How To Choose the Right Online Accounting Degree

Expanded Online Accounting Degree Programs Overview

Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting

Online bachelor’s degree programs in accounting offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to lay a solid foundation in financial management, taxation policies, and auditing procedures. These programs typically span four years, although accelerated options may reduce the completion time. The coursework usually includes detailed studies in areas such as financial accounting, where students learn to prepare and analyze financial statements; managerial accounting, which focuses on cost behavior and budgeting; and business law, providing insights into the legal aspects affecting business operations. Additionally, electives may cover areas like financial markets, investment strategies, and international finance, ensuring well-rounded exposure.

The required credit hours for a bachelor’s in accounting online range from 120 to 150, depending on the specific requirements of the institution and any prior academic credits the student may have.

Master’s Degrees in Accounting

An online master’s degree in accounting is structured to enhance professional knowledge and prepare graduates for more specialized roles. Typically requiring 30 to 60 credit hours, these programs can be completed in one to two years of full-time study. Core courses often focus on advanced accounting principles such as forensic accounting, which teaches the skills needed to investigate financial discrepancies and fraud; corporate taxation, covering the intricacies of tax planning and compliance for businesses; and financial statement analysis, enhancing the ability to assess financial health and make informed business decisions.

Additional coursework may include studies in ethics in accounting, advanced auditing techniques, and strategic management accounting, all aimed at preparing students for the CPA exam and other professional certifications.

Doctorate Degrees in Accounting

Though more rare in an online format, doctoral programs in accounting are geared toward those pursuing scholarly research or top-tier professional roles. These programs demand a significant commitment, usually requiring 3 to 5 years to complete, with a focus on developing deep theoretical and empirical knowledge. Coursework might include advanced research methods in accounting, contemporary issues in accounting theory, and seminars on topics such as corporate governance, ethical accounting practices, and emerging financial technologies.

Students must typically complete a dissertation, which involves original research in a specific area of accounting, contributing new insights to the field. The credit hours for a doctoral program can range widely, generally between 60 and 120 hours, based on the university’s requirements and the student’s previous educational background.

These programs prepare individuals for positions in academic settings, high-level consultancy, or senior management, providing them with the skills to tackle complex financial issues in various sectors.

Specialized Online Courses and Certificates

Online specialized courses and certificates in accounting cater to the needs of various professional groups within the accounting sector. These educational offerings are tailored to enhance specific skills, prepare individuals for certification exams, or provide continuing education required for maintaining professional certifications.

Overview of Specialized Courses and Certificates

1. Types of Courses and Certificates:
   • Introductory Courses: These are designed for individuals new to the field of accounting or those looking to refresh foundational knowledge. Topics typically include basic principles of accounting, bookkeeping, and introductory tax law.
   • Advanced Specializations: For accountants seeking to specialize or upgrade their skills in areas such as forensic accounting, tax accounting, or financial analysis, advanced courses are available. These often focus on niche areas that require detailed knowledge and expertise.
   • Preparation for Certification: Courses specifically designed to prepare candidates for certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Accountant (CA) exams are also offered online. These are comprehensive and align with the specific requirements of the certification bodies.
   • Continuing Professional Education (CPE): For certified professionals required to maintain their licenses, CPE courses provide the necessary ongoing education. These courses cover updates in laws, advanced accounting techniques, and emerging industry trends.
2. Delivery and Flexibility:
   • Online courses and certificates are typically offered in a flexible format, allowing students to access material at their convenience. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals and those with personal commitments.
   • Most platforms offer a mix of asynchronous (self-paced) and synchronous (scheduled, live interaction) formats, catering to different learning preferences and needs.
3. Duration and Commitment:
   • The duration of these courses can vary widely. Short courses may last a few weeks, while more comprehensive certificate programs can extend up to several months.
   • The intensity and time commitment required can also vary, with some courses designed for intensive study and others spread out to accommodate working professionals.

Applicability and Utility

• Early-Career Professionals: Gain necessary skills and knowledge to begin a career in accounting or to supplement an undergraduate degree with practical, applied skills.
• Mid-Career Accountants: Enhance specific skills or pivot to new areas within accounting, such as moving from general financial accounting to more specialized fields like auditing or international tax.
• Senior Professionals: Update and refresh knowledge on new laws, standards, or technologies affecting the field of accounting, ensuring continued relevance and expertise in a rapidly evolving profession.

Career Impact

• Professional Advancement: Completing specialized courses or earning certificates can significantly impact career trajectories, offering opportunities for advancement and higher salary potentials.
• Certification Preparation: For those pursuing professional certifications, targeted prep courses improve readiness for rigorous exams and can substantially increase the likelihood of success.
• Skill Enhancement: These courses enable professionals to stay current with industry developments and technological advancements in accounting software and practices, enhancing job performance and marketability.

Evaluating Online Accounting Degree Programs

When choosing an online accounting degree program, prospective students should consider several factors to ensure that the program meets their educational and career objectives.

Accreditation

Accreditation is perhaps the most critical factor. A program with accreditation from bodies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) ensures that the education provided meets high standards and is recognized by employers.

Faculty Expertise and Support Services

The quality of faculty and the availability of support services such as tutoring, career advising, and technical assistance also play vital roles in the success of online students. Programs that offer direct access to qualified instructors and comprehensive support tend to provide a more enriching learning experience.

Curriculum and Flexibility

The structure of the curriculum and the flexibility of the course schedules are important for students who might be balancing their studies with personal or professional obligations. Programs that offer asynchronous courses (where students can log in and learn at any time) provide greater flexibility than synchronous courses (which require students to be online at specific times).

Popular Value-Oriented Online Accounting Degree Programs in the U.S.

When it comes to online education, particularly in the field of accounting, many students are looking for programs that offer a good balance between cost, quality, and time commitment. Here are some of the popular online accounting degree programs in the United States that are recognized for their value. These programs are known for their affordable tuition rates, comprehensive curriculums, and flexibility, making them appealing to a wide range of students.

1. Western Governors University (WGU)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Cost: Approximately $3,575 per six-month term
• Duration: Typically 2 to 4 years, depending on transfer credits and student pace
• Details: WGU offers a competency-based education model where students progress by demonstrating their knowledge through assessments. This can lead to faster completion times for those who are able to commit more time to their studies.

2. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Cost: Approximately $457 per credit hour for residents; $1,026 for non-residents
• Duration: 4 years, with options for accelerated coursework
• Details: UAB’s Collat School of Business is highly ranked and its online programs are designed to mirror the quality and rigor of their on-campus offerings. The program prepares students for various certification exams, including the CPA.

3. Penn State World Campus

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Cost: Approximately $590 to $632 per credit, depending on the number of credits taken
• Duration: 4 years, part-time and full-time options available
• Details: Penn State’s online program is AACSB accredited, a hallmark of excellence in business education. It offers a thorough curriculum that covers key areas in accounting, audit, and taxation.

4. Indiana Wesleyan University

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Cost: Approximately $449 per credit hour
• Duration: 18 to 20 months for students with transfer credits
• Details: Designed for working adults, this program offers courses in an accelerated format. Classes are taken one at a time, allowing for a deep focus on each subject area.

5. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Cost: Approximately $320 per credit hour
• Duration: Flexible, with 24/7 online access and no set class times
• Details: SNHU offers one of the most affordable tuition rates and a highly flexible learning environment. The program includes courses on financial accounting, managerial accounting, and tax accounting, designed to prepare students for a range of careers in the field.

Conclusion

Online accounting degree programs provide flexibility, a diverse range of options, and the potential for career advancement. Whether seeking to enter the field of accounting, aiming for certification, or looking to specialize further, online programs offer pathways to achieve these goals effectively. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, online accounting degrees remain a practical choice for aspiring and current accountants alike.