Online bachelor's in accounting: flexible and accredited degrees
Find the accounting program that will bring you closer to your ideal career. Study 100% online from prestigious universities worldwide.
Explore online accounting degrees
Why earn a bachelor's in accounting?
Pursue your desired specialization
Become eligible to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and explore specializations such as forensic, financial, or managerial accounting.
Enroll in the academic program that works for you
Choose online learning modes tailored to your preferences, such as self-paced, part-time, and accelerated bachelor's in accounting options.
Build versatile, in-demand skills
Meet the minimum education requirements for diverse accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing roles.
Browse online bachelor’s degree programs in accounting
Careers with an online accounting degree?
With a bachelor's degree in accounting degree you can qualify for in-demand jobs with positive growth projections. The demand for accountants continues to rise due to economic expansion, increasingly complex financial regulations, and evolving tax laws.
Explore potential accounting careers to pursue, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Accountants
Accountants review and prepare financial records, ensuring their accuracy and compliance. Many accountants pursue CPA licensure or specialize in an area such as cost, financial, or forensic accounting.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $81,680
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): +5%
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 2024): $59,740
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): -2%
Financial managers
Financial managers oversee an organization's investment activities and financial goals and report on its financial health. Many financial managers begin their careers as accountants, securities agents, or financial analysts.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $161,700
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): +15%
What will you learn in an online bachelor's in accounting program?
An generally covers foundational coursework in math, finance, and business. In some cases, such as an online bachelor's of business administration (BBA), accounting is considered a specialization or track of a business-focused degree. Other accounting bachelor's programs may also offer subspecialties, such as cost accounting, financial accounting, or tax accountancy.
Most online bachelor's in accounting programs require 120 credits and may be completed in four years. They may also offer accelerated options and flexible enrollment (full- or part-time study).
Flexible online accounting degree formats
Online programs offer flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other obligations. While a bachelor's in accounting program does not usually require fieldwork, online degrees allow you to pursue internship opportunities and gain practical experience without disrupting your schedule.
Many online bachelor's in accounting programs offer a choice of synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) coursework.
Admissions requirements for accounting programs
Common admissions requirements for online bachelor's in accounting programs may include:
- High school diploma or GED
- A minimum GPA of 2.5
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Résumé or CV
- Personal essay (optional)
- SAT or ACT scores (optional in many programs)
- An application fee, commonly between $30–$90
How to choose the right online accounting program
Choosing the right bachelor's in accounting program depends on several key considerations, including your specific career goals and any plans to eventually pursue a master's in business administration . Focus on programs that offer your preferred accounting specialization and provide pathways to graduate-level study, 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 the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) if you plan to pursue CPA licensure.
Master’s and doctorate degrees in accounting
- Master's in accounting: A can prepare you for roles such as chief financial officer (CFO), financial controller, or financial analyst jobs at major companies or global firms.
- Doctorate in accounting: A doctorate in accounting is ideal for roles in academia and research, such as accounting professor, public policy researcher, or forensic accounting expert.