Compare bachelor's in accounting programs
A bachelor's in accounting program can help you build fundamental bookkeeping and finance skills and pursue certified public accountant (CPA) licensure, preferred by employers for accounting jobs. With a convenient and affordable online bachelor's in accounting program, you can develop academic training and build professional experience simultaneously. Find the perfect online bachelor's in accounting program to meet your unique career goals.
Explore online accounting degrees
Why pursue a bachelor's in accounting degree?
Pursue your desired specialization
Become eligible for CPA licensure and explore specializations, such as forensic, financial, or managerial accounting.
Enroll in the academic program that works for you
Enjoy online learning modes tailored to your preferences, such as self-paced, part-time, and accelerated bachelor's in accounting options.
Build a skillset that yields a wide range of opportunities
Meet the minimum education requirements for the widest variety of accountant, bookkeeper, and auditor jobs.
Browse online bachelor’s degree programs in accounting
What can you do with a bachelor's in accounting degree?
Earning a bachelor's in accounting degree can qualify you for in-demand jobs with a positive growth outlook. The increasing demand for accountants aligns with globalization, the growing economy, and complex tax laws.
Here are some potential career paths to pursue, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Accountants
Accountants review and prepare financial records and ensure their accuracy for taxes. Most accountants become CPAs, and many specialize in an area of expertise, such as cost, financial, or forensic accounting.
- Median annual salary (May 2023): $79,880
- Projected job growth (2023-2033): +6%
Tax examiners and collectors
Tax examiners and collectors assess and pursue taxes owed to the government by businesses and individuals. Employers, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), typically require a bachelor's degree in accounting and/or a CPA certificate.
- Median annual salary (May 2023): $58,530
- Projected job growth (2023-2033): +2%
Financial managers
Financial managers direct the investment activities and financial goals of an organization and report on the organization's financial health. Many financial managers start out as accountants, security sales agents, or financial analysts.
- Median annual salary (May 2023): $156,100
- Projected job growth (2023-2033): +17%
What can you learn in a bachelor's in accounting program?
An online bachelor's in accounting program generally emphasizes core math, finance, and business courses. In some cases, such as a bachelor's of business administration (BBA), accounting is considered a specialization or track of a business-focused degree. A traditional bachelor's in accounting program may also offer subspecialties, such as cost accounting, financial accounting, or tax accountancy.
Most bachelor's in accounting programs require 120 credits and take four years to complete, though many online programs offer accelerated options and a choice of full- or part-time enrollment.
Online format
Consider an online program to unlock a variety of unique benefits and learning options. While a bachelor's in accounting program does not usually require fieldwork, online degrees allow you to pursue internship opportunities toward CPA licensure without interrupting your existing work/life obligations.
Many online bachelor's in accounting programs offer a choice of synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) coursework.
Admissions requirements for a bachelor's in accounting program
- High school diploma or GED
- A minimum GPA of 2.5
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation from high school and any colleges previously attended
- Résumé or CV
- Personal essay (optional)
- SAT or ACT scores (may be optional/not required)
- An application fee, commonly between $30 and $90
How to compare accounting programs
Choosing the right bachelor's in accounting program depends on several key considerations, including your specific career goals and any plans to eventually earn an . You should narrow your selection to programs offering your preferred accounting emphasis, with options to matriculate to the graduate level, if desired.
Additionally, make sure to enroll in a program accredited by an agency like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) if you plan to pursue CPA licensure.
Further education in accounting
- Master's in accounting: A program can prepare you for higher-level CPA, chief financial officer (CFO), financial controller, or financial analyst jobs within global financial firms or corporations.
- Doctorate in accounting: A doctorate in accounting is ideal for accounting jobs in academia and research, such as accounting professor, public policy researcher, or forensic accounting expert.