Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees, certificates, and diplomas in the major of Accounting and a detailed list of the programs offered. Tuition, financial aid, course offerings, online classes, adult education, and distance learning options are available by request.
Calculator? Check. Thick-rimmed glasses? Check. Now all you nerds can get a degree in IT, but as for the rest of us, we're about to talk accounting.

Accounting is far from being a profession simply filled with polos, pocket protectors, and introverted bean counters . Although it has traditionally been seen as a career for people who are good at math, accounting is also a field for smart thinkers that can match their number talents with great interpersonal communication skills. Not only that, but they are proactive problem-solvers that know how to handle ethical and business dilemmas.
Although the basic job duties of accounting may be similar across many fields, there are quite a few variations within the accounting field that appeal to different personality types and skill sets.
Although accounting may seem like a job for people who want to sit in an office and crunch numbers, it also requires working with a diverse set of clients and co-workers with whom accountants need to build and maintain positive relationships. And it requires someone with strong ethics and the moral fiber to point out breaches of security and procedure in order to protect individuals and avoid breaking the law.
In addition, accounting is not just about addition and subtraction, it's about looking at a set of given quantities and variables and being able to creatively predict outcomes and calculate profit and loss. Accountants don’t have to enjoy math, but they do need to enjoy solving complex puzzles until they come up with the correct answers.
Accounting has some great benefits. Not only can you earn a great wage right out of college but you also have the potential to earn an extremely nice living if you work hard and take the right opportunities. Not only that, but accountants are always in demand, so you can have more flexibility as to where you live and where you work.
The down side of accounting is that it isn’t the sexiest job in the world. Although you will work with a number of interesting people in a variety of fields, you’ll also spend a fair amount of time, crunching numbers and figuring out percentages. So, if you are yearning for a life of thrills and day-to-day excitement, this may not be the profession for you.
Also, accounting is a fairly stationary job. Unless you are an auditor, your chances for travel are not very high, and you will probably live in one location for long periods of time if you stay with one employer—which can be a plus if you are raising a family and enjoy stability.
Enjoying a fulfilling career is not the only thing you can look forward to in accounting. Accountants also have an extremely high employment rate, and jobs in accounting are expected to outpace average job growth over the next ten years. So you can expect to have a stable job and a good wage if you go into accounting.
Accounting at any level can be a great career opportunity for people who like a challenge and enjoy working with a diverse set of individuals. So, to heck with all those accountant stereotypes, a career in accounting is a great career move for anyone who likes to think logically, enjoys problems solving, and has the character to stand up for what is right.
Listed below are online Accounting colleges and online Accounting universities complete with the programs offered. Information about tuition, financial aid, online classes, and other options are available by submitting a form request to the appropriate online school.
Use the following link if you are interested in help with locating a college or university with an online degree in Accounting.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in accounting and auditing are expected to grow by 22% through 2018, far outpacing average job growth in other fields. Because of an increase in regulation and a retiring workforce, accountants are predicted to be in high demand over the next decade. And because of that high demand, accountant pay is expected to increase accordingly.
'If financial success is part of your motivation to become a CPA,' says veteran CPA Roger Philip. 'You can breathe easily.' Currently, accounting and auditing careers yield anywhere from $50,000–$100,000 annually. With a bachelor's degree in accounting, you can expect to start a career with a $48,000/year salary, and that number will increase with advanced training and certifications, like a graduate degree or CPA. Most seasoned accountants will make a median salary in the neighborhood of $50-80,000/year, and high-end, well-trained CPAs with the correct experience can earn over $100,000/year.
| 12 Months or Less: | $34,000 - $45,400 |
| 1-4 Years | $35,800 - $48,500 |
| 5-9 Years | $39,400-$53,300 |
| 10-19 Years | $40,500-$55,700 |
| 20 Years or More | $40,800-$57,500 |
In the accounting field, higher-paying positions will generally be available from large employers. The salary range for a person working for a small business (less than nine employees) is $34,700-$48,200. A similar position at an organization with 5,000 workers or more would pay between $42,000-$55,300.
Salaries for this type of work also tend to be higher in large metropolitan areas, but this usually reflects the higher cost of living there. Some accountants prefer to work for smaller companies employing less than 500 people because of the increased flexibility in job duties. It can be easier to stand out and qualify for more senior (and lucrative) positions in this type of work environment as well, since there is less internal competition.
Although you can enter the workforce as an accountant with an associate's degree, you will earn less money and not as many jobs will be available to you. In general, most companies and financial firms look for accountants with a bachelor's degree and a CPA. However, as the complexity of financial regulations increases, many high-end employers are searching for accountants with a master’s degree as well.
CPAs will generally earn at least a 10% higher salary than accountants with only a bachelor's degree. And those with a master's degree can expect to earn even more with increased opportunities for career advancement and management positions.
The Associate of Arts in Accounting degree program helps students develop a foundation of knowledge related to accounting in terms of business strategy, financial statements, cost information, economics, management, and ethical issues. Students encounter real-world scenarios in which they use accounting information resources and systems to present conclusions based on accounting and business data.
The 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Accounting promotes identification with, and orientation to, the accounting profession. In addition to the key accounting course work at the introductory and intermediate levels, critical areas of study including auditing and taxation are required in the program. The importance of ethics and international issues are emphasized throughout the curriculum, along with core competencies in technology and communication. Technology, in particular, is embedded in all accounting courses. Students are also exposed to varied business disciplines including economics, statistics, business law, corporate finance, and marketing to provide the general business overview and context necessary for accounting studies.
The Bachelor of Science in Business degree program with a concentration in Accounting promotes identification with and orientation to the accounting profession. Core competencies in technology, critical thinking and communication are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Students also have broad exposure to varied business disciplines, including management, organizational behavior, economics and finance.
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Accounting degree online from Ashford University and develop the necessary analytical, conceptual, and technical knowledge and proficiency in accounting. Build a solid foundation of accounting concepts, skills, and practical applications to prepare yourself for a wide array of professional opportunities. This degree will provide you with the ability to demonstrate fundamental accounting principles and procedures, employ technology tools related to the area of accounting, analyze alternatives to complex accounting problems, and utilize and integrate accounting information in business decision-making. Upon graduation, you will possess a practical understanding of these ideas and other important accounting concepts and skills.
Most states require individuals to complete 150 semester hours in certain subject areas in order to be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and/or obtain a CPA license. Walden's B.S. in Accounting can help graduates progress toward meeting those requirements. It offers 120 credit hours that include upper-level courses in topics such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.
In each state, there are specific policies that must be followed when an individual is seeking to become a licensed accountant. Some states will not allow individuals who complete the Walden accounting programs to sit for the CPA licensing exams due to state-specific issues such as professional accreditation or face-to-face instruction. For information on the educational requirements for your state, refer to the state's Board of Accountancy or related agency.
Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance about accountant licensure; however, it remains the responsibility of the individual enrolling in the program to read, understand, and comply with the licensure requirements in the state where he or she wishes to practice.
Walden University can make no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of a Walden program, or coursework for credit within a program, will make a graduate eligible to sit for a licensure exam or to obtain state licensure.
Begin the next chapter of your life with a management Ph.D. from Walden University. Using an interdisciplinary approach to the study of management, this program allows you to conduct self-directed, practical research on the issues that matter most to you. So whether you are preparing to share your expertise as an educator, a consultant, or an author, Walden's management Ph.D. will give you the credentials you need to reach your lifelong goals.
Conduct specialized research in an area of interest to you while you study ways to facilitate positive social change. Help enhance your capabilities as a researcher, scholar, manager, or consultant. Study the theories, concepts, and techniques that provide the foundation for sound management decision-making. Study topics such as leadership and information systems. The program offers you three ways to learn:
Course-Based format
This option is a structured program of study comprising online courses and residencies. As a student, you will work with a faculty mentor and follow a specific plan for completion of your degree. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and faculty through online discussions and face-to-face residencies.
Self-Directed format
This option allows you to study independently while working with a faculty mentor to complete scholarly papers and study topics that apply to your interests. You will pursue faculty-guided independent research through Walden's signature Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) and face-to-face residencies, in order to demonstrate academic mastery of each subject.
Mixed-Model format (formerly Hybrid format)
This option combines online courses, face-to-face residencies, and KAMs to provide a flexible program of study. You will have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor; study and conduct research on topics that interest you; and learn from faculty members through individual courses.
Whether you are beginning your accounting career or seeking to advance in your current profession through a deeper understanding of advanced accounting principles, Walden's M.S. in Accounting program can help you reach your goals. Our curriculum is designed to strengthen your analytical and critical-thinking skills while you explore the latest regulations, trends, and issues shaping the accounting industry. The M.S. in Accounting program allows for a more focused examination of accounting trends and issues.
Accounting with CPA Emphasis
This specialization provides a balanced curriculum that reflects the coursework and credit requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA Examination in most states.* Blending accounting theory with its practical application also provides a solid foundation in problem-solving, managing risk, understanding the impact of regulatory compliance, and using accounting practices and tax strategies in a dynamic business environment that will be critical to your career goals.
*Most states require individuals to complete 150 semester hours in certain subject areas in order to be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and/or obtain a CPA license. This program was developed to reflect the content requirements of certain states by providing graduate-level courses in topics such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting. Individuals seeking to become CPAs should review the educational requirements for their state to ensure the content requirements are being met. For more information, refer to the state's Board of Accountancy or related agency. Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance on CPA requirements, however, it remains the individual's responsibility to understand and comply with all exam and licensing requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to sit for the CPA exam or obtain a CPA license. Please speak with an Enrollment Advisor for additional guidance.
The demand for highly-qualified accounting clerks, bank tellers, and bookkeepers continues to grow because today's business executives know that accounting professionals can have a critical hand in the success of their companies. Your Accounting Associate degree from Rasmussen College will give you the foundational skills and know-how you need to start a career as one of today's most highly sought-after accounting professionals. Our accounting coursework, focused on helping you learn industry-standard software and critical accounting areas, includes classes in financial investigation, financial institutions and markets, and payroll accounting. As a Rasmussen College student, you can also take advantage of internships at top companies, helping you gain practical, hands-on experience in a real-world environment. After you graduate, you can choose to pursue a career, or seamlessly transfer into our Accounting Bachelor's degree.
If you want to earn an accounting degree, Rasmussen College has just the program for you. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting will prepare you for a successful, lucrative career in this growing field. You can complete this four–year degree in just three years at Rasmussen College and gain the critical skills needed to be a leader in the Accounting industry.
As the demand for accountants continues to rise around the country, CPA job candidates hold a competitive advantage over candidates who are not CPAs. At Rasmussen College, our five-year Public Accounting Bachelor's degree allows you to meet the education requirements that are prerequisites for qualifying to take the CPA licensure exam.*
To meet CPA licensure education requirements, many students enroll in Master's programs—typically for at least two years. Our unique degree streamlines the process to meeting your CPA licensure education requirements, and helping you avoid extra class time by meeting the CPA licensure exam requirements faster. Plus, our CPA exam preparation course covers auditing and taxation, managerial and cost accounting, and other critical skills.
Our degree also gives you the skills you need to become an effective CPA in the public, private, or government sector, including:
If you are interested in advancing your business career or exploring new job opportunities in a variety of fields, including banking, financial services, purchasing, and information technology, consider the online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program. The program is designed to teach you quantitative skills to help you meet your career goals. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions in the accounting industry, including tax preparation firms and payroll departments‡. Courses cover accounting principles including new tax laws, financial statements, balance sheets, asset management, inventory analysis, accounting software, and cost-volume-profit analysis. Choose a degree emphasis area in auditing-forensic accountancy, managerial accountancy, public accountancy, or tax accountancy. ‡Certain accounting positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.
The objective of the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting program is to help prepare you with knowledge of accounting theories and principles as they apply to the business world. The program's focus goes beyond analyzing and interpreting numbers; you study how to communicate vital information effectively and network with people from all walks of business. Earning an associate degree in accounting online at Kaplan University may prepare you for a variety of entry-level opportunities in the field of accounting‡. ‡ Certain accounting positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.
This graduate-level degree is designed to prepare students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to pursue mid– to senior-level positions in the field of accounting*. The curriculum is designed to enrich skills in auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting while providing students the opportunity to choose elective courses to meet their specific interests and goals. Prepare to sit for various certification examinations, including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA®), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) examinations†. Choose one of four specializations: audit, finance, government, or tax. *Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for career advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required. † Although certain programs at Kaplan University are designed to prepare students to take various certification or licensing exams, the University cannot guarantee the student will pass those exams. In some cases, field experience and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.
Topics include how to detect, recognize, and prevent specific types of fraud committed against organizations and individuals. Combine your accounting and finance skills with law and investigative techniques to judge whether or not an activity is illegal. Graduates may work with law enforcement or lawyers, serving as an expert witness during trials‡. ‡ Certain accounting positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.
Accounting is a field vital to business. If you're good with numbers, pursuing a career in accounting may be your ticket to long-term success. The Associate degree in Accounting program teaches the fundamentals of accounting and provides the groundwork for a number of exciting careers.
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program teaches both the fundamentals of accounting as well as more advanced business and accounting concepts. Courses cover tax accounting, auditing, cost accounting, federal taxation and more. Graduates may be prepared to perform a broad range of entry-level accounting, auditing, tax and finance activities for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations and individuals.
American InterContinental University offers a Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) degree program that is centered around accounting. The industry-focused curriculum, which can help provide students with the knowledge, skills and ability to pursue opportunities in the accounting field, culminates in a capstone experience from an accounting practice perspective. Core competencies in technology, critical thinking, and communication are emphasized throughout the program.
In this specialized curriculum, the program is significantly more focused on accountancy, providing students with the opportunity to gain a broad overview of the accounting system and exposure to the subfields of micro and macro economics, cost accounting, managerial accounting and accounting in finance and taxation.
A Student-Focused Program AIU programs are industry-current and have been updated to reflect industry standards in many of today's opportunistic fields. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Accounting degree program can provide students with an applicable foundation of fundamental knowledge and skills, including how to:
An Experienced Faculty
In addition to a quality curriculum based on industry standards, AIU’s Bachelor of Accounting curriculum is taught by a team of professionals, many of whom may bring a range of knowledge and perspectives into their classrooms. This gives you the opportunity to learn from individuals who may be willing to share their understanding of the qualities and skills common to today’s accounting field.
AIU does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by AIU but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to AIU. Therefore, AIU cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures. ©2011 American InterContinental University. All rights reserved.
American InterContinental University offers an industry-focused Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree program. The 60-quarter credit program can help holders of a baccalaureate degree in accounting to acquire an advanced specialization in the field. The program culminates in two courses that may help prepare students for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) licensure examination.*
A Results-Focused Program AIU programs are industry-current and have been updated to reflect industry standards in many of today's fields. Successful completion of the Master of Accounting degree program can provide students with another perspective concerning economics and financial management and the ability to approach management strategically, including developing plans to improve business operations.
Required Courses Include:
AIU does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by AIU but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to AIU. Therefore, AIU cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures. ©2011 American InterContinental University. All rights reserved.
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