With proper preparation, study habits, and attention to detail, though, any learner can succeed. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult. By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
DeVry is not able to recommend graduates for professional licensure in any state. New York students should contact the NYSED Office of Professions regarding professional licensure. Some credits earned in this program may be applicable to a master’s degree or an MBA in a related field. An online bachelor’s degree in accounting takes around four years—or a minimum of 120 credits—to complete when you’re able to attend full-time. In a bachelor’s degree program, you’ll likely spend the first two years completing general education courses before concentrating on your major coursework. Each aspiring accountant follows their own career path, but most qualify to start working in entry-level accounting roles after earning a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Tax preparer
That leaves aspiring CPAs with 30 semester hours, or the equivalent of one year of full-time study, to complete beyond the bachelor’s degree. It stands to reason that many accounting students decide to use that extra year of study to work toward a graduate degree. An accounting degree is an undergraduate or graduate-level degree with coursework designed to teach you the knowledge and skills you need to work in the accounting field. Along the way, you’ll learn about financial statements, tax laws, and the tools you’ll need to analyze an organization’s finances and present this information to executives and other stakeholders. You also have opportunities to learn about different software and tools used in the field.
- Because this concentration is specific to one industry, only a few schools offer undergraduate sports accounting programs.
- Depending on your program, it will take between one and two years to earn your master’s degree.
- Accounting.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable.
- Colorado State charges $350 per undergraduate credit and does not have additional student fees or out-of-state surcharges.
- Experienced instructors provide real-world examples of issues in accounting to develop students’ problem-solving abilities.
We narrowed that list further based on schools with sufficient data indexed by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System(IPEDS). If you can take out loans and forego employment for the duration of your studies, full-time enrollment offers the quickest avenue to graduation. Full-time programs may offer accelerated pathways, allowing enrollees to earn their degrees in even less time. The online BS program in accounting at UNCG applies real-world coursework in taxation and auditing, preparing graduates to enter the workforce as accomplished specialists in the field.
Add to your existing knowledge and launch yourself forward with the help of an online accounting degree from WGU. After graduating with a concentration in forensic accounting, professionals can work as fraud examiners, auditors, and forensic accountants. Environmental accounting applies accounting principles to the environment. Classes in this concentration train learners to determine businesses’ environmental impacts. Organizations rely on environmental accountants to minimize these impacts. Graduates can qualify for careers like internal auditor, tax auditor, external auditor, and government auditor.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
This discipline is important for anyone trying to understand the performance of an organization, whether managers or employees within a business or external parties such as investors or the government. Rigorous financial accounting is particularly important for high-level executives, who rely on this information to guide effective decision making. Completing an internship while working on your undergraduate degree can be a good way to beef up your resume, gain required real-world experience and make industry contacts. Auditors analyze financial records to ensure their accuracy, compliance, and legality.
According to data from Zippia, 35.4% of accountants in the United States are not white, 8% identify as LGBTQ and 61.8% are women. Notably, Black, Hispanic and Native American accountants remain underrepresented in their field. Women make up more than half of all accounting personnel but are less likely than men to hold leadership roles. Accounting is a broad field, covering the recording, tracking, and analysis of financial transactions for both individuals and businesses. Accountants also maintain financial records for government or tax officials.
Two Full Programs and a Concentration to Choose From
Candidates must first pass a challenging four-section test known as the Uniform CPA Examination. Sign up and learn how you could get your transcripts sent to WGU absolutely free.
Accounting encompasses diverse careers for graduates at all degree levels. According to BLS occupational data, accounting graduates make up one of the largest workforces in the coastal states, and most accounting degree jobs are in metropolitan city centers. Due to these differences, the BA and BS degrees often lead to different specializations and careers.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership explores how to lead and manage effectively in diverse business environments. Students are asked to demonstrate the ability to apply organizational leadership theories and management strategies in a series of scenario-based problems. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff.
How Much Does it Cost to Get an Accounting Degree Online?
Bachelor’s accounting programs require 120 credits and typically take four years to complete, covering business and accounting fundamentals before shifting to more advanced topics. Degree-seekers also explore accounting information systems, auditing, and business statistics. what is a pro forma financial statement At some schools, the accounting programs are five years so that you’ll complete all your CPA requirements without having to enroll in an additional program. Other schools have programs where you can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting in five years.
What Is an Accounting Degree?
As with other aspects of the licensure process, specific experience requirements vary among states. The time commitment for these credentials varies, but most require candidates to have at least six months of professional CPA experience. Many employers value the specialized skills demonstrated by these certificates.
There are many online degree programs that offer accounting degrees online. Do your research to learn which kind of online university is the best fit for you. For example, WGU offers entirely online degrees and no set class times—you do your coursework on your schedule. This helps you take control of your education and earn an online accounting degree on your timeline. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can get started in an entry-level accounting job and work your way up to more senior roles as you gain experience. On the other hand, if you want to become a certified public accountant (CPA), advance into a management position, and make more money, you’ll want to consider a master’s degree in accounting.
Since nearly every sector needs accountants, there are many options for places to intern. Businesses, public accounting firms, nonprofits and government organizations may offer accounting internships. Accounting students can find internship opportunities through their academic departments or college career services. Working as an intern is a great way for aspiring accountants to gain industry experience.
If you’re looking to get an accounting degree that’s flexible, affordable, and industry recognized, consider an online accounting degree program at WGU. The online bachelor’s accounting program is ACBSP accredited, a designation that’s widely respected by employers. A degree in accounting can qualify students for careers in business and finance. Accountants work for corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and small businesses.
According to the university, alumni have a 90% job placement rate in the accounting field after graduation. As an aspiring CPA, you might want to consider an online accounting degree program, which offers convenience and flexibility, especially when working full time while going to school. You might like to consider the Online Master’s of Accounting (iMSA), offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. For the Bachelor of Science in Accounting online, you must complete 39 credit hours of core business courses and 30 credit hours of core accounting courses.
Cost Accounting
The tuition for an affordable accounting degree can range from $9,000 to $20,000 annually. When deciding whether to pursue a bachelor’s in accounting, prospective attendees should evaluate the degree’s return on investment (ROI). The BLS reports the median salary for accountants was $78,000 in 2022, which can signal a positive ROI, especially for students who attend an affordable institution.
