20 Best Online Accounting Bachelor’s Degree Colleges
Accounting is often referred to as the “language of business” as it presents a stable foundation for achieving success. Several students are now earning their bachelor’s degree in accounting online, aside from or in addition to attending on-campus classes.
They carry the mindset that it is necessary to learn accounting as a form of investing in a long-haul career opportunity. That, of course, besides trying to understand and perhaps assist in alleviating economic and financial problems.
Between 2022 and 2032, a 4% job growth rate is projected for auditors and accountants through research conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Most companies require applicants for accounting-related careers to finish at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify for the job. Some, though, require that the applicant be a passer of standardized exams such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam.
Thus, it is necessary for students to pursue online accounting degrees or any bachelor’s degree with accounting as their specialization.
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THE LOWDOWN
An online accounting program is a smart choice! With the accounting profession being the backbone of any industry, there is always a demand for qualified personnel to fill positions. There are several accounting degrees to consider and a wide variety of careers to consider depending on your interest and ambition!
Finding the right online programs for you is a must. Take a look at the below colleges offering an online bachelor’s degree.
Additional Resources: Accounting Career Guide – Jobs, Salary, and Degree Information
Methodology
For this particular ranking, we listed the best online schools for earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. All schools were ranked randomly based on their online accounting program features, course alternatives, and federal financial aid opportunities. The aspects unique to each of these online programs were also taken into consideration.
Please visit our Methodology page to get in-depth information.
Best Online Accounting Bachelor’s Degree Programs
University of Alabama Birmingham
The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) is one of the best schools for taking a bachelor’s degree program in online accounting. These online programs are offered under UAB’s Collat School of Business. Through UAB’s online accounting programs, students will be prepared to take the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFA) exams.
Location
Birmingham, Alabama
Accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
Students should complete at least 48 credits which include general education classes and the following:
- Accounting Core Courses- 24 credits
- Upper-Level Core Courses- 18 credit
- Capstone Project- 6 credits
Course Options
- Accounting Principles
- Financial Management
- Information Systems
- Quantitative Analysis
- Business Administration, Communications and Foundations
- Management Processes
Admission Requirements
- credentials of a home school teacher (for home school students), or high school diploma
- letters of recommendation
- test scores from standardized tests (Minimum ACT Score: 20, Minimum SAT score: 950)
Financial Aid
- International student loans,
- Scholarships,
- Grants
What’s unique about the program
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) distinguished UAB’s Online Bachelor’s in Accounting program is one of the top degree programs in CMA test preparation. The IMA certification means that UAB’s online accounting degree has met the arduous scholastic standards needed to prepare for the CMA test.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The Isenberg School of Management of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) offers an online accounting bachelor’s degree. The program features 24/7 technical support for online students, and along with this, also provides numerous opportunities to interact with professionals in the accounting and business fields.
The curriculum in these online accounting programs is entirely the same as the traditional college curriculum, providing students with extensive knowledge in the areas of accounting, business, and finance.
Location
Amherst, Massachusetts
Accreditation
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- 12 general education courses, 11 business courses, 9 accounting major courses, and 21 credits on non-business courses, plus a minimum of 27 transferable credit
Course Options
- Financial reporting
- Individual Taxation
- Accounting Information Systems
- Cost Accounting
- CPA Law
- Auditing
Admission Requirements
- letters of recommendation
- test scores from standardized tests
Financial Aid
- Unsubsidized and subsidized loans,
- Scholarships
What’s unique about the program
Online accounting degree students get to participate in socio-cultural activities through membership in professional accounting-related organizations like the Massachusetts Society of CPAs and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
Northeastern University College of Professional Studies
Northeastern University College of Professional Studies is regarded as one of the top universities in the U.S. The university has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management degree which can be earned online. Quantitative and analytical skills may also be enhanced through this degree program.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
Completion of 120 credit hours (composed of 42 credits of business foundation courses, 28 credits of major courses, and 9 credits of major electives; the rest are general education courses)
Course Options
- Accounting Information Systems
- International Finance
- Investment Management
- Financial Strategy
- Taxation
- Business Strategy
Admission Requirements
- letters of recommendation
- test scores from standardized tests
Financial Aid
- Loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Military benefits
- Employer reimbursement
What’s unique about the program
NUPath’s online accounting degree is a unique program wherein it involves the university’s general education requirements for all degrees. Through this program general education courses can be integrated into the accounting degree program’s curriculum, providing students with more interactive curricular enhancement. The experiential learning model of the university also allows academic courses to be combined with professional, hands-on experiences.
Clarion University
Clarion University offers a flexible part-time or full-time Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in an online accounting degree program. Concentrations are available in Internal Audit and Forensic Accounting and Industry. Minors are available as well.
Location
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Lower and upper-division business foundation courses are required
- Students participate in online education to learn analysis and interpretation of business problems, computer skill enhancement, accounting communication, and business ethics.
- Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s programs are available
Course Options
- Managerial Accounting
- Auditing
- Financial Analysis
- Business Law
- Federal Taxes
- Auditing
- Forensic Accounting
Admission Requirements
- Test scores from standardized tests (ACT and SAT)
Not required for students who have graduated more than three years.
Financial Aid
- Student loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
What’s unique about the program
Clarion University is the only university in the State that offers Bachelor’s in Accounting both as a major and as a minor degree program online.
Washington State University
Washington State University (WSU) is considered to be one of the top 140 academic institutions in the nation for high-quality, competent research activity. It offers the Bachelor of Science online accounting degree program, which aims to provide ample knowledge to college in terms of technical and intellectual skills appropriate for accounting-related jobs.
Location
Pullman, Washington
Accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
The business courses can be completed in 7 weeks and their non-business courses are 16 weeks long. All undergraduate students are required to take the University Common Core courses.
Course Options
- Auditing
- Financial Accounting & Management
- Business Strategy
- Taxation
- Business Statistics
Admission Requirements
- letters of recommendation
- test scores from standardized tests
Financial Aid
- Student loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
What’s unique about the program
Online accounting degree students can work with their respective Global Campus academic advisors to plan how to complete their degree program using the current course rotation. The WSU accounting program is one of the 165 accounting programs that have been accredited separately.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University (CSU Global) is regarded as the first 100% online institution in the country. CSU Global offers the Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree program, which trains students with careers related to accounting, business, and finance. The accounting degree program of CSU is duly recognized in large accounting firms and companies on a global scale.
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Students may select among 18 specializations, which consist of 5 courses in specific fields.
- Faculty members are able to help and support online students in this program.
Course Options
- Auditing
- Attestation
- Fundamental Accounting and Reporting, Financial Statements
- Managerial Accounting
- Taxation
- Business Ethics
- Business Organization and Processes
Admission Requirement
- letters of recommendation
- test scores from standardized tests (ACT and SAT)
Financial Aid
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
What’s unique about the program
Classes in Colorado State University’s online accounting degree start every eight weeks so students do not need to wait for a semester to begin. This enables the students to complete the degree program at their own pace.
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus is a public university that is considered to be the largest in terms of its online degree programs. It offers the Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program online, which aims to provide sufficient knowledge and training to students on accounting principles and financial analysis.
Online students may also acquire competence in critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, with special emphasis on ethical business standards; all great qualities to have as a Certified Public Accountant.
Location
Adelphi, Maryland
Accreditation
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Online students are required to complete at least 120 credit hours and 150 credit hours for those who plan to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam
Course Options
- Auditing Theory and Practice
- Intermediate Accounting I and II
- Federal Income Tax
- International Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Budgeting
- Accounting Systems
- Internal Controls
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Reporting & Financial Statements
- Internal and External Auditing
- Taxation
Admission requirements
- Official high school diploma and transcript or GED transcript
- Passing scores on any state-administered high school exams
- Proofs of graduation for those who studied in an international school or those who graduated from homeschooling
Financial Aid
- Loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
What’s unique about this program
The primary goal of this accounting program is to help students prepare for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (UCPA) exam, aside from CPA.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University (ODU) features the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program majoring in Accounting through the Strome College of Business School of Accountancy. ODU online is the university’s official online portal for flexible classes and other resources.
Through ODU, students may also earn credits that can, later on, be transferred to Old Dominion through the completion of its accounting degree program.
Location
Norfolk, Virginia
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Completion of general education classes in English, Math, Communication, and Philosophy
- Completion of at least 33 academic credits from the 120 semester hours set for the entire program
Course Options
- Financial Accounting
- Statistical Data Analysis
- Business Policy and Strategy
- Operations Management
- Managerial Economics
Admission requirements
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Passing scores on any state-administered high school exams
Financial Assistance
- TEACH grant program
- Virginia teaching loan program
- Scholarships
What’s unique about this program
The accounting program has two main concentrations: the Accounting General concentration (AG), which enables students to acquire technical skills, and the Accounting Professional concentration (AP), which allows for accounting electives for professional licensure certifications.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University (PennState) has been ranked as one of the top institutions in the country. It offers the Bachelor of Science in Business with a specialization in Accounting online degree program.
The university is transfer-friendly in terms of its academic credits, especially if they are core courses. This enables students to obtain a cost-efficient degree even from a well-renowned academic institution.
Location
State College, Pennsylvania
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Online students are required to complete 120 credit hours from the Accounting curriculum
Course Options
- Finance
- Business Law
- Business strategies
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Federal Taxation
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
Admission requirements
- students must belong to the top 10% of the class
- test scores from standardized tests (Minimum ACT Score: 30, Minimum SAT score: 1330)
- excellent communication skills
Financial Aid
- Work-study programs
- Private scholarships
- University scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
What’s unique about this program
What sets the university apart is its convenient transfer credit policy, enabling students to transfer any number of credits to their respective degrees. In the case of their bachelor’s degree in accounting program, the university allows at least 36 transferable credits.
Auburn University
Auburn University offers the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy online degree program under the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business of the university. This degree program is applicable for those who seek to complete a second degree after years of being employed and even for those who shifting career paths.
Location
Auburn, Alabama
Accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Full-time students can take six credit hours every semester in order to complete the entire program in five semesters or 30 hours.
Course Options
- Internal Auditing
- Tax Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Financial Management
- Government Accounting
Admission requirements
- Should be a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder for non-native Americans
- Requirements at the prerequisite checklist should be completed
Financial Aid
- Federal loans
- State loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Non-need awards
- Work-study programs
What’s unique about this program
In this bachelor’s degree in accounting program, online lectures can be viewed through live streaming or can be recorded at a period that is most convenient to the student’s schedules. This is through the degree-specific Auburn Accounting Online website.
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Capella University
Capella University features an extensively flexible Bachelor of Science in Business with a special emphasis on Accounting online degree program. General education courses are offered at this university at a discounted rate. Aside from this, the courses have flexible schedules and can be completed at the student’s own pace.
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Program Features
- Academic quarters are 3 months long with 3-week breaks between every quarter. It is equivalent to 90 total program points and 68 maximum transfer points.
- Students must complete 8 to 14 general education (GE) courses, 10 core courses, 8 specialization courses, and 7 to 13 elective courses
Course Options
- https://www.capella.edu/online-degrees/bachelors-accounting/courses/
Admission requirements
- Completed online application form
- $50 nonrefundable application form
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Essay or writing sample
- Registration acknowledgment form
Financial Aid
- Federal grants
- Scholarships,
- Military benefits,
- Federal work-study programs
What’s unique about this program
What sets the degree program apart is the FlexPath, an online learning format that allows students to establish their own deadlines and pacing in their respective classes.
University of Minnesota Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston offers a complete Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree program, that aims to help students pursue CPA, CMA, and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exams. The university also features transfer-friendly regulations in terms of credits along with the flexibility of online classes for this particular bachelor’s degree in an accounting degree program.
Location
Crookston, Minnesota
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Completion of 120 credit hours, 63 of which are within the degree program.
Course Options
- Financial Management
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Financial Management
- Management Advisory Consultation
- Tax Accountancy and Consultation
- Independent Auditing
- Financial Analysis
- Forensic Accounting and Auditing
Admission requirements
- Results of ACT or SAT exams
- Official high school or GED transcript
Financial Aid
- Federal grants
- University grants
- Online-specialty scholarships,
- Loans
What’s unique about this program
The university has unique internship programs such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) which allows students to create and conduct their own undergraduate research.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program that allows students to be prepared in terms of accounting principles and analysis of financial statements. Careers in hospitals, governments, education systems, and other aspects are readily available after graduation.
Location
Manchester, New Hampshire
Accreditation
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Completion of at least 120 credit hours.
- Flexibility in completion of courses through multiple start dates involving around six 9-week courses a year.
Course Options
- Accounting procedures
- Accounting regulations and ethics
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Corporate Accounting
Admission requirements
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Original transcript from previous accredited colleges or universities (for transferees)
Financial Aid
Grants, scholarships, student loans
What’s unique about this program
As part of the bachelor’s degree in accounting degree program, students may focus on three courses related to the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination as an alternative to other electives in order to complete the 120-credit hour requirement.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree program, which aims to provide a strong foundation for students who wish to go through CPA certification. The online program is made flexible due to multiple start dates yearly.
The accounting degree program at IWU is considered to be one of the most affordable programs in the state. Nevertheless, it should only be regarded as a degree completion program.
Location
Marion, Indiana
Accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Since the program is offered to those who wish to take a second bachelor’s degree course for completion, students are only required to complete at least 42 credit hours.
Course Options
- Accounting Theory
- Taxation
- Auditing
Admission requirements
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Completion of at least 60 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited university or college
- Proof of knowledge which is equivalent to one semester of coursework (Math or Statistics)
Financial Assistance
- Scholarship grants
- Loans
- Church matching scholarship grants
What’s unique about this program
Ethical and moral guidelines are integrated into this bachelor’s degree in accounting degree program since the university upholds biblical and ethical approaches in order to effectively handle business and accounting concerns in the market.
Regis University
Regis University has a population of more than 9,200 enrolled students. The university features the Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree program, which can be completed in a span of eight weeks. Graduates of this degree program perform effectively in the public and private sectors because of the acquisition of excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
Location
Denver, Colorado
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Completion of 45 credits of general undergraduate core courses, 33 credits of foundation courses, 24 credits of upper-division major courses, and 24 electives. The total credit count is 152, which can be achieved through an accelerated eight-week schedule.
Course Options
- Public Accounting
- Financial Analysis
- Business
Admission requirements
- Original transcript from previous accredited colleges or universities (for transferees) or transferrable credits
- Proof of work experience (if any)
Financial Aid
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Student Loans
- Student Employment
- Payment Plans
- Educational Alliances
- Military Benefits
- Sponsored Billings
- International Financing
What’s unique about this program
Accessibility to Becker CPA Exam Review courses for a $400 discount is offered to eligible graduates of this degree program.
Athens State University
Athens State University aims to equip Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree program students with the necessary skills and knowledge essential for accounting-related careers in the future.
Location
Athens, Alabama
Accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Students must complete at least 41 general education credits, 59 pre-professional course requirements, 62 professional course requirements, and 3 general electives. The total number of credit hours for students to graduate from this degree program is 124 credits.
Course Options
- Advance Accounting
- Federal Tax Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Governmental Accounting
- Advanced Auditing and Fraud Examination
- Auditing
Admission requirements
- Official high school or GED transcript (Minimum GPA: 2.0)
- Original transcript from previous accredited colleges or universities (for transferees)
Financial Assistance
- Pell grants
- Scholarships,
- Federal student loans
What’s unique about this program
An additional alternative is offered specifically for accounting majors. This option is called, “Accounting with Minor.” The most basic accounting requirements will be taken into consideration through this option and shall be paired with a minor course from the list of available courses for the accounting degree program. The Forensic Accounting minor is also offered for those having a major outside the Accounting degree program.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers the Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree program to enhance the proficiency of students in terms of computer applications and business communications for the effective synthesis and assessment of specific accounting issues.
The online program enables the students to improve their critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills in order to generate significant solutions.
Location
Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
Program Features
- Students are required to complete at least 120 credit hours, 30 of which should be taken at Liberty online (while 90% of it can be transferred to other institutions).
Course Options
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Auditing
- Corporate Finance
- Principles of Marketing and Business Policy
Admission requirements
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Original transcript from previous accredited colleges or universities (for transferees)
Financial Aid
- Tuition discounts
What’s unique about this program
There are online courses at Liberty that allow students to visit the university for one week. At the same time, the Accounting online degree program allows students to obtain skills in identification, analysis, and proper handling of accounting concerns through a biblical perspective. This is something that sets the degree program of Liberty apart from other universities.
Florida Institute of Tech
Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) is a non-profit university that offers the Bachelor of Arts in Accounting online degree program. Through this, online students will be able to acquire basic knowledge and skills to become CPAs and CMAs in renowned companies. The degree program also orients students to be trained for careers in the public and private sectors, and other aspects of accounting.
Location
Melbourne, Florida
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Program Features
- Students are required to finish 121 credit hours to graduate from the program.
Course Options
- Cost Accounting
- Compensation and Benefits
- Auditing
- Tax Planning
- International Accounting
Admission requirements
- Results of SAT and ACT exams
- Letter of recommendation
Financial Aid
- Military benefits,
- Scholarships
- International financing
What’s unique about this program
Florida Tech’s Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (BA) is established upon a general liberal arts foundation and is composed of career-specific courses like cost accounting and auditing.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a liberal arts university that has a population of more than 15,000 students, both on-campus and online. The university has also been included among the best regional universities in the southern part of the country.
Saint Leo University also provides the degree program, Bachelor of Arts in Accounting online. Through this program, students will be able to establish their leadership and computational skills for them to advance in their future careers.
Location
St. Leo, Florida
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Program Features
- Students are required to finish at least 120 credit hours.
- The program establishes a strong foundation in accounting principles for students who desire to pursue a CPA or CMA.
Course Options
- Cost Accounting
- Business Law
- Accounting Fundamentals and Concepts
- Individual Income Tax
- Auditing
- Financial Statement Analysis
Admission requirements
- Results of standardized tests (AP, CLEP, DSST, ECE, USAFI, Regents Examinations, etc.)
- Professional training certification (for possible academic credits)
Financial Aid
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Military benefits
- Student loans
- Corporate Assistance
What’s unique about this program
Online classes are normally done one-on-one. There is a designated faculty member and advisor assigned to every student. Faculty members assign students to internships in large accounting companies every summer for effective enhancement of knowledge and skills as well as providing opportunities for long-term job opportunities.
Post University
Post University features a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, which is taught at the Malcolm Baldridge School of Business. The goal of the university is to demonstrate essential opportunities for one-on-one mentoring with faculty members through distance learning.
Graduates of this degree program are expected to ace accounting certification exams. Aside from this, online students will be able to apply knowledge of accounting and experience hands-on activities as well as enhance their skills in the financial and business aspects.
Location
Waterbury, Connecticut
Accreditation
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Program Features
- Completion of 36 accounting credit hours to meet CMA and CPA exam requirements
- The accelerated online bachelor’s program is good for an eight-week period.
Course Options
- Accounting Principles Application
- Tax Law Reporting and Compliance
- Audit Standards and Procedure
- Business Information Analysis through Modern Technologies
- Audit Standards and Procedure
- Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis
Admission requirements
- Results of standardized tests
- Official high school or GED transcript (Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0)
Financial Assistance
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Military benefits
- Private student loans
- Tuition discounts
What’s unique about this program
The U.S. News & World Report has placed Post University as one of the universities with the best online bachelor’s programs from 2013 to 2015. For this reason, the online bachelor’s in accounting program can both be earned according to the pacing and flexibility of the student’s schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the core concepts and coursework for a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting?
Online accounting bachelor’s degrees typically have 120 credit hours. Most programs begin with a general education curriculum, and students then take specialist accounting courses after finishing the core topics.
Most institutions provide a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on many bodies of knowledge and accounting-related abilities, such as generating financial papers, evaluating financial data, and communicating their results to management.
A bachelor’s degree program may also concentrate on soft skills associated with the occupation, such as active listening, critical thinking, and reading comprehension. Business schools offer similar core accounting classes that are included in programs, such as:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Auditing Cost Accounting
- Ethics in Accounting
- Federal Income Taxation
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Reporting
- Financial Statement Analysis
- International Accounting
- Operations Management
- Risk Management
- Strategic Planning
Are internships required for a Bachelor’s in Accounting program?
As a prospective accounting student participating in online accounting programs, you will undoubtedly encounter internship issues. An internship provides a chance to obtain job experience in your field in a professional setting while still earning academic credit. There are several reasons why students, particularly online accounting students, might benefit from taking an internship throughout their college degree.
Despite the benefits, you may be wondering if an internship is required. Students who are already balancing full-time education, a paying job, or a time-consuming sport or other activity may find it difficult to justify devoting time to possibly unpaid labor.
Certain online accounting schools require internships as a prerequisite for graduation. Internships are optional but encouraged in other accounting degree programs. Individual institutions have their standards for internships, such as part-time or full-time, how much college credit the student may get, and how success will be judged.
Depending on your college or university, you may need to earn a certain amount of credits, finish specified courses, or have a certain GPA before applying for an internship.
If you do not wish to take on internship obligations in addition to your studies, you may be able to finish your internship over the summer or winter terms between semesters in which you are actively enrolled.
Next Steps After Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
It’s never too early to start thinking about a career in accounting, and online accounting programs provide convenience and flexibility for studying. Students should think about the following post-graduate alternatives when they define their goals and investigate their educational options:
Enter the Workforce: Many organizations seek fresh accounting graduates to join their teams. Students should visit their school’s career center to learn more about current hiring procedures, network with hiring managers, and explore other accounting career pathways. An academic advisor or alumni can also share information about their experiences and professional networking tools.
Become a CPA: Some accounting positions need certification. Not all accounting bachelor’s degrees satisfy the CPA test requirements, which comprise 150 credit hours of coursework in most states. Although all states utilize the same CPA test, some impose extra education and experience requirements. Prospective CPAs should familiarize themselves with their state’s test requirements.
Pursue a Master’s Degree: While many accounting professions need a bachelor’s degree, some employers prefer individuals with higher degrees in accounting, business, or a related subject. Graduate school also provides students with the opportunity to specialize in various areas of accounting.
Are you worried about how to juggle an online accounting degree program, career advancement, and maintaining your family life? An accounting degree online is the answer! Undergraduate business programs in a distance learning format are plentiful… so, no excuses!
Careers to Consider
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites an actual job growth rate of 7% between 2020 and 2030 in the employment of accountants and other similar positions. These positions are anticipated to be closely linked to the overall performance of the country’s economy, meaning, that if it booms, there will be a higher demand for accountants and auditors to prepare financial records.
Here are a few national average salary estimates to think about:
Vice President, Finance
Job description:
- Oversees the preparation and forecasts of financial reports and other business applications
- Conducts financial analysis for contract negotiations
- Collaborates with the planning department and policy-makers
- Integrates with OICs to come up with long-term strategies
International Tax Manager
Job description:
- Identifies changes in fluctuation rates
- Evaluates tax laws and regulations for various countries
- Develops strategies and business models to reconcile other countries’ regulations
- Prepares profit and loss reports due to currency exchange fluctuations
Corporate Controller
Job description:
- In charge of tax preparation of the firm
- Facilitates billing, accounts receivable, and other finance departments in a corporation
- Makes sure that the company is strictly complying with the regulations and HR practices
Senior Financial Analyst
Job description:
- Presents financial reports to the director of finance
- Reviews the financial reports for publication
- Manages the lower-level financial analysts
- Have extensive experience in business and accounting areas
Accounting Software Developer
Job description:
- Creates programs to fulfill specific needs of the firm
- Analyzes technological requirements of accounting
- Manages the development team to formulate software tools for finance and accounting
- Knowledgeable in integrating IT with appropriate accounting systems
Key Takeaways
Online accounting degrees usually serve graduates very well, no doubt! Consider these key points:
- Concentrating on an accounting major will provide many exciting and interesting career opportunities, not to mention lucrative ones.
- With advanced training and the proper accounting degree in higher education, aspiring accountants can become Certified Public Accountants after passing the CPA exam.
- Business schools often offer specialized knowledge within the best online programs focused on accounting.
- With an online accounting degree, you can enter the fields of financial planning, business finance, forensic accounting, tax accounting, federal income taxation, nonprofit accounting, and much more. You can become a chief financial officer, join a group of financial analysts or certified public accountants, or use your accounting expertise to open your own sole proprietorships as an entrepreneur.
- What sort of interesting topics can you learn about in your online accounting degree program? Glad you asked… You can expect classes in financial accounting, business administration and business finance, financial data, how to prepare financial statements and conduct business transactions, and other generally accepted accounting principles and accounting standards.
- Is an online accounting degree worth it? Yes!
- Online bachelor’s degree accounting programs usually take about four years to complete.
- Earning an online bachelor’s degree in accounting is just the beginning for you. Continued education is important if you wish to get that job promotion you deserve. Consider earning your master’s degree, too!
- Your online Bachelor of Accounting degree is waiting for you! Online accounting degree programs are a great way to go!