Accounting Degree Online Programs

Diplomas and Certificates in Accounting Through Distance Learning

Accredited accounting degree online programs and distance learning accounting courses remain popular with students because the accounting profession offers solid career options.

By combining a passion for numbers with thoroughness and left-brain skills, graduates with accounting and finance degrees provide value to organizations by handling financial records and dealing with related tax regulations. In addition, a recent survey showed that students with accounting majors were most likely to receive a job offer by graduation, followed closely by other business majors.

Why Study Accounting Online?

Earning a degree or certificate in accounting through a traditional campus-based program is no longer the only option for students. Online accounting degree programs are ideal for learners who are interested in flexibility, but who can also study independently, including:

• working professionals
• traditional learners comfortable with a virtual learning environment
• stay-at-home individuals interested in a self-paced program

Also, due to the extensive use of technology in business to carry out many accounting tasks, accounting is very suitable for online learning. Most online accounting degrees and courses provide students with training in specialized accounting and statistical software.

What should you expect from an Accounting Degree Online Program?

• The length of time to complete an online accounting degree or certificate program vary depending on whether you attend full- or part-time. This matches what you find with traditional programs.
• The coursework and number of credits required for an accounting degree online program vary with the area of specialization. The associated cost will also depend upon the program you choose.
• Prerequisites - courses required before starting a program - vary from one college to another.
• Although a specific college may be accredited, it may not meet the accreditation requirements for national and state examinations such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. This professional certification is required in 46 states in the US for advanced opportunities in accounting.
• If you intend to transfer to a different institution, some credits may not be recognized or be eligible for transfer to another college. This applies to both traditional and online colleges.

While researching online accounting degree or certificate programs, keep in mind the specific needs of the profession you're entering, and the location you wish to work, to make sure that the program meets all standards and requirements.

Online Accounting Degrees and Program Specializations

Students interested in accounting or finance careers can choose from several majors and specializations such as finance,government accounting and auditing, accounting information systems, public accounting and statistics.

Some students choose to combine majors, such as finance and accounting to provide them with a competitive edge in the job market. Online accounting degree programs and certificate programs in accounting are available at the following levels from accredited distance learning colleges and universities.

• Associates degree in accounting
• Bachelors degree in accounting
• MBA in accounting
• Masters degree in accounting
• Doctoral degree in accounting
• Certificate program in accounting

Colleges with Online Accounting Degrees and Programs

These are just some of the top ranking accredited online colleges and universities that currently offer various accounting degree online programs and certificates in accounting.

DeVry University boasts small classes and personal attention from experienced professors regardless of whether you earn your degree on campus, online, or through a combination of both. Devry offers the following accounting degree online programs and certificate programs in acounting:

• Associate in Accounting
• Bachelors in Business Administration - Accounting
• Masters in Accounting and Financial Management
• Graduate Certificate in Accounting

DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), www.ncahlc.org.

Kaplan University was ranked #1 in 2006, for quality and value, in an independent survey of students and graduates of for-profit schools. Their online education is created around the principle of using advanced technology and enhanced delivery methods to make classes accessible and easy to use. Kaplan University offers the following online accounting degree programs.

• AAS in Accounting
• Master of Science in Accounting
• Master of Science in Accounting - Audit
• Master of Science in Accounting - Finance
• Master of Science in Accounting - Government
• Master of Science in Accounting - Tax

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) www.ncahlc.org.

Strayer University their online programs are rigorous, yet flexible for working professionals. You have the option of taking synchronous online classes (where students and instructors get together online at the same, preset time each week) or asynchronous online class format (where you take classes when it's convinient to you). Strayer offers the following accredited accounting degree online programs and certificates in accounting:

• Associates of Arts in Accounting
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Accounting
• Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting
• Diploma in Accounting
• Executive Graduate Certificate in Accounting
• Master of Science in Accounting
• MBA in Accounting

Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education www.msche.org and is appropriately approved and licensed according to the standards of each state where they have campus locations.

Capella University is one of the largest online universities to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees online programs. Their online courses and programs have gained national recognition and won several awards of excellence. They have online learners from all 50 states and 52 countries. Capella offers the following online accounting degree accredited programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• PhD in Accounting

Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.

What Can You Do With Your Accounting Degree or Certificate?

Accountants and auditors analyze and track financial information for their clients, as well as oversee the keeping of public records and payment of taxes. This includes analyzing financial records, preparing budgets and providing advice on information technology.

The number of accountant and auditor positions is expected to grow much faster than average between 2008 and 2018, driven by the growth of new businesses, and an increase in the need for accountability and government financial regulations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes four primary areas of accounting and auditing:

• public accounting
• government accounting
• management accounting
• internal auditing

These are not the only jobs available to graduates with a degree in accounting. However, prospects for these, and other accounting and finance careers, are better for graduates with advanced business and accounting degrees, as well as professional certifications.

Accountants and auditors usually require at least a bachelors degree, although graduates of associate's or certificate programs may be able to find entry-level positions in some firms. Professional certification - such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - opens up new opportunities for graduates. This certification can be obtained through additional coursework, either after completion of a bachelor's degree, or as part of a master's degree program.

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