Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees or certificates in Accounting and a detailed list of the programs that are offered.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
In today's increasingly complex and diverse business world, accounting professionals need a broad knowledge of accounting combined with technical and functional expertise. Walden's B.S. in Accounting program is designed to give you a strong foundation in accounting–both in theory and practical application–to help prepare you to advance your career and contribute to your organization.
Our program takes a unique approach that provides you with an introduction to how accounting tools are used in the context of the larger business environment. Then you will learn the knowledge and skills to design, manipulate, and implement accounting products. This intuitive approach to learning allows you to view accounting's role as more than a series of unrelated activities and details, and gives you insight into organizational and ethical issues.
The curriculum is aligned with the national standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), teaching critical content for those students who may wish to continue on to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).*
*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 by offering 120 credit hours that include upper level courses in topics such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting. For information on the educational requirements for your state, refer to the state's Board of Accountancy or related agency.
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.
If you enjoy working with numbers and data, are detail–oriented, have good communication and organizational skills, and are comfortable using computers, accounting is a great career choice with expected steady growth in employment opportunities. Graduates of this degree program learn a wide range of skills, including managing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. They also know how to prepare tax returns, prepare and analyze financial statements, and use computer applications proficiently.
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.
Florida students choosing to earn a Public Accounting Bachelor's degree through the five–year degree program at Rasmussen College also fulfill the education requirements needed to apply for CPA licensure. It is common for accounting students to enroll in a Master's degree program to fulfill the education requirements for the CPA licensure; however, with our five–year program, students can meet those CPA licensure requirements in a more efficient degree route and more quickly be qualified to begin their careers as CPAs. The CPA exam preparation course that you will complete covers the topics you need to complete your exam with confidence. Your instructor will discuss the pertinent areas of accounting you need to know for your exam, including cost and managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation. For a complete list of CPA licensure requirements in Florida, visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
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.
Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Accounting program is designed to enhance theoretical and practical accounting skills for practitioners, researchers, and educators.The program will prepare students to sit for the CPA exam and will provide opportunities for current CPAs and accountants to advance their skills in theory, practice, and research. The coursework focuses on advanced accounting, auditing, and taxation practices in accordance with current rules and regulations.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
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.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting program is designed for people who already have a Bachelor's in Accounting and wish to take their career to the next level. The MBA in Accounting program may be a step toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant, or toward assuming a leadership position in a large business organization. Highly qualified instructors combine advanced accounting concepts with an in-depth study of quantitative methods, policy and strategy, economics, human resources, marketing and organizational behaviors to give students a broad and marketable mastery of the world of finance and management.
Prospective students should currently have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Individuals who earn an associate degree in our Accounting and Tax Specialist program can explore career options in corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, or governmental agencies. Our hands-on training prepares learners to track and analyze transactions for an organization to determine fiscal fitness and predict future trends. Graduates will also be enhancing critical thinking skills, honing analytical processes, and examining business techniques and strategies during the program. The program includes all coursework in the management accounting program as well as four additional classes that specifically address taxation.
Earning a bachelor's degree in Accounting can open doors to numerous career opportunities in the public or private business sectors for learners who are logical thinkers capable of organizing and explaining information efficiently. Accounting has been ranked as the most sought-after college major by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Since virtually every business and organization relies on accountants to track, analyze, and strategize business decisions, employment options for accountants will likely stay in high demand. Graduates of this program may also choose to continue on to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program or seek national certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Our Diploma in Accounting program can prepare learners for versatile career options since virtually every business relies on skilled accountants to handle and track transactions efficiently. Whether online or on campus our program incorporates the fundamentals of accounting disciplines and also the computer applications that are widely used in the business world today. Graduates will have options to continue onto a higher degree level in accounting, use their diploma to begin a career, or pursue another educational program where their accounting knowledge can help them excel in the future.
In the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program, industry and academic professionals build upon master's-level core skills and knowledge to develop a higher level of competence in conducting action research, in the comprehension of theoretical and applied literature in a chosen business discipline, and in the attributes essential to university teaching. The Doctor of Business Administration student will develop critical knowledge and skills for success, in service to the profession and the community, in future professional development, and in attaining credentials and skills essential to leading, consulting, and teaching.
Candidates must have a master's degree in business or a related field from a regionally accredited institution or an appropriately certified foreign institution and meet other prerequisite requirements that can be discussed with an Admissions Representative.
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.
Post University's Associate of Science in Accounting Degree is designed to give you strong basis to continue your business studies and an opportunity to enter the accounting field.
After completing this degree program, you should have acquired an understanding of accounting through courses that cover finance, economics, finance, management, marketing, information technology, and related fields. An AS degree in accounting can also prepare you for continued educational endeavors in bachelor's level programs.
With Post University Online, you can earn your associate degree in Accounting entirely online, with no commuting or interruptions in your current career.
You will study in highly interactive, small classes in 8-week accelerated modules. Our faculty will actively engage you in a high quality and relevant curriculum that prepares you to enter a rewarding career in accounting.
We prepare you for a new career in accounting, career advancement within your current organization, and management positions in small and large organizations. Many of our graduates move on the complete 4-year degrees and pursue professional certification relevant to the accounting professions (CPA and CMA).
Our accounting graduates take positions in both large multinationals and small, local firms as accountants, auditors, actuaries, budget analysts, financial managers, loan officers and counselors, and underwriters.
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree program provides instruction in the latest accepted accounting principles and practices with a curriculum that emphasizes reasoning and communication skills. You will develop an understanding of financial accounting, tax, cost, and information systems as implemented in a variety of organizations; also to understand the regulatory environment within which the financial professions operates. The curriculum also promotes ethical and professional conduct by graduates from our Accounting Degree programs.
With Post University Online, you can earn your bachelor's degree in Accounting entirely online, with no commuting or interruptions in your current career.
You will study in highly interactive, small classes in 8-week accelerated modules. Our faculty will actively engage you in a high quality and relevant curriculum that prepares you to enter a rewarding career in accounting.
We prepare you for a new career in accounting, career advancement within your current organization, and management positions in small and large organizations. Many of our graduates pursue professional certification relevant to the accounting professions (CPA and CMA).
Our accounting graduates take positions in both large multinationals and small, local firms as accountants, auditors, actuaries, budget analysts, financial managers, loan officers and counselors, and underwriters.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Uniform Examination Preparation Certificate
Post University's Accelerated Accounting Certificate provides individuals who currently hold a baccalaureate degree in a non-accounting or non-business discipline, with the necessary educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination in their chosen state.
Several state and federal government agencies and businesses hire individuals with this background. All large public accounting firms now have a Forensic Accounting department and many small firms have an individual working part time in this function. In addition to providing an educational base for entry level employment into the field, this program should help prepare students to take the Certified Fraud Examiner Examination and become a Certified Fraud Examiner. See www.acfe.org.
With Post University Online, you can earn your Certificate in Forensic Accounting entirely online, with no commuting or interruptions in your current career.
You will study in highly interactive, small classes in 8-week accelerated modules. Our faculty will actively engage you in a high quality and relevant curriculum that can prepare you to enter a rewarding career in forensic accounting.
We prepare you for a new career in accounting, career advancement within your current organization, and management positions in small and large organizations. Many of our graduates move on to complete 4-year degrees and pursue professional certification relevant to the accounting professions (CPA and CMA).
Our accounting graduates take positions in both large multinationals and small, local firms as accountants, auditors, actuaries, budget analysts, financial managers, loan officers and counselors, and underwriters.
Earning a diploma in Basic Accounting introduces the procedures and techniques that are essential to every business and personal financial management. Courses teach students how to manage cash flow, record and post transactions, reconcile bank statements, and analyze financial statements. The hands-on training involves producing a full set of books for one complete accounting cycle for practical application and reinforcement of the techniques involved for accountants.
Earning a Career Diploma in Tax Preparation can train students to acquire the knowledge and skills required to not only prepare taxes for individuals, families, and businesses, but it can teach them how to assist clients during the year in tax planning, withholdings, and estimating tax payments. Lessons will cover areas such as how to report and calculate income accurately, qualified exemptions, asset depreciation, and more.
The program in Business Management, with a concentration in Accounting may help the determined student by providing a curriculum designed to give an introduction to the fundamentals of business accounting. Our program may help the motivated learner study skills needed for bookkeeping, auditing, clerical work and more.
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