Accounting

Associate in Applied Science

Students can complete this program entirely online or via a combination of courses online and on-campus!

The Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) Accounting Program provides a comprehensive foundation of accounting skills that are applicable for a variety of entry-level positions within accounting firms, business organizations, or governmental agencies.

The program is 63 credits requiring a minimum of four semesters to complete. Completion of the first two semesters meets the requirements to earn the stackable Bookkeeping Diploma, which provides an early exit point from the AAS program.

Students who earn an Accounting AAS Degree through WDTC are also able to continue their education through articulation agreements with several universities to pursue BA degrees, master’s degrees, and CPA certification providing unlimited opportunities for advancement in the financial and business fields.

What you'll learn

You will learn the principles of accounting and the concepts behind the principles, and receive up-to-date training on some of the latest accounting software available. You will learn payroll accounting, taxes, The Accounting program provides students with technical hands-on understanding and skills development by integrating theory with practical experience. Through the program, students will develop skills in accounting principles, finance, payroll accounting, taxes, managerial accounting, Excel, QuickBooks, and more. Students will also take 15 credits of transferable general education along with business management, finance, and communication courses required to obtain this degree. 

What you’ll do

Accounting professionals compile, maintain, and analyze business accounting records and financial statements, such as income statements, balance sheets, cost studies, and tax reports. Accountants are also responsible for specific aspects of records such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, taxes, computerized accounting, and payroll.

1. Complete Western Dakota Technical College Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Provide an official copy of a High School transcript or GED scores. If you graduated from an international high school, you must submit your transcript to Educational Credential Evaluators to determine U.S. equivalence. Additionally, an official transcript must be submitted if you have attended other post-secondary institutions or universities.
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading.  To waive the ACCUPLACER with SAT scores a student will need a 500 on the MATH subsection of ACT and a composite of 970 to waive Writing and Reading. To place into MATH 114 a student will need a 520 on the MATH subsection.  



Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

Where the career is going

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks constitute more than 3,368 jobs in the Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) region in 2021. Industries include local government, tax preparation, payroll services, federal government, education, hospitals, and business and enterprise management.

Per Elevate Rapid City data, employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in the WDTC region is twice as large as the national average and projected is to be constant for 2020 and 2025. This makes Accounting an excellent career choice.

Program Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Master Syllabi

Program Flyer