Kaplan University

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.

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.

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.

Management accountants (also called cost, managerial, industrial, corporate, or private accountants) record and analyze financial information‡. This process includes strategic planning and budgeting, performance evaluation, and both cost and asset management. Management accountants are also responsible for financial report preparation, financial analyses, cost accounting, and more.
‡ Certain accounting positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.

Review how to handle auditing, tax, and consulting for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals. Emphasis area topics include comparisons with financial accounting, basic cost accounting terminology and principles, cost classification, manufacturing of inventories, and more.

Study auditing, tax laws, and consulting for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Emphasis area topics include comparisons with financial accounting, basic cost accounting terminology and principles, cost classification, manufacturing of inventories, and more.

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.

Focus on the development, design, and implementation of accounting systems with an emphasis on internal control. Explore fraud examination and forensic accounting, and study techniques for obtaining evidence and interviewing subjects. Apply preventive, detective, and investigative strategies to identify the causes of fraud. Design and assess internal control systems and become familiar with risk assessment and management.

Study research methods for assessing how accounting information impacts business and decision making. Explore the evolving nature of risk, expectations about its management, and the pressure it has placed on previous working practices. Investigate the relationship between international accounting and global business and investment decisions, including the influences of cultural, political, and economic variations.

Consider the financial and managerial accounting concepts specific to the planning and administration of public, quasi-public, and nonprofit organizations. Concentrate on the development, design, and implementation of accounting information systems with an emphasis on internal control. Design and assess internal control systems and become familiar with risk assessment and management.

Examine the United States income tax on foreign-earned income and the taxation methods of other countries. Study the concepts, processes, and information sources relevant to tax research, including the Internal Revenue Code, treasury regulations, and federal and state tax cases. Explore federal estate and gift taxes, and the impact of income tax. Topics include an introduction to interstate succession, wills, gifts, marital property, and more.