The best online Accounting bachelor degree programs offer a flexible path for students to earn a degree and start a career in this growing field. One of the most in-demand career paths in today’s society is the Certified Public Accountant position.
Many work with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services. As a CPA or CMA, employment is available year-round. However, the first quarter of each year (January-April) is the busiest, due to tax season.
The job of an accountant is to prepare financial documents, organize data, and provide recommendations to clients so they can make sensible financial decisions. Accountants also work to help businesses and corporations to become more efficient in their financial status. The growing economy of an accountant has steadily increased over the past decade.
How We Ranked the Best Online Accounting Bachelor’s Programs
The editors at Online Schools Guide found schools offering bachelor’s degrees in Accounting or related disciplines that are online or hybrid. Then, based on reputation, cost, and future salary, we ranked the online accounting degrees.
1. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
| Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration specialization in Accounting |
The Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program provides a specialization in Accounting. It is also an accredited online accounting degree.
The program is 128 semester-hour credits in length and offers both analytical and communication skills that prepare students to become effective managers within the business industry. The BSBA degree provides the student with an option of three specializations; Banking, Management, and Sales and Marketing. These specializations are often recommended or sometimes a prerequisite to the master in accounting degree.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine’s online accounting programs and degrees comes in a flexible online format. So. students can take courses on their time, wherever, and with several start dates. Saint Joseph’s College is a liberal arts institute built on academic excellence and religious origin. The school is privately owned and located just fifteen miles from Maine’s largest city, Portland. The college is known as the “green college”, due to sustainability initiatives.
School Location: Standish, ME
2. Penn State World Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Penn State World Campus is an AACSB- accredited online accounting degree. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum, filled with courses that best prepare working students for the growing accounting career path.
Classes include finance, business strategy, business law, marketing, and supply chain management. Students will learn how to think critically, demonstrate competence in accounting disciplines, and evaluate relevant business functions in order to develop the best business solutions. The last step for students in the Bachelor of Science in accounting degree to do is to take the CPA exam. This exam will provide multiple career opportunities for the graduate.
Penn State World Campus offers over 150 degrees and programs for both part-time and full-time students. Penn State World Campus is among those ranked in the top ten for online bachelor’s degrees by U.S. News & World Report. Penn State also provides online tutoring options, career advising, and the skills needed to secure a better career in accounting. Receiving a BSBA can help students achieve success in this highly competitive business world.
School Location: University Park, PA
3. Bemidji State University
Bemidji State University’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting is one of the best online accounting degree programs nationwide. Courses in the program will include business law, accounting systems, financial management, taxation, and also auditing.
Since the BS in Accounting program is available online, flexible class schedules may be offered. The online accounting degree program at Bemidji State University, on average, could take about two years to complete. The college offers affordable tuition costs; however, financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible online learners.
Bemidji State University has one of the best online accounting degree programs. For transfer students interested in the BS in Accounting program, up to twenty-four credits may be accepted. Known as Beaver Nation, the school has competed in several NCAA intercollegiate sports, including Division I hockey in the Sanford Center.
School Location: Bemidji, MN
4. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting can be a lucrative career path. In fact, the BSBA in accounting is one of the Best Highest Paying Degrees Online.
At UMass of Amherst, the online accounting program is AACSB-accredited and prepares students in courses ranging from accounting, auditing, and taxation. The program will direct students in learning Financial reporting, Managerial Accounting, and Information systems as well. At UMass, there is a diverse career path for students in the online accounting degree program. Some options are Auditors, Tax specialists, Bank examiners, and Financial executives. UMass is an affordable college choice for most students; however, they do offer some scholarship opportunities to those eligible.
Students of the online accounting bachelor program at UMass of Amherst have a high graduation rate compared to other BS in accounting programs at other colleges or universities. UMass of Amherst’s School of Business was founded in 1947 with only ten faculty members; however, today the school has close to 200 faculty and staff members and over 44,000 Alumni in total.
School Location: Amherst, MA
5. Saint Leo University
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting at Saint Leo University prepares online students with the skills for employment. Graduates are proficient in challenging mathematical problems or concepts, including advanced auditing, financial statement analysis, forecasting, and cost accounting.
This Bachelor of Arts in Accounting also provides internship opportunities with Big four accounting firms or offices throughout the summer session. Graduates of the online programs for accounting can easily find employment in positions, such as auditors, tax accountants, chief financial officers, and IRS investigators. Graduates of the BA in Accounting degree program may be employed in either the private or public sectors of the business world.
Established in 1889, Saint Leo University provides thirty-five Education Centers; they are located across seven states. Saint Leo offers a low student-to-faculty ratio and affordable tuition rates for working adults. The school is among the top 100 Universities graduating minority students with baccalaureate degrees. The core values of the school are excellence, community, respect, personal development, responsible stewardship, and integrity.
School Location: Saint Leo, FL
6. Bellevue University
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree at Bellevue University offers both online and in-class options for students. The BS in Accounting degree is designed for students to apply their expertise or talent to the skills taught within the program.
Students will learn financial accounting, auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and analysis. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree is 127 credits long and can be completed in as little as two years. The course curriculum offers classes that prepare online students for strategic and operational problem-solving skills and decision-making concepts.
Bellevue University is a military-friendly environment and offers over eighty undergraduate and graduate degrees, including certificates for career advancement. Additionally, the school has a diverse student body with over 13,000 students enrolled.
School Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
7. University of Mary
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of Mary is a 124-credit hour program. Online students can complete this bachelor’s in accounting degree in less than three years.
However, students who choose to take the CPA exam must complete 150 credits to graduate. Courses include principles of accounting, introduction to income tax, fraud examination, auditing, and cost management and strategy. The BS in Accounting provides a flexible format, with affordable tuition costs, and is rooted in Christian beliefs.
The University of Mary offers a wide range of degrees and certifications. Furthermore, the programs at the University prepare students for the real world. In addition, in-demand programs such as business, education, and nursing are also offered. The University of Mary is a Military-friendly school, with scholarships awarded during each semester. Financial aid may be available for eligible students while some students may apply for a Student Loan for an Online School program.
School Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
8. Washington State University Global
| Degree: BSBA in Accounting |
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BSBA) with an Accounting focus program at Washington State University’s Global Campus offers students a fully online curriculum. This bachelor’s in accounting prepares students in management fundamentals, accounting information systems, and also accounting practices.
Skills taught in the program are both critical thinking and analytical. The student will gain knowledge in business theory, accounting, and business skills, and how to best market themselves in the World of Business; so they are ready to make a difference in Business. The WSU Global Campus’ BSBA in Accounting program is one of the best online programs for accounting. The degree is affordable, offers flexible course schedules, and can be completed in less than two years.
WSU Global Campus provides many other degrees and certificates for undergraduates. Programs range from Business, Communication, Interdisciplinary, Science and Technology, and also Social Behavioral Sciences. Furthermore, the school has over 200,000 Alumni. It also has a diverse student body with a reputation for academic excellence. The school’s “Cougar community” provides excellent student support within a welcoming atmosphere. And students can choose from twenty undergraduate and also twelve graduate degrees.
School Location: Pullman, WA
9. Fort Hays State University
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting at Fort Hays State University prepares students for high-demand careers. Graduates of this online bachelor’s degree program find roles throughout the business industry.
Whether choosing a private-sector corporation, government agency, or public organization, an accounting degree at Fort Hays State University is a great choice. This program prepares graduates with exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and also problem-solving skills. Additionally, students hone their decision-making abilities for top entry-level positions in the accounting field. The Accounting program is conveniently flexible, affordable, and has a low student-to-faculty ratio. The total program is 120 credits, although twenty-seven credits are from core accounting courses.
Fort Hays State University, founded in Hays, Kansas in 1902, the school provides over seventy majors for undergraduate students and a wide variety of degrees and certificates at the graduate level.
School Location: Hays, Kansas
10. Concordia University
Concordia University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting is a fifty-four-credit program of the 120 credits needed for the bachelorette degree. This online bachelor’s degree program is also available in a blended format.
Each course is approximately seven weeks in length. The core curriculum assists the student in gathering information, recordkeeping techniques, analyzing business documents, and also communicating financial information for future clients and organizations in the business. Furthermore, this BS in Accounting provides the foundation needed to prepare students for their journey toward a CPA or CMA career path.
Concordia University in St. Paul, founded in 1893, finds pleasure in that ninety-five percent of students will find employment within one year. In addition, CSP students earn forty-four percent more than the national average. St. Paul is recognized as a diverse college, centered on Christian beliefs and a strong community environment.
School Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Why Earn an Online Bachelor in Accounting?
The best online accounting programs offer students more flexibility. Accounting students can study when they have time and work at their own pace. Finding an online degree program also eliminates the need to move to attend school.
Additionally, many online degree programs are more affordable than in-person traditional programs. Many schools have lower tuition rates for online degrees so they are more affordable than the on-campus programs.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Online?
A bachelor’s degree typically consists of 120 credits and takes most students four years to complete. Students with college credits may earn the degree faster since they already have some transfer credits.
Additionally, online programs often let students learn at a faster rate by taking classes in a 5 to 10-week format instead of ht traditional 16-week semester.
How Much Does an Online Accounting Degree Cost?
The answer is not simple. Schools charge different tuition rates. Private schools are more expensive than public universities. In-state students pay less than out-of-state students. But, generally, a bachelor’s degree may cost around $10,00 to $30,000 a year.
What Do You Learn in an Online Bachelor in Accounting Program?
An accounting degree includes general education coursework and core courses. Classes in an online program may include:
- Accounting Principles
- Forensic Accounting
- Financial Management
- Tax Accounting
- Business Statistics
- Corporate Accounting
- Business Finance
- Accounting Ethics
- International Business
How Do You Start Your Career with an Online Accounting Degree?
The Accounting field is growing and there are more options for new graduates of the online Bachelor of Science in Accounting than ever before. In fact, online accounting degrees offer several job paths for graduates in both the private and public sectors.
Depending on certain factors, the job may be very lucrative and also provide a wide range of benefits and incentives. Here are three factors to consider when applying to the right place to kickstart your accounting career.
Education level:
Earning an accredited online BS in Accounting degree will provide numerous options and advancement opportunities in the accounting workplace. Most employers or financial offices prefer applicants that have a four-year degree in accounting, including a passing grade on the Certified Public Accountant exam (CPA exam). If you have the option to focus on course specializations, consider entrepreneurship, business law, or financial management.
Location:
Most big communities or metroplex cities offer higher pay rates for accountants than those working in rural neighborhoods or towns. However, there is more competition as well. The salary of CPAs may also change from state to state.
Experience:
Most CPA graduates can find employment right out of college. However, some employers prefer three to five years of experience in the accounting field before being hired. The more experience one has, the more valuable they are for the accounting position. The good thing about the experience, it provides important skills and abilities needed to be successful in the accounting field.
What is the Job Outlook with a Bachelor’s in Accounting?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the projected growth of the accountant field is six percent between 2020 to 2030. Securing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting will provide better employment opportunities and career advancement for future endeavors within the business and economic industry. Here are the best online accounting bachelor’s programs.
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