Online Accounting Degrees

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Online Accounting Degree

To meet a changing field, many online schools have accounting degrees. Accountants deal with taxes, cash flow, budgets and mergers. And are in steady demand. If you enjoy business, math and finance, you can earn a degree in this field online.

An online accounting degree studies business, finance and practical methods. It also helps you apply these ideas to prep taxes, audits, and reports. There are online accounting degrees at all levels. Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD. At each of these levels, you may build a set of skills to apply to many fields.  

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting 

A bachelor’s in this field is an entry level degree. It is also the first step to CPA certification. Most accountants need one, making this a good place to start. Here you may gain key skills in finance to help a business thrive. Many online schools offer a BS in accounting. There are also Bachelor of Business Admin (BBA) programs. Both may need 120 credits and about 4 years to complete. BS programs are technical, and math focused. They often study the field from all sides. Auditing, taxation, and the business skills to make sound financial choices. 

An online BBA or BSBA is distinct. These programs may help you gain a broad base of knowledge in business theory and practice. They foster the expertise and skill that you may need to enter the field. Going on to earn your Master of Accounting will help you meet the 150 hours that you need in order to sit for the CPA exam. Some schools offer an online BS to MS path to make this process smooth. 

To get into any bachelor’s program, you need a high school diploma or its equal. Some online schools also look at your GPA, ACT and SAT scores. Another thing that can change is tuition. Earning an accounting degree at a public schools costs about $6,341. Tuition is higher ($28,000) if you study out of state. That said, many online schools, the gov’t and private sources offer scholarships. So, you can look into ways to cut your costs.  

Master’s Degree in Accounting

An online Master of Accounting (MAcc or MSA) is a grad degree. It aims to meet your career goals, refine skills and prep you for exams. They aim to fill in the 30 hours extra that you need to take the CPA exam. Many offer ways to tailor studies to your interests too. Most programs entail 30 credits and take about 1 year to complete. As such, they satisfy the “150 hours” rule for professional certs. As you recall, bachelor’s programs cover the first 120, leaving a 30 credit gap. 

Three certs you might study for at this level are: 

• CPA: Certified Public Accountant  
• CMA: Certified Management Accounting  
• CIA: Certified Internal Auditor  

As you prep for exams, you also study advanced topics. Like banking laws and audit analytics. There may be room to tailor studies too. To apply to an online MAcc program you may need a BS in the field. You also need to meet any of the school’s standards.  

These include GPA, references, personal goals and your CV. Some schools look at your GRE or GMAT scores while others may waive them. If you earned a bachelor’s but not in accounting, don’t fret. Many online schools offer make up courses to bring you up to speed. Another thing to check at each school is their tuition. On average, it may cost $11,617 if you earn your degree at a public school.   

PhD in Accounting

An online PhD in accounting is a research degree. It is the highest level of degree in the field. And is a program that tasks you to input new ideas to the field. PhD programs go deeper into theory and tactics. As such, there may be more about leadership, policy and planning. 

Many enroll in a PhD to enhance their careers. They may be execs, consultants or professors. Or aspire to a research focused job. As such, courses may center on three core areas. Business, research and education. Since most programs go wide and deep, expect a study plan of 57 or more credits. These map out over a period of about 4 years. And may involve some brief visits to campus. 

If you prefer to problem solve, there is another degree at this level. Many online schools offer Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs. Online DBA programs teach ways to manage a company and make sound business choices. As such, they often look at global markets and tactical financial plans. To enroll in a PhD or DBA, you need a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree. You might need a solid knowledge in finance, business or accounting.  

What can I do with an Online Accounting Degree?

An online degree in this field may serve as path to other lucrative fields. Complex tax laws and global trade can allow for opportunities in business, finance and budgeting. There are 10.9 million people in the work force. And there may be jobs at many levels of education. 

For most of the entry level roles, you need a bachelor’s degree. This field is also regulated and may demand a state license. Manager roles often call for a master’s degree, MBA and/or certs. If your goal is to teach accounting, you may also need a PhD.  

1. Accountants and Auditors 

Auditors and accountants prep and examine financial records. This ensures all reports comply with laws and rules. Most start out with a bachelor’s in accounting. Then pursue a master’s degree or MBA and industry certs. The CPA, CMA and CIA are a few that may add value to your resume.  

2. Forensic Accountants 

As a forensic accountant, you will look at financial crimes. Like securities fraud and cyber incidents. Many of these pros also team up with lawyers and law enforcement. If this sounds like a good fit, you may need a bachelor’s to start. 

3. Budget Analysts 

A budget analyst looks at funding and spending. They prep reports for COO’s and help to organize budgets. To work in this job, you may need a bachelor’s degree, and may need to have strong math and analytic skills. From here, some go for the Certified Government Financial Manager (CFGM) credential.  

4. Financial Managers 

These managers direct the financial health of a company. They are in charge of accounting, audit, and budget teams within a company. Many of them have a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years work experience. Some also earn other credentials. Among them, the CPA, CFA or Certified Treasury Professional. 

5. Cost Estimators 

The task of a cost estimator is to predict the time, money, resources and labor that are needed in order to complete a project. This takes an analytical mind set and ability to calculate. Many of them have a bachelor’s degree. Some also focus on an area, like construction.  

6. Financial Analysts 

As a financial analyst, you may steer a business or people to make sound financial decisions. This may involve watching the markets and economy. And, tracking clients’ stocks, bonds and investments. Financial analysts often launch a career with a bachelor’s degree. To advance, many go for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) cert.  

Is an Online Degree in Accounting worth it?

A degree in this field may yield flexible and marketable skills that apply to many settings and high paying roles. Accounting is a growing career field at the junction of business and finance. It has good prospects for entry roles. And better ones if you have your CPA, a master’s degree in accounting or MBA. There are 6% more jobs in this field forecast to 2028 and salaries around $70,500. Many of these jobs are in tax prep. Other roles could be in management, consulting and gov’t. If you prefer, you might use your skills in a finance career. Big data and tech are creating more work for financial analysts. The field is growing by 6% and salaries may get as high as $167,420. 

Accounting Degree Jobs & Salary

Occupation	Average Salary	Jobs
Marketing Manager	$149,200	263,680
Public Relations Manager	$116,180	81,200
Market Research Analyst	$63,790	681,900
Chief Executive	$193,850	205,890

Top States for Jobs as an Accountant

State	Jobs	Annual Mean Wage
CA	148,500	$83,910
TX	114,410	$79,360
NY	112,030	$98,650
FL	71,520	$72,630
IL	51,740	$77,640

Online Accounting Degree Courses

An online degree can cover a series of processes. These identify, measure and report economic info. And help users to make data driven choices. Each level of study may explore these themes in simple or complex ways. Below are a few sample course plans to give you an idea of what kinds of classes you might take.  

Bachelor’s Degree Courses

BS in accounting classes may follow the GAAP. GAAP is short for “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. These aim to prep you to perform a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting activities. Keep in mind, you may have gen ed classes too.

Below are a few classes you may take at the bachelor’s level:

Graduate Degree Courses

MS in this field may go deep into the technical knowledge on taxation, auditing, and financial reporting and analysis. You’ll also develop critical soft skills, like leadership and communication. Some of the common classes include these areas.

PhD classes teach ways to conduct and present data. These aim to build quality research, critical analysis and the skills to apply both. You may also study business and finance through the lens of a leader. As such, your program may look at budgeting in a global context. If you choose an area of focus, this may impact your study plan. Here are a few classes you might take at the grad level:

Popular Accounting Areas

To help you forge the career skills you’ll need, you might choose an area of focus. This adds depth to any core program and may prep you for industry certs. Here are a few areas that online schools offer. 

1. Forensic Accounting 

A major in forensic accounting studies the places law and finance meet. You may put your detective skills to work as you learn about tax fraud and corruption. 

2. Taxation 

A deeper focus in taxation covers current and emerging laws. You often study federal income tax as well as property and corporate rules and research. 

3. Corporate Accounting 

Corporate accounting studies the cost of doing business. Part of this means learning about budgets and performance metrics. You may study taxation and compliance too. 

4. Accounting Information Systems

This area studies asset safety, data security and threat protection. Some of this has to do with information technology and internal controls. You may also gain skills in fraud examination and risk.

5. Public Accounting

Public accounting has to do with CPA certification. You tend to learn about modern business law, ethics and tax planning. Both at the individual and organizational levels.

6. Mergers and Acquisitions

Relevant courses look into financial services and banking. This area also has to go with strategy, advanced reporting and negotiation. 

7. Financial Accounting

In this field, the focus is on financial data collection and analysis. As you study these areas, you may grow skills in tax law, investments and estate planning. 

8. International Tax

International tax has to do with inbound and outbound transactions. You study income tax treaties, comparative pricing and global issues. 

How long does it take to get an Online Accounting Degree?

It may take a full time student 4 years to earn a bachelor’s in accounting degree online. Students with transfer credits from an associate degree may need two years. CPA’s need to complete 150 hours of college credits. This is 30 hours more than a BS program. As such, many online schools offer a 5 year program. This rolls a bachelor’s and master’s into a longer format.  

If you plan to pursue a master’s, it may take from one to two years. Longer programs are often for students new to accounting. And PhD programs may take about 4 more years if you enter with a master’s.  

5 Scholarships For Accounting Majors

Offset the cost of accounting degree programs with a scholarship. This useful type of financial aid may lessen your need to take out student loans.

AfterCollege Business Scholarship

For U.S. undergraduate / graduate students. Applicants may major in business, accounting or a related field. There are four winners, each of $500. 

Deadline: December 31

Daniel B. Goldberg and Miller Public Finance Scholarship

For U.S. and Canadian graduate students. Applicants must be going for a career in state or local government finance. To apply, you need a recommendation letter, resume, transcripts and statement. One selectee will receive $20,000. Plus an invite to attend the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) conference.

Deadline: January 4

Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship

For U.S. and Canadian graduate students. As long as enrolled in an accounting program with a focus on government finance. Applicants submit recommendation letter, resume, transcripts and statement. One winner receives $10,000. And an invite to attend the GFOA conference.

Deadline: January 4

GFOA Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

For minority U.S. or Canadian college juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Black or African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or a Pacific Islander. Applicants submit recommendation letter, resume, transcripts and statement. There is one winner of $10,000 who also gets an invite to the GFOA conference.

Deadline: January 4

Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship

For U.S. and Canadian part time graduate students who have been employed by a state or local government for two or more years. And are preparing for a career in state or local government finance. Four winners get a scholarship of $10,000 each. To apply, you must submit recommendation letter, resume, transcripts and statement. 

Deadline: January 4

15 Online Accounting Degrees

There are many colleges that offer online accounting programs. There are also more intense online degree programs. We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

FIND AN ONLINE ACCOUNTING DEGREE