There is no industry on earth that earns a profit that has no need for accountants. These professionals are the stitches that hold the fabric of business profit together.
Earning an online schools for Bachelor’s in Accounting degree in this area is an incredibly prudent career move, as there are always positions available for talented, honest, and well-educated accountants.
These twenty online schools will give you the necessary tools to approach your new life as a professional accountant and will lead you toward a job, a graduate degree, and certification.
There are options available for all types of learners, as well as affordable degrees for those who are trying to save money while earning a fantastic online degree! Find a perfect match by doing a school search at Online-Bachelor-Degrees.com!
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Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Accounting
- LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
- FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
- THOMAS EDISON STATE UNIVERSITY
- ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY
- MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
- PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS
- FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
- WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
- CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL
- REGIS UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA – BIRMINGHAM
- BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – TWIN CITIES
- CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS – AMHERST
- SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
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Frequently Asked Questions
- DO I NEED A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE OR A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
- HOW DO I KNOW I’M A GOOD FIT FOR THE FIELD OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING?
- HOW DO I BECOME A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA)? WILL I NEED MORE THAN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING?
- HOW CAN I FUND MY ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN ACCOUNTING DEGREE?
- WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERNSHIP IN ONLINE ACCOUNTING DEGREE PROGRAM?
Methodology
In the research and development of this Bachelor’s in Accounting ranking, the research/writers utilize strict guidelines in the selection of online schools and accounting programs. The criteria for this particular catalog included:
- A fully online program or a hybrid format with very few campus visits;
- Retention rates no lower than 50%;
- A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting with relevant coursework that addresses current trends and issues;
- Experiential learning opportunities that establish promising networking connections and trusted partner programs;
- A website and learning platform that is easy to use and technologically up-to-date;
- Notability among prominent journalistic and academic resources;
- And professors who hold terminal degrees and/or bring relevant professional experience in the field of Accounting to the online classroom.
For more information on our rankings to help you with your school search, please visit our Methodology Page.
Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Accounting
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting
Program Standouts:
Liberty University is one of the schools that offer online accounting programs. It has an accelerated online accounting bachelor’s degree and is grounded in biblical stewardship.
Students are educated in business and accounting throughout eight-week terms, and the coursework prepares students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant Certification examination.
An online accounting degree can open up opportunities in: corporate, government, nonprofit, and consulting settings.
The classes are instructed by industry experts who shape the curriculum to reflect experiences in and understanding of the discipline. It is a broad approach to accounting with no specific focus on the degree—students learn all of the most crucial accounting principles, from auditing and analysis to taxation laws.
Liberty University is one online school among many that have stood out over many consecutive years as one of the most fabulous institutions of distance education in the country. It has pioneered distance education since 1985.
Coursework Sample:
- Accounting Ethics
- Taxation I
- Governmental and Not-for-profit Accounting
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 29%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING ONLINE
Did You Know?
With an eight-week course length, students obtain the Accounting degree within a shorter timeframe than usual, giving future professionals an edge over graduates of traditional semester-long courses. The program also offers a biblical focus to help students handle ethical dilemmas.
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Program Standouts:
This online school is well-known for its distance education degrees, and the online Bachelor in Accounting is an outstanding program that provides a comprehensive approach to the discipline. Accounting majors learn how to address organizational management issues and the curriculum includes excellent elective courses through which students can further specialize their degree.
With a CSU Global accounting degree, you will gain a solid understanding of accounting fundamentals and a comprehensive understanding of organizational management areas like economics, finance, marketing, leadership, business intelligence, and legal compliance and ethics.
CSU Global offers a wide range of undergraduate accounting programs’ specializations that you can choose from based on your professional aspirations and personal interests. Such specializations include Marketing, Human Resources and Organizational Development, Project Management, Healthcare Management, and Organizational Leadership. The optional specialization courses are also at your disposal should you find the need to gain and strengthen high-demand, valuable skills in many workplaces today.
Colorado State University-Global Campus has been recognized many times for its achievement in online education, and this particular online accounting degree program is considered one of the best of its kind in the nation!
Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Concentration Options:
- Business Administration
- Fundraising
- Project Management
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 28%
Graduation Rate: 35%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-GLOBAL CAMPUS’ ONLINE ACCOUNTING BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Did You Know?
- The BS in Accounting from CSU Global is your springboard to more advanced certifications and licensures in the field. The competencies you gain from this online program can be used to prepare you for advanced certifications.
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting typically take four years to complete. CSU Global offers an Accounting Bachelor’s of Science Degree and you can obtain it significantly faster due to their different path offerings such as Credit by Exam, Prior Learning Assessment, Alternative Credit Options, and Self-Study Assessments.
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
Online BBA – Accounting
Program Standouts:
Fort Hays State University is dedicated to seeing you succeed through its innovative practices and groundbreaking technology. Their award-winning programs and exceptional faculty have made them a leader in online distance learning education. With a Bachelor of Accounting online degree, you will be prepared for a demanding career in the private, public, or governmental sectors within all areas of the accounting field.
The successful completion of the online accounting degree will result in students possessing the abilities and accounting expertise required for entry-level accounting positions, being able to clearly communicate accounting problems and solutions, and having an understanding of computer applications related to accounting functions.
Coursework Sample:
- Principles of Accounting I & II
- Cost Accounting
- Person & Financial Planning
Campus Location: Hays, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 63%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING DEGREE PROGRAM.
Did You Know?
Fort Hays State University started offering its online BBA degree in Accounting in 2016. They were the first online offered by a state university in Kansas, and it is one of the few in the country.
THOMAS EDISON STATE UNIVERSITY
Online BSBA – Accounting
Program Standouts:
At Thomas Edison State University, there are multiple online degrees in accounting, including its Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The school provides avenues through which students can integrate their coursework to earn certification and a master’s much more quickly through the CPA and Master’s Track. In such a case, graduates will have spent more time in school but will exit TESU with much more prestige, education, knowledge, and skill to apply to the real world.
As part of the BSBA program, students with an accounting major will achieve college-level competency in finance, business, and the arts and sciences, and there are excellent opportunities to refine the curriculum with a concentration in business ethics, as well.
Coursework Sample:
- Managerial Accounting
- Computer Concepts and Applications
- Principles of Finance
Campus Location: Trenton, NJ
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36%
Graduation Rate: 46%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THOMAS EDISON STATE UNVERSITY’S ONLINE BUSINESS ACCOUNTING PROGRAM
Did You Know?
Among the eleven senior public universities in New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University is the first school in the nation designed specifically for adults. As an affiliate of the University, the New Jersey State Library provides access to its collection.
ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Accounting Distance Learning Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Are you looking for a degree program to fit your career aspirations? If so, look no further. Athens State University is an exceptional school that provides convenient and flexible coursework through its online learning degree programs. If accounting is your area of interest, they offer students the opportunity to earn an Bachelor of Accounting online degree.
Through its use of the most up-to-date and innovative technology available, Athens provides work that will prepare you for an entry-level position in accounting and management in a variety of concentrations. Both on-campus and online options are available for the Accounting degree. Despite the distinct difference between the online and on-campus, online students receive the same level of rigor and quality.
The University aspires to maintain high academic standards, offer superior teaching quality, provide significant service, maintain continuous improvement, ensure ethical standards, and utilize effective technology as part of its overall goals. Let Athens help you begin your career by earning their Bachelor of Accounting online degree. With several options to choose from, you’ll be glad you did!
Coursework Sample:
- Accounting Principles
- Marketing
- Production Theories
- Global Business
- Finance
- Management Information Systems
Campus Location: Athens, AL
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 54%
Graduation Rate: 60%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR ACCOUNTING DEGREE PROGRAM.
Did You Know?
Accounting graduates have many career options, as evidenced by the Accounting Department’s “Accounting with Mino” option. In this option, students will take accounting core requirements and pair them with a minor of their choice. CPA Exam eligibility cannot be obtained from this option.
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
BS in Accounting Online
Program Standouts:
One exciting aspect of Missouri State University’s online B.S. degree in accounting is that it provides a broader range of coursework in its curriculum than many other schools on this ranking, such as the Debtor/Creditor Rights and Remedies course. The program does require some transfer credits as it is a degree completion program.
MSU also has an accelerated Master of Accountancy degree program for students who want to extend their education to a graduate degree. However, the main focus of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting is to prepare students to work in the profession. Whatever your major may be, a minor in accounting gives you a grounding in accounting basics. You can use this knowledge to prepare budgets, manage business finances, and analyze financial statements.
College of Business students can take accounting and business courses to fulfill both their major and minor requirements, allowing them to complete the accounting minor within 6-12 hours. However, this minor coursework takes 15 to 19 hours for those who are not students in the College of Business. Graduates work in all kinds of areas of the business, and students can further refine their online coursework in communication or criminology to give their online degree more of an edge in the job market.
Coursework Sample:
- Accounting and Management Information Systems
- Operations Management
- Debtor/Creditor Rights and Remedies
Campus Location: Springfield, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 54%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BS IN ACCOUNTING PROGRAM
Did You Know?
Many older people might ask if you attend SMSU (Southwest Missouri State) because that was what it used to be before the name got switched to Missouri State. Fourth District Normal School was another previous name, but it’s not as grand as Missouri State.
PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS
Online AACSB–Accredited B.S. in Accounting
Program Standouts:
The goal of the Penn State World Campus online bachelor’s degree in accounting is to prepare distance education students for applicable certification examinations. Penn State World Campus is well-known for its education of online students, and such powerful journalistic entities have noted its success as U.S. News and World Report.
You can prepare for the CPA exam or pursue another certification like Certified Management Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, or Certified Internal Auditor with their comprehensive course curriculum. This program can lead to graduate school or prepare you for a career in public accounting, industry, government, or non-profit organizations.
Alongside excellent accounting courses, students will undergo topics in business strategy, marketing, business law, and supply chain management. This gives students a well-rounded understanding of the business profession as a whole so that they can approach their accounting professions with more knowledge and experience. They can go on to become financial managers, financial analysts, and certified public accountants, among others.
All professors who instruct this degree hold doctoral degrees in accounting and business and bring worlds of experience to the virtual classroom that will open up students to the many benefits of the profession.
Coursework Sample:
- Federal Taxation
- Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment of Business
Campus Location: University Park, PA
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 36%
Graduation Rate: 29%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS’ ONLINE ACCOUNTING BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Did You Know?
- The tools and skills you need to succeed at work will be provided through online tutoring and career advising. The program will also provide you with the skills required to be an accounting generalist as well as the opportunity to explore electives that enhance your career goals.
- With the biggest alumni association in the world, you’ll have access to a wealth of resources. When you choose Penn State, you’re a part of a club that reaches around the globe.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
Online BBA in Accounting
Program Standouts:
The Florida Atlantic University Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting online is an excellent entry into the job market, particularly into areas of business and government. As a BBA degree, this curriculum induces numerous topics in leadership, marketing, and finance, which is actually an advantage to most students because it gives them options later on, as well as a deeper understanding of the discipline as a whole.
As a student of the Online BBA (OBBA) in at Florida Atlantic University, you will gain knowledge necessary to become a CPA or obtain other certifications such as CMA, CIA, CISA, CGFM, or CFE by developing sound knowledge and skills required for financial reporting, income taxation, business ethics, allocation and analysis, and accounting theories.
The School of Accounting provides excellent resources for accounting students, and FAU is only one of 48 schools in the world to be a part of the Institutionalization of Internal Auditors Internal Audit Education Partnership. There are over 1,200 students in the School of Accounting alone, and there are more than enough resources to provide for each and every one of them.
Coursework Sample:
- Cost Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
- Auditing and Assurance Services
Campus Location: Boca Raton, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 57%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BBA IN ACCOUNTING
Did You Know?
For students to declare an OBBA major, they must have 7 or more courses left to graduate. For students with 6 or fewer courses, the registration period for online Accounting commences in two or three weeks before the start of the semester.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Purdue University Global offers one of the best online accounting degrees. Students get to choose between four exciting areas of accounting such as financial and managerial accounting, public, auditing/forensic accounting, and tax accounting, and these will take them to vastly different areas of the profession. The Auditing/Forensic Accounting specialization, for example, helps students develop the skills and knowledge to recognize and prevent fraud against both individual clients and entire organizations.
This online accounting degree is affordable, with a tuition rate of $371 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Your studies will be guided by faculty members who have experience in the accounting field and are committed to helping you succeed. To demonstrate your skills in applying theories and concepts to real-world accounting, you will complete a capstone project or internship in accounting.
Throughout the year, there are multiple start dates throughout the year, which offers an enormous amount of flexibility for working and adult learners. Purdue University Global is the online component of the highly respected Purdue University and provides online students with all of the same prestigious recourses and opportunities available to on-campus learners.
Concentration Options:
- Auditing/Forensic Accountancy
- Managerial Accountancy
- Public Accountancy
- Tax Accountancy
Campus Location: West Lafayette, IN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 33%
Graduation Rate: 22%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL’S ONLINE ACCOUNTING BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Did You Know?
Purdue Global offers an Accelerated CPA Track Option if your aim is to sit for the CPA exam. You can apply to the Purdue Global Master of Science in Accounting program once you complete your bachelor’s degree in accounting. Within 7 weeks of finishing your bachelor’s, you can enroll in the master’s program and have one course waived. This saves you time and money so you can achieve your career goals faster.
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
BS in Accounting Bachelor’s Programs Online
Program Standouts:
One of the best online accounting degrees, this Bachelor in Accounting online is delivered by one of the most popular distance education institutions in the country. Western Governors University receives constant recognition for its accomplishments in academia, and the online programs they offer are “timely, relevant, and practical.” In this online degree, you can expect courses that cover a vast array of business and accounting principles, from leadership and management to quantitative analysis for business to finance.
As a graduate of this online, you’ll be able to help companies and individuals meet standards and adhere to laws. WGU is also unique for its approach to tuition, which is billed over 6-month terms, during which time students are free to complete as many credits as they can. That fact alone makes this one of the most flexible online schools because students can choose at any time where they want to accelerate or slow their pace of learning.
This BS in Accounting degree program online was developed with the input of business leaders and experts who serve as members of the Western Governors University Business Program Council in order to ensure that graduates acquire the knowledge and skills sought by employers today.
Coursework Sample:
- Principles of Accounting
- Cost and Managerial Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
Campus Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 29%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Did You Know?
Throughout your program, your Program Mentor provides ongoing guidance and instruction to you, from the moment you begin to the moment you graduate. The Instructors provide regular, one-on-one support and guidance during every course that you take.
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
Online BBA – Accounting Focus
Program Standouts:
Students looking for a quality accounting degree online will find the University of Memphis a good choice. It is one of the institutions that offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Their Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting online includes a focus on global accountancy. In this way, students have an outlet for international accounting organizations and employment opportunities.
This online degree develops strong skills in organization, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication with both clients and team members, and making decisions surrounding global issues. It is one of the six departments within the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis, which holds full accreditation from the prestigious AACSB.
Graduates of this degree program are well-prepared to sit for the CPA exam and go on to fill many different roles as professional accountants. The broadness of the curriculum also gives alumni a strong foundation for entering into a master’s of their choice.
Coursework Sample:
- Fundamentals of Accounting I and II
- Foundation/Information Systems
- Financial Management
Campus Location: Memphis, TN
Accreditation:
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 47%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS’ ONLINE BBA IN ACCOUNTING DEGREE
Did You Know?
One interesting fact about the University of Memphis is that students chose blue and gray as the official school colors. The reason behind this is that these colors are the opposing armies in the Civil War, and they were chosen to commemorate the reuniting of the nation after the Civil War.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL
Online BS in Accounting
Program Standouts:
Are you looking for an accounting degree online? Concordia University’s Bachelor of Science degree online is designed with the professional in mind. As accountants are tasked with many important and critical responsibilities, Concordia instructs on the strategic skills required such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical knowledge needed to excel in the field of accounting.
To succeed in the field of accounting, you need a comprehensive understanding of trends, financial statements and records, and tax documents, and these are what will be taught when you enroll in CSP online programs. This online bachelor’s in accounting degree will prepare students for the CPA and CMA certifications if desired.
Coursework Sample:
- Business Fundamentals and Entrepreneurship
- Organizational Behavior
- Principles of Financial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting I & II
- Managing Finances and Business Strategy
Campus Location: St. Paul, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 62%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING DEGREE PROGRAM.
Did You Know?
A maximum of 90 credits may be transferred to reduce your tuition to $12,600. Taking advantage of their flexible payment plans and partnership scholarships worth $2,000 will make your education even easier to afford.
REGIS UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Accounting
Program Standouts:
Regis University is an ideal choice for students looking for a bachelor’s degree in accounting. This accelerated online accounting bachelor’s degree program can be completed throughout 8 or 16-week terms, depending on their learning styles. Students have the additional option of completing a bachelor’s to master’s degree simultaneously with Regis University and can graduate with even more prestige and applicable skill. Courses are excellent for refining skills as an individual, in a team, and as a leader.
For those interested in taking the CPA certification, Regis’ provides the foundation. Even those who aren’t interested in pursuing the CPA license may benefit from the, which allows graduates to pursue other designations or to find employment within a business organization. As part of their well-rounded education, students learn about various accounting topics, as well as business-related topics. Graduates have the knowledge and understanding to work in any one of these capacities and at small practices, large firms, private businesses, and more.
The online accounting degree is available as a minor, as well, for students who would prefer to earn a business degree in another area while getting an education in accounting.
Campus Location: Denver, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Income Tax Accounting
- Auditing Principles and Procedures
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 43%
LEARN MORE ABOUT REGIS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCOUNTING B.S. DEGREE PROGRAM
Did You Know?
As one of the top-performing “career ready” colleges and universities, Regis University was ranked among the Top 10 Institutions for Critical Thinking and the Top 10 Institutions for First-Generation Students.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA – BIRMINGHAM
Online BS in Accounting
Program Standouts:
There are many universities in the country that offers quality accounting programs. Among them is the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This online bachelor’s degree in accounting is an excellent choice for students who are looking to complete numerous certification examinations. The curriculum provides a solid foundation for the CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, and CMA exams, and all of the instructors are well-decorated industry experts.
UAB gives students access to a huge array of different fields in accounting, such as banks, nonprofits, government agencies, and private companies. The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business offers an online bachelor’s in that can help you learn about the components and processes of each discipline, whether you’re interested in management accounting, auditing, forensic accounting, or any of the other diverse areas of the industry.
The school offers innovative programs, technology-driven instruction methods, and a convenient learning environment that can assist you in becoming a professional accountant. This online degree is also one of the only programs to receive recognition from the Institute of Management Accountants, which has recognized it as one of the best programs for the Certified Management Accountant exam. UAB has also been named by The Princeton Review as one of the top ten most diverse schools in America.
Coursework Sample:
- Management Processes and Behavior
- Financial Accounting I and II
- Income Taxation I and II
Campus Location: Birmingham, AL
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 58%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM’S BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING ONLINE
Did You Know?
In this online program, your bachelor’s degree in accounting won’t identify you as a distance student. On-campus and online accounting degree programs at UAB are held to the same standards of excellence. If they choose to do so, online students attend the same graduation ceremony as their on-campus counterparts.
BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
Online Accounting B.S.
Program Standouts:
Bellevue University’s online Bachelor of Accounting is an excellent entry into the profession. It allows students access to the profession directly upon graduating, or into a master’s degree in accounting, such as the one available at BU. You will qualify to take your CPA exam in your home state after completing your accounting major. The focus of this online accounting degree is on applying accounting concepts to finance, marketing, and management issues and creating effective solutions.
By being well-versed in these areas, graduates can prepare to work in finance, marketing, to public service and government agencies. They learn to develop, execute, and communicate ideas to clients and peers, and there is an internship opportunity for students who can contribute extra time to the degree. For those who are interested, there is a Business Finance specialization available, as well as a minor option in Tax Accountancy.
Accounting graduates from Bellevue have gone on to work in public practices, financial institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Coursework Sample:
- Advanced Accounting Problems
- Financial Auditing
- Cost Accounting
Campus Location: Bellevue, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 66%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BELLEVUEUNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCOUNTING BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Did You Know?
Accounting majors can customize the curriculum by focusing on business finance or minoring in tax accounting. You can gain practical experience by taking an accounting internship while exploring your interests in the field.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – TWIN CITIES
Online B.S. in Accounting Degree Program
Program Standouts:
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities provides online Bachelor of Science in Accounting students with a small virtual classroom experience that allows direct access to professors and classmates. The coursework contains fundamental and advanced topics in business and finance with other more concentrated courses in accounting.
Prospective students gain an education in both a theoretical and analytical framework, and the curriculum includes strong elective courses in CPA, CMA, and CIA preparation. Upon completion of the online coursework, students are ready to sit for the Certificated Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, or Certified Internal Auditor examinations, and can do so easily through their alma mater, UMN Twin Cities. Students with time and energy can also choose to pursue additional certificate opportunities, such as the Certificate in Taxation, which further enhances the curriculum.
Coursework Sample:
- Principles of Accounting I and II
- Auditing I and II
- Legal Environment in Business
Campus Location: Minneapolis, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 80%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TWIN CITIES’ ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Did You Know?
Sherlock Holmes materials at the University of Minnesota are among the most extensive in the world. There are more than 60,000 books, journals, and other printed materials mentioning this famous character. However, you need to make a special request in order to gain access to these resources.
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
BS in Accounting Online
Program Standouts:
California Baptist University is an excellent online school, and the Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting online has received rewards and other recognition for its academic quality. The goal of this marvelous program is to train students for positions in public accounting, managerial accounting, corporate accounting, and government or non-profit accounting.
The curriculum also approaches principles in business law, finance, economics, marketing, and more to create a very general yet effective degree. By studying ledgers, accruals, financial statements, budgets, and reports, students gain a deeper understanding of the business environment.
This online accounting degree is excellent preparation for the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant examination. Faculty members hold terminal degrees in their accounting and business specialties and bring invaluable experience to the online accounting degree.
Coursework Sample:
- Management with Biblical Foundation
- Government and Non-Profit Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
Campus Location: Riverside, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 54%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCOUNTING BACHELORS DEGREE
Did You Know?
CBU’s greatest strength is its spiritual aspect. You can strengthen your relationship with God and there are numerous opportunities to do so. The highlight of CBU’s spiritual aspect is its mission-driven approach. Each year, CBU sends hundreds of students abroad to reach those who haven’t been reached.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
BBA Online – Accounting
Program Standouts:
At Washington State University, the online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting students engage in management fundamentals, accounting practices, and accounting infor systems. The coursework for this online accounting degree emphasizes critical areas of business and finance to prepare students to work for Fortune 500 companies, the Big 5 accounting firms, and international organizations.
The curriculum includes an excellent balance of both theoretical and practical approaches to the discipline to create well-rounded accounting graduates with skills across a vast array of accounting skills.
The accounting field can lead to working as a control person, a tax specialist, a consultant, a general manager, an auditor, a budget and finance analyst, a Certified Public Accountant and many other jobs that require strong accounting and management skills. WSU’s BBA degree is considered one of the most exceptional programs in accounting in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and students can count on access to outstanding resources, professors, and academic mentors.
Coursework Sample:
- Accounting and Culture
- Cost Accounting
- Accounting Systems and Auditing
Campus Location: Pullman, WA
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 37%
Graduation Rate: 62%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCOUNTING
Did You Know?
Courses in Carson’s upper-division run for seven weeks only. There are only a few upper-division courses offered every year. Students must take some upper-division courses during the summer.
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS – AMHERST
Online Accounting Bachelor’s Degree
Program Standouts:
From the acclaimed Isenberg School of Management comes this outstanding online accounting degree that has all of the advantages of one of the best business institutions in the nation. The curriculum of this online accounting degree focuses on the development of a broad range of skills in accounting that allows graduates to become financial managers, financial analysts, bank examiners, financial executives, tax specialists, auditors, and other high-paying titles.
UMA provides exciting opportunities for online students to advance their understanding through experiential learning programs and professional organizations, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, wherein students build strong networking connections and gain invaluable tips.
As early as two semesters after completing the senior year, many accounting graduates would often proceed to a Master of Accountancy (MSA) degree. The Office of Career Success at Isenberg serves the career and professional development needs of its students. Students also have opportunities to connect with recruiters from some of the largest firms in the country, such as Grant Thornton and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Coursework Sample:
- Financial Reporting
- Information Systems
- managerial Accounting
Campus Location: Amherst, MA
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 79%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST’S ONLINE BACHELOR’s DEGREE PROGRAM IN ACCOUNTING
Did You Know?
There are no taller libraries on any college campus in the US than Du Bois, and it’s also the second tallest library globally. There are thousands of helpful resources available at this 28-story building.
SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
Online B.A. in Accounting
Program Standouts:
At Saint Leo University, online accounting students receive one-on-one attention from instructors, advisors, and mentors who carefully guide them through their program and help them identify their professional goals. With so many areas in which to enter, students need to identify areas of accounting that interest them the most, and Saint Leo does just that.
The online accounting degree program at Saint Leo provides you with a solid foundation for a variety of careers in accounting, such as financial managers, forensic accountants, financial reporters, fraud examiners financial analysts, and business lawyers.
Students have internship opportunities at the Big 5 accounting firms and have networking opportunities with excerpts from around the world through this online school’s resources. Some of the organizations with which accounting graduates now work include Ernst and Young, North Carolina State University, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The main goal of the program is certification and individual specialization.
Coursework Sample:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Cost Accounting
- Financial Statement Analysis
Campus Location: St. Leo, FL
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 51%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCOUNTING DEGREE
Did You Know?
The school established one of the first distance learning programs in the U.S. in 1973, geared primarily toward military personnel. Now it has more than 40 years of continuous service to active-duty military personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE OR A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
If you decide that your main focus is a career in Accounting, you may want to opt for an online Bachelor of Science (BS) degree after earning your high school diploma.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in accounting will focus solely on accounting, marketing, and other various business coursework; therefore, making it the wisest choice for students who have already are certain about their future in the world of accounting.
However, suppose you would like to “test the waters” a bit… but you know accounting will be your base subject. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree often requires a foreign language, and other electives based on the arts and humanities, as well as curriculum in Accounting.
The BA degree requires more elective hours of study and fewer hours pertaining to your major in Accounting. The opposite applies to the BS degree.
HOW DO I KNOW I’M A GOOD FIT FOR THE FIELD OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING?
That’s a good question to consider because not everyone is cut out to work with numbers. Are you a high school diploma holder who enjoyed the subject? Are you up for a good online programs challenge? If so, a financial manager job may be for you. If you’d rather cut corners than seek exactness in financial data, then accounting is not for you. Accuracy and preciseness is the key to a successful career accounting.
Furthermore, other attributes are just as important. First and most importantly, you must have the correct knowledge and training needed to excel in accounting. To best serve your employer or clients and their financial health needs, you must know accounting applications, income taxes, and tax laws.
You should stay up-to-date on the latest financial data software and technology for accounting practices, and the desire to continue your education by completing accounting courses and enrolling in trusted partner programs throughout your career.
In addition, you must be honest, trustworthy, and reliable as you practice a strong suit of ethics when offering accounting and assurance services. You must be organized, creative, accurate, and display a sense of accountability for your actions. Last, as you will often work with others, you must be a team player.
HOW DO I BECOME A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA)? WILL I NEED MORE THAN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING?
The responsibilities of a CPA are many. They often include that of the bookkeeper or accountant; however, it will include additional duties as well, such as working with tax returns and the Internal Revenue Service. The preparation of financial statements and records often requires the authorization of a Certified Public Accountant.
To become a CPA, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. If you desire a master’s degree, that is certainly admirable; however, is not necessarily a requirement to pursue a career as a Certified Public Accountant. With that being said, you will need to be prepared to pass a crucial examination to test your capabilities to reach your career goal.
Passing the Uniform Certified Public Accounting exam (administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) will allow you to practice as a CPA. The test will take about four hours per section to complete.
The four sections will focus on Financial Accounting and Reporting, Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, along with generalized Regulations Accounting questions with a focus on financial analysts work, business law, ethics, and taxation. Re-certification thru completion of accounting courses and general education classes will be required every two years.
HOW CAN I FUND MY ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN ACCOUNTING DEGREE?
There are many options to choose from doing a school search of online accounting programs. However, not all of them are affordable to struggling students. An online accounting degree cost between $40,000 to $80,000 if we look at top schools. Some universities do offer discount for students living in the same state, but for out of state students and transfer students, the tuition rate could be higher.
On a brighter note, most higher learning institutions offer financial aid for online programs in various forms. Check the available financial aid options in target universities. Students taking a bachelor’s degree online programs in accounting may apply for a federal financial aid, often in the form of a student loan.
There are also merit-based scholarships and grants. You might want to consider getting a private loan. Transfer students can seek assistance from trusted partner programs for as well.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERNSHIP IN ONLINE ACCOUNTING DEGREE PROGRAM?
Becoming an online bachelor’s degree in accounting intern gives you an advantage as you learn the ropes, whether it is a requirement or a volunteer opportunity. An accounting internship is a period during which you perform your assigned duties and observe accountants while working alongside and gaining insights from them.
While you may learn theories and accounting concepts in the classroom, there are real-life situations that you can only learn when you intern in a real accounting firm. Interning at larger firms may lead to employment after graduating from online accounting degrees, and possibly eliminate the need for a job search. And in case you don’t get absorbed by the company you’re interning in, you would have gained connections and grown your networks.
You earn academic credit towards your online bachelor’s degree and apply independently if you choose a program does not require an internship.
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