let you earn Nichols credits while expanding your worldview.

Learn More About Study Abroad (Study Away).
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Careers in Accounting and Finance

Candidates with an accounting and finance degree stand out in the job market, with a rare blend of technical accuracy and strategic insight. This combination opens doors to leadership roles in corporate finance, accounting firms, investment companies and beyond.

Career possibilities include:

  • Financial advisory consultant
  • Corporate finance manager/director
  • Investment banking analyst (with accounting expertise)
  • Chief financial officer (accelerated track)
  • Management consultant (financial services focus)
And More
Two Nichols College students in professional attire laughing together at a career and internship fair booth

Meet Your Faculty

Christine Beaudin

Chair, Finance 508-213-2445

Michael Forte

Chair, Accounting 508-213-2260

Bryan Coleman

Chair of the MSA 508-213-2145

Bryant Richards

Director of CIPA 508-213-2136

Karin Curran

Chair, General Business 508-213-2170

Anqi Tao

Assistant Professor of Accounting 508-213-2109

Brendan Williams

Assistant Professor of Accounting 508-213-2166
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Accounting and Finance Program

How is the accounting and finance degree program structured differently from taking two separate majors?

Our specialized track eliminates redundant coursework and integrates learning objectives, allowing you to complete both concentrations efficiently within a standard 4-year timeframe. The curriculum is designed to show the natural connections between accounting and finance rather than treating them as separate subjects.

Can I start in one concentration and add the second later?

Yes! Students must start in either accounting or finance, then submit a Declaration of 2nd Major/Concentration form to request approval for the dual degree. We recommend making this decision by your sophomore year to ensure optimal course sequencing.

Are there additional costs for the accounting and finance degree program?

No additional tuition is required beyond standard full-time enrollment. The program is designed to be completed within normal credit hour requirements through efficient course sequencing and integrated learning objectives.

Accounting and Finance Degree Courses

Required Courses

An intensive course designed to broaden and strengthen the foundation laid in the introductory courses. Accounting principles are analyzed and applied in the preparation of financial statements, utilization of time value of money concepts, and examination of cash, short-term investments, receivables, and inventories. Includes computer applications.

A continuation of ACCT 241. Topics include long-term assets, current liabilities, long-term debt and contingencies, and owners' equity. Includes computer usage.

The accounting professional is an information specialist. As a result, the profession requires a depth of technical understanding in a dynamic and evolving business environment. This course will teach students about the fundamental technical concepts underlying corporate information. This will include how to document and follow the flow of data throughout an organization, an understanding of the systems and processes used to generate information, an explanation of the common accounting transaction cycles and how to protect information from fraud or abuse.

A study of complex accounting topics and analytical procedures. Topics include revenue recognition, accounting for investments, pensions, leases, and income taxes; accounting changes, errors, incomplete records, and analysis of cash flows. Computer usage is integrated.

Students analyze cost behavior, accumulation and allocation concepts in job and activity-based costing and process costing systems. Students also examine estimated cost systems; budgetary control with standard costs; and cost and profit analysis for decision-making purposes. Computer usage is integrated.

This course is intended to make the student aware of the major tax issues that influence decision-making by businesses and individuals. Specific topics include tax planning, income determination, capital vs. ordinary income, the deductibility of expenses, and the tax implications of various forms of business entities.

A course designed to give the accounting student an understanding of auditing theory. Topics include generally accepted auditing standards, audit reports, professional ethics, fraud auditing, internal control, and sampling and evidence-gathering techniques.

Analysis of long-term corporate financial decisions, including capital budgeting, cost of capital, leverage, dividend policy, debt and equity financing, working capital management, business combinations, and international finance.

A study of investment principles and techniques including the investment environment, evaluation of securities, current practices in the securities/investments industry, and the formulation of investment objectives.

An introduction to the financial issues that impact the lives of average people every day. The course covers money management, the rudiments of investing, personal tax, the fundamentals of life, health and property insurance, the tradeoffs between risk and return in investing, home ownership and mortgages, the pitfalls of consumer debt, retirement planning, and estate planning.

A capstone course which expands upon corporate finance and investment concepts. Includes exposure to advanced financial theory. The case method of instruction challenges student teams to understand, evaluate, and solve real world business problems.

Electives

An intermediate macroeconomic course analyzing the determination of national income, employment, the price level, interest rates, and exchanges in the economy. Piece-by-piece, a theoretical model will be constructed that is capable of describing how each of these variables is determined. After the model is completed, the course investigates issues of business cycle theory, foreign trade, and macroeconomic policy. Special attention will be given to theoretical and policy debates.

This course focuses on the essential features and functions of money and credit in a capitalist economy operating with a fiat currency in a flexible exchange rate regime such as the U.S. economy. We study the role of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed), the U.S. Treasurer and the commercial banking sector in the U.S. economy, the banking and financial systems. The fundamental elements of financial markets, instruments and investments, and their links to the monetary and banking systems are examined. Special attention is given to the institutional structure and the accounting procedures through which the Fed and the Treasurer coordinate monetary policy. We examine the endogenous nature of crises and financial instability in capitalist economies. Here, we study the theories provided by prominent 20th century economists - Hyman Minsky and J.M. Keynes - whose names and theoretical contributions have been widely evoked during the 2008 Financial Crisis. We identify the causes and implications of financial crises, and understand possible policy solutions. Such policies emphasize the need to understand the recent evolution of the regulatory framework in the financial and banking industry.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and analytical methods used for making residential and commercial real estate finance and investment decisions. Students will gain a fundamental, real-world understanding of returns on capital with a focus on expected growth along with market and project-specific risks. Students will develop hands-on experience building financial Pro Forma Statements using a multi-year discounted cash flow analysis which will include tax implications, depreciation, capital gains and losses.

This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in finance.

This course introduces students to portfolio management based on theory and best practice techniques of investments. Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of portfolios and a set of tools designed to assist them in the investment decision-making process. Students will be exposed to the basic theories of managing a portfolio of financial assets within the risk-return framework.

This course introduces basic concepts of futures, swaps and options that are frequently used by institutional investors and experienced individual investors for investment and speculation. Students will learn how these products work, how they are used, how they are priced, and how financial institutions hedge their risks then they trade the products.

This course will provide students the knowledge to build a DCF model to aid them in evaluating potential investment opportunities. Students will be in charge of rebalancing the existing portfolio, assessing risk, and ensuring that the portfolio is in compliance with the IPS. Students will engage in real world and hands-on experience in security analysis and portfolio construction and management through the management of the Nichols College Student Managed Investment Fund.

This course provides students with real world and hands-on experience in security analysis and portfolio construction and management through the management of the Nichols College Student Managed Investment Fund. Students will be jointly in charge of the investment decisions of the fund and the overall composition of the portfolio. Each student will perform various quantitative and qualitative analysis of individual securities, industries, and the overall portfolio.

An intensive program of work experience with a business or corporation. Combines both experiential learning with traditional academic work through required term essay and presentation of internship results to an appropriate class. Internship course specifications and "learning contract" forms are available through the Office of Career Services. Students interested must be of junior or senior standing and have a 2.5 grade point average.

The Research Associate is an option for select, motivated students to work under the close supervision of a faculty member, assisting in the faculty's current research project, or conducting their own study. Students are provided training in research, and develop new communication and critical thinking skills, and are introduced to the possible future opportunities in the research-related aspects of their field. The experience will enhance students' graduate and employment qualifications. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 60 hours of classroom instruction. Research Associates and other experiential learning opportunities require approval of the Program Chair.

A Teaching Associate Intern works with students in a specific course to provide support for the faculty member in charge. His/ her duties may include teaching; preparing instructional materials; critiquing student papers; tutoring students; aiding in online or classroom discussions; sample assignment preparation; and performing other duties as assigned. Major responsibility for a class shall not be given to a teaching associate intern. The associate works under the supervision of an experienced faculty member. In consultation with the supervisor, the teaching associate works to gain instructional skills and to enhance his/her grasp of the essentials of the academic discipline and the role and responsibilities of a faculty member. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 60 hours of classroom instruction (or receive approval by the appropriate faculty member or program chair), have earned a "B+" or better in the course they wish to assist, and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Teaching Associates and other experiential learning opportunities require approval of the Program Chair.

An economic analysis of the foundations of international trade and the impact of trade on domestic and global economies. The course includes a study of the balance of payments, world debt, exchange rates, and the international monetary system. Current issues and problems are emphasized. (Previously ECON 412)

Interested in Learning More?

Join us at one of our upcoming campus events in Dudley, MA, or schedule a campus visit. You can also contact our Admissions team to discuss your academic goals and how Nichols can help you reach them.