Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
Accounting is considered as “the language of business,” offers an extreme educational foundation for career triumph. The requirement for accountant remains fairly stable even in economic declines, and many students get an online accounting degree as an investment in long-term career firmness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 10% job growth for accountants and auditors between 2016 and 2026, which is quicker than the national average. After becoming an accounting degree holder online, you can look further to a satisfying career as a trusted business adviser.
Accounting courses include the basics of financial accounting, managerial accounting, and federal taxation. Upper-division courses have cost accounting, government and nonprofit accounting, accounting information systems, and internal auditing. All entry-level jobs in accounting need a bachelor’s degree, and many graduates also seek a certified public accountant (CPA) credential.
All accounting programs at the bachelor’s stage provide indistinguishable coursework. Nevertheless, some schools provide groups of electives from which you can opt for a series of courses that is convenient for your skilled interests. Elective courses might cover corporate valuation, forensic accounting, futures and options, and advanced taxation
Some students also vote to add a minor in a relevant discipline like finance. Many schools offer autonomic study chances to students desired in accounting research, or they partner with local organizations to offer practicums.
If your intention is to sit for the CPA exam, note that most of the states needs candidates to finish 150 credits. Because of typical four-year accounting programs require 120 credits, plan to increase your studies up to a year to get eligible for the CPA exam.
Additionally introductory and intermediate courses in financial accounting, many online accounting programs are having courses in taxation and accounting information systems. Even though course providing differ between schools, the following list offers a few examples of standard courses for students enrolled in accounting programs online.
- Cost accounting: With a focus on management information systems, cost accounting studies the theory and practice of advanced potential and cost control for businesses. Students use case studies to examine the use of cost accounting data for managerial decision making. Topics involve cost accumulation, determining sales prices, inventory management, and operational analysis.
- Auditing:This course examines the technical and professional areas of auditing theory and financial reporting works. Focusing on the legal and ethical responsibilities of public accountants and internal auditors, this class reviews related field work and audit failure case studies. Topics involve audit planning, sampling tools, due diligence, internal control, and fraud.
- Managerial accounting:This course issue students with the skills required to recognize and resolve accounting issues for internal business decision making. Students analyze business frameworks through the application of managerial accounting concepts involving capital budgeting, product costing and valuation, constraint analysis, margin analysis, and forecasting.
Most of the graduates of online accounting programs choose careers in fields such as internal auditing, management accounting, or government accounting. Professionalized in problem solving, analysis, and communication, accounting graduates frequently pursue CPA certification and advance into supervisory positions as controllers or finance directors.
Accountants and Auditors: Accountants assemble, prepare, examine, and report financial information, assuring that financial statements consist of no errors and comply with general accounting principles and laws.
- Median Annual Salary: $68,150
- Projected Growth Rate: 10%
Personal Financial Advisers: Personal financial advisers offer professional advice to individual clients on financial issues including real estate, investing, taxes, retirement, estate planning, budgets, and insurance.
- Median Annual Salary: $90,530
- Projected Growth Rate: 15%
Financial Examiners: Financial examiners study and analyze financial information to ensure assent with law and government standards. They review records like audit reports, balance sheets, loan documentation, and tax records.
- Median Annual Salary: $79,280
- Projected Growth Rate: 10%
The below schools on this list provide the most affordable online bachelor's degrees in accounting:
UofM is a public research university that was established in 1912 in Memphis. The school provides 21,000 students each year on campus and through its distance learning arm UofM Global. UofM Global provides different inexpensive degrees, alternative degree pathways, and adaptable formatting, along with a 120-credit bachelor of business administration with a major in accounting.
The curriculum offers accounting functions, technological competencies, ways to potentially make decisions in a global environment, and other professional skills like problem solving, critical thinking, and communication. Students finish the BBA core, which has courses on topics like business law and the legal, political, and social contexts in which businesses manage. There are many courses that scrutinize accounting-related concepts along with cost accounting, confederate income tax, accounting systems, and audit and assurance services. This online accounting degree develops learners to get ready for the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exam. Distance learners have entry to different kinds of support services, along with tutoring through Smarthinking. Students who apply must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit ACT or SAT scores to be noted.
Accreditation: The University of Memphis is accredited from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The BBA in accounting program is totally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ranking:
- Ranked among The 100 Best Online Colleges for 2018
- Ranked among The Best Online Colleges in Tennessee
- Ranked among The 25 Online Colleges with the Best Return on Investment
- Ranks #1 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the chief institution in the state’s five-college system. The school provides a descriptive catalog of undergraduate majors including a variety of distance learning programs, along with a 120-credit online bachelor of science in accounting. Graduates are developed to continue careers as accountants in public, private, or governmental organizations.
Students must finish general education coursework in aspects like math, the humanities, and behavioral sciences. They also analyze basic business topics like business law, ethics, management, marketing, and economics. The curriculum involves major coursework on topics such as principles of accounting, income tax, and accounting systems. The curriculum develops students to sit for the CPA, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. Students also obtain capabilities in communication and technology, making them particularly attractive enlists for employers. This degree prepares students to suppose positions in accounting, financial analysis, and taxation. All online students pay the same tuition rate, irrespective of residency. Students can start the program in the spring and fall terms. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit ACT or SAT scores to be regarded.
Accreditation: The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is accredited from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ranking:
- Ranks #2 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
- Ranked #1 among The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
- Ranked #8 among the Best Online Colleges in the U.S.
- Ranked among the The 100 Best Universities in the World Today
Old Dominion is a public research university that was established in 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia. The school provides educational choices at satellite campuses in the Hampton Roads area. Old Dominion provides a different flexible educational chances through its virtual colleges — ODU Online. The school’s college of business provides a bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) with a major in accounting.
This degree-completion program enrolls learners who have already earned a noteworthy number of credits at other institutions. Students must finish general education classes in areas that involve English, philosophy, math, and communication. There is also a business deeper that focuses topics like finance, managerial economics, statistical data analysis, business policy and strategy, and operations management. The school partners with the Virginia Community College System and other institutions to make it easier for transfer students to become admitted. For instance, students who finish an associate degree from Northern Virginia Community College certified for guaranteed admission to Old Dominion. Students who apply to this BSBA program must have at least 60 credits of college coursework to be regarded. They must also finish at least 30 credits at Old Dominion to graduate. Students can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer terms.
Accreditation: Old Dominion University is accredited from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The BSBA in accounting program is totally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ranking:
- Ranked among The 100 Best Online Colleges for 2018
- Ranked among The Best Online Colleges in Virginia
- Ranked among The 25 Online Colleges with the Best Return on Investment
- Ranks #3 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
Penn State is ranked as one of the top education institutions in the nation. Students who cannot be present at classes at one of Penn State’s 24 campuses can enter the school’s eLearning choices through its World Campus. Opened in 1998, Penn State World Campus provides greater than 150 degrees and certificates in high-demand fields like engineering, education, technology, and business.
The school provides a 120-credit bachelors of science in accounting that is perfect for students desired in careers in business; this program is provided in partnership with Penn State Harrisburg. Students start their studies by finishing business courses on topics like finance, business law, marketing, business strategy, and supply chain management. During their junior and senior years, students examine into accounting coursework on cost accounting, federal taxation, and financial and managerial accounting for good management. The curriculum develops students to give CPA exam or get other certification, like management accountant and internal auditor certificates. The school boasts a generous transfer credit policy, which permits students to transfer any number of credits in the direction of their degree. Anyways, students must get at least 36 of their last 60 credits through Penn State to graduate.
Accreditation: Penn State World Campus is accredited from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The online BS in accounting program is totally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ranking:
- Ranked #1 among The 100 Best Online Colleges for 2018
- Ranks #4 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
- Ranked #1 among The Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
- Ranked #11 among The 50 Best Online MBA Programs
- Ranked among The 50 Best Physics Programs in the World Today
- Ranked among The 100 Best Business & Economics Programs in the World Today
- Ranked among The 50 Best Mathematics Programs in the World Today
- Ranked among The 50 Best Engineering/Technology and Computer SciencesPrograms in the World
- Ranked among The 30 Best Hospitality Programs in the United States
- Ranked among The 30 Most Popular Online Colleges
- Ranked among The 100 Best Universities in the World Today
WSU is a public research university that was established in 1890 in Pullman, Washington. Presently, it is one of the country’s top research institutions, providing 96 undergraduate majors and greater than 100 specializations. The school provides a bachelor of arts in accounting that is suitable for those intended in continuing a career in business. This program develops graduates to work as public or corporate accountants at private businesses or government agencies.
Most of the online accounting students must finish WSU’s “University Common Requirements,” which can be contended through the direct transfer of an associate degree from various partnering schools. Prior advancing into upper-level accounting coursework, students must also succeed in certain business administration courses that focus on accounting. Post finish of these prerequisites, they must finish a 15-credit business core comprising of classes in marketing, management and organization principles, and business strategy and policy. This online accounting degree also needs 18 credits of accounting coursework, which analyses topics such as taxation, auditing, and cost accounting. Finally, students must finish a six-credit international experience to develop them to work in a global economy. They can satisfy this requirement through a numerous choices, along with approved coursework, study abroad experiences, or international internships.
Accreditation: Washington State University is accredited from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The online BA in accounting program is totally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ranking:
- Ranked #1 among The Best Online Colleges in Washington
- Ranked #13 among The Best Online Colleges in the U.S.
- Ranked among The 30 Best Hospitality Programs in the United States
- Ranked among The Best Criminal Justice Degrees and 30 Notable Online Programs
- Ranks #5 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
UMass Amherst is New England’s biggest public research university. The school of management at UMass provides a bachelor of business administration in accounting program that offers students with technical training in accountancy. The syllabus comprises of general education coursework and 11 core business courses that include subjects along with corporate finance, operations management, marketing fundamentals, and management communications. Students can learn to aid businesses abide with financial reporting and tax obligations.
The accounting major prepares students in the study of financial accounting, individual and corporate taxation, CPA law, and accounting information systems. Students learn how to account for a firm’s listed liabilities by studying how they should be identified, measured, and disclosed. Accounting students can capture in extracurricular activities through joining professional organizations like the Massachusetts Society of CPAs and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. After getting their accounting degree online, graduates are developed to continue their positions as auditors, tax specialists, and controllers. Applicants must have finished a minimum of 27 transferable college credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be regarded.
Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is accredited from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The online BBA in accounting program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ranking:
- Ranked #1 Best Online College in Massachusetts
- Ranked #3 for the Best Online College in the U.S.
- Ranked in the Top 10 Online Colleges with the Best Return on Investment
- Ranks #6 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
USC have a 200-year history of growing leaders. The school is among one of the eight-college system, getting admissions 34,000 students every year and providing a broad variety of distance learning programs through Palmetto College. Distance learners must transfer a minimum of 45 credits of coursework deserved at another institution to qualify. The school provides a variety of online programs, involving a bachelor of science in business administration – accounting track. This program characterizes a curriculum that educates students about the global business environment, business best practices, teamwork competencies, and business technology.
The curriculum involves courses that cover business concepts like marketing, finance, management and leadership, and international business. The accounting concentration focuses on financial accounting, corporate income tax, auditing theory, and accounting information systems. Palmetto is among one of the best online colleges for accounting and prepares accounting students to sit for the CPA exam. Full-time students can get their degree within 30 months. The program enrolls students in the spring, summer, and fall terms. Applicants must have earned 45-60 transferable credits with at least GPA of 2.0 to be regarded. Students who have not finished a minimum 45 credits of college coursework can earn them at a Palmetto College campus in the state or at a technical college.
Accreditation: The University of South Carolina is from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online BSBA program is totally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ranking:
- Ranks #7 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
Missouri State provides various degrees, all of which focus on ethical leadership. The school has four campuses in Missouri and China and provides 180 bachelor’s degrees. Missouri State also permits students to get admitted in at one of 11 satellite locations or by pursuing eLearning choices through Missouri State Online. The school’s college of business provides a 125-credit bachelor of science in accounting a hybrid format. This degree-completion program permits students to transfer in an associate degree or similar amount of credits to meet the program’s general education essentials.
The BS in accounting at Missouri State is one of the top online accounting programs. This program needs students to have already finished general education classes in areas like algebra, psychology, biological sciences, and a foreign language. The core syllabus analyses business principles, business law, managerial accounting, financial management, and operations management. The accounting major focuses on topics like tax accounting, auditing, and government and nonprofit accounting. Students can also finish a minor in either communication or criminology entirely; they can also earn a psychology or history minor in a hybrid format. Missouri State partners with Ozarks Technical Community College to permit for direct transfer of credits into this baccalaureate program. Applicants into the college of business must have at least GPA of 2.0 to be regarded.
Accreditation: Missouri State is accredited from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The BS in accounting program is totally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Ranking:
- Ranks #8 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
- Ranked among The 100 Best Online Colleges for 2018
- Ranked among The Best Online Colleges in Missouri
- Ranked among The 20 Best Online Master in Elementary Education Degree Programs
Clearly is a private business university established in 1883 in Michigan. The school provides various business programs that are taught in classrooms with an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, permitting every student to get one-on-one suggestion. Cleary provides a bachelor of business administration program that permits students to develop a skill in a number of fields, along with business management, entrepreneurship, and business analytics. Students who want to develop careers in accounting can earn a BBA in accounting and finance.
The degree focuses on business concepts like business finance, enterprise marketing, operations management, and corporate finance. Students also learn about accounting principles, cost accounting, advanced financial accounting, accounting information systems, and internal auditing. Faculty teaches students to the legal issues often faced by accountants and develop them to sit for the CPA examination. This online accounting program is supported by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and prepares students attend for the IMA’s CMA licensure exam. Students may transfer nearly 90 undergraduate credits into the BBA program, permitting them to earn their degree at an accelerated speed. Graduates are developed to continue entry-level roles as corporate accountants, financial managers, risk managers, and credit managers. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit SAT scores to be regarded.
Accreditation: Cleary University is accredited from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ranking:
Ranks #9 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
CSU-Global Campus provides a comprehensive catalogue of career-emphasized degrees in differed high-demand aspects. Among these programs, bachelors of science in accounting, which develops students to develops careers as accountants in the private, public, or governmental sectors. The curriculum for this online accounting degree focuses finance, marketing, economics, leadership, legal compliance and ethics, and quantitative management.
Students analyze accounting subjects like cost cutting, finance for the private sector, federal individual and business taxation, and information systems for accounting. There is also a needed capstone course where students denote their leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in a real-life work environment. Distance learners can personalize their degrees by enrolling in 15 credits of specialized coursework that offers them skills in significant areas like criminal forensics, data management and analysis, international business, strategic communications, or operations management and supervision. Apart from many other virtual colleges, CSU-Global also provides students access to one-on-one tutoring. The school has a generous transfer credit policy, allowing students to enroll up to 90 credits deserved at another institution in the direction of their degree. Most of the online students pay the same tuition rate, irrespective of residency. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate to be regarded.
Accreditation: CSU-Global regionally accredited from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online BS in accounting program is completely accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Ranking:
- Ranks #10 on The 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs
- Ranked #28 among The Best Online Colleges in the U.S.
- Ranked #3 among The Best Online Colleges in Colorado