A Simple Guide to Online Accounting Degrees
Learning online has become a popular choice, especially for studying subjects like accounting. Whether you want to start a new career in accounting or improve your skills, you can find many online accounting degree programs to help you. Find out about the different online accounting degrees, what you can learn in each program and where you can find them.
List of Online Accounting Courses
Whether it’s an Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree, accounting is an excellent path for any number savvy learners who want to join the world of finance. There’s a gamut of different courses students can expect to take depending on what degree they’re pursuing.
Common Courses for an Associates Degree
- Financial accounting: Introduction to accounting principles and practices.
- Managerial accounting: Focuses on the use of accounting information for management decision-making.
- Taxation: Covers basic tax laws and regulations.
- Business law: Introduction to legal concepts in business.
- Computerized accounting: Use of accounting software in business operations.
Common Accounting Courses for a Bachelor’s Degree
- Intermediate accounting: Delves deeper into financial accounting and reporting.
- Auditing: Principles and practices of auditing, including risk assessment and control.
- Cost accounting: Focuses on the methods of cost measurement and analysis.
- Corporate finance: Examines financial management within corporations.
Masters Degree Accounting Courses
- Advanced financial reporting: In-depth study of financial reporting and analysis.
- Business ethics and law: Explores ethical and legal issues in business.
- Advanced taxation: Detailed examination of complex tax issues.
- Forensic accounting: Techniques for investigating financial fraud.
Where Online Accounting Degrees are Offered
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is well-known for its online accounting degrees. Its program was fully revised in 2022, allowing students to earn certificates and credentials throughout their program. The school projects a 4% job growth for accountants and auditors through 2032 and boasts an average annual salary of $78,000 for accountants and auditors who study at SNHU.
Purdue Global
No matter what your goals are for pursuing a degree in Accounting, Purdue Global is here to support you. Their online Accounting program offers 34 total courses, career-focused concentrations and the flexibility of being a student online. Purdue Global also offers a unique three-week trial, in which students can take a three-week introductory undergraduate program before fully committing to it.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s AACSB-accredited online Master of Accounting (MAC) Program welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. No matter what stage of your accounting career you’re in–whether you’re just starting out, switching programs or you’re looking to advance further in the industry–the MAC Program prepares you to take the CPA exam and beyond. They offer three concentration options–Tax, Audit or Financial Analysis and Reporting–that take 12-36 months to complete, which you can choose to take on campus or online.
Costs Involved
The average cost of an online accounting degree completely depends on what level of degree it is, where it’s being obtained, the intensity of the program and more. That said, in the United States, an online accounting degree can range in price from $30,000 to $60,000 for a bachelor's degree and $30,000 to $70,000 or more for a master's degree. However, some programs may cost more than $100,000.
The cost per credit hour is usually at least $300, which can add up to around $36,000 for a 120-hour program.
Types of Jobs Available with an Accounting Degree
One of the major benefits of an Accounting degree is how versatile it is. Once you have your degree, there are lots of different professional paths you can take, based on where your interests and skills lie. Some of the most common careers people tend to enter with their Accounting degree include:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- Auditor.
- Financial Analyst.
- Tax Consultant.
- Management Accountant.
- Forensic Accountant.
- Budget Analyst.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Get Started On Your Degree
Getting an online accounting degree is a great way to start or advance your career in finance. With many options available, you can choose a program that fits your needs and schedule. By taking courses in financial accounting, tax laws and more, you'll be ready for jobs like CPA, auditor or financial analyst. Remember to check out schools like Southern New Hampshire University, Purdue Global and UNC Chapel Hill for their online programs. Even though it might cost a lot, the investment in your education can lead to a rewarding career.
Learn more about online MBA degrees.