Accounting Degree Online Programs

Diplomas and certificates offered by distance learning

Accredited accounting degree online programs and other accounts-related distance learning 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 or certficate courses provide value to organizations by handling financial records and dealing with related tax regulations.

Why study accounting via distance learning?

Earning a degree or certificate in accounting through a traditional campus-based program is no longer the only option for students. Online accounting 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 courses provide students with training in specialized accounting and statistical software.

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 programs are available at the following levels.

• Associates in accounting
• Bachelors in accounting
• MBA in accounting
• Masters in accounting
• Doctorate in accounting

Featured Colleges with Online Accounting Programs

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

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

• Associates of Arts in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science - Accounting
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Accounting
• MS: Accounting: CPA Prep
• MS: Accounting: Corporate Accounting
• MS: Accounting: Forensic Accounting
• MS: Accounting: International Accounting
• MS: Accounting: Taxation
• MBA 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. They boast small classes and personal attention from experienced professors regardless of whether you earn your degree on campus, online, or through a combination of both.

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

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 and 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 accounting programs by distance learning.

• AAS in Accounting
• BS in Accounting
• BSA - Auditing/Forensic Accountancy
• BSA - Managerial Accountancy
• BSA - Public Accountancy
• BSA - Tax Accountancy
• 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

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. It's also one of the largest online universities to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees online programs. Their online courses have gained national recognition and won several awards of excellence. With online learners from all 50 states and 52 countries, Capella offers the following online accounting degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• MBA - Accounting
• PhD in Accounting

What should you expect from an online program?

• The length of time to complete a 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 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.

What can you do once you graduate?

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 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. 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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