30 Best Online BBA Accounting Degree Programs 2023

An image of an accountant for our ranking of 30 Best Online BBA Accounting Degree Programs

Looking for a convenient way to earn a degree in accounting? Online learning is a good choice. The job market shifts and changes with time. Certain jobs report record growth, while others stall. But according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for accountants and auditors is stable. There is always a need for skilled professionals in this occupation. To keep up with demand, accredited colleges and universities offer accounting programs online. Below we profile 30 best online accounting program degrees for undergraduates. We also answer your most pressing questions about the accounting major. See which online programs stand out above the rest.

Best Online Accounting Degrees Methodology

We reviewed over 170 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator). We looked at schools that offered BS or online BBA in accounting degrees. To narrow our original pool, we chose schools that met the following criteria:
  • Rankings with U.S. News & World Report (school and/or program)
  • Regional or national accreditation
  • 100% online accounting degree
We then listed the schools in order of affordability. Read on to find which online BBA accounting degrees best suit your needs.

Ranking the Best Online Accounting Schools

#30 – California Baptist University

Online BS in Accounting

Riverside, California Website
California Baptist University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Learn generally accepted accounting principles or take the CPA certification exam with this CBU degree.
Undergraduate Tuition: $37,018/year California Baptist University offers one of the best online colleges for accounting. It has an online BS in accounting degree program for students interested in becoming accountants. The program follows the standards set forth by national accrediting bodies. These standards help students qualify for the Certified Public Accountant examination. Curriculum covers topics such as:
  • Accounting info systems
  • Business law
  • Cost accounting
  • Financial accounting
Graduates of the program go on to get jobs in corporate accounting. They also qualify for jobs where they conduct financial analysis. But what sets CBU’s online accounting bachelor’s degree apart from other business schools are the number of business courses offered. CBU ranks #28 in best regional schools in the West by U.S. News and World Report.

#29 – Colorado Christian University

Online BS in Accounting

Lakewood, Colorado Website
Colorado Christian University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Colorado Christian University is a top choice for online bachelor’s in accounting degrees.
Undergraduate Tuition: $35,436/year Colorado Christian University offers an accounting degree designed for undergraduates interested in accounting careers. You can earn a BS in accounting degree online. The program is set up to take one course at a time. These courses run five and seven weeks in length. The courses you take cover many different business and accounting topics. Online students explore topics such as:
  • Accounting theory and systems
  • Data analytics in accounting
  • Government & not for profit organizations
  • Financial data
Interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant? Good news. This program helps you qualify for the CPA exam. CCU also ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #46 in best regional schools in the West and #5 in innovative schools.

#28 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Online BS in Accounting

Marion, Indiana Website
Indiana Wesleyan University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Study business administration or accounting at IWU!
Undergraduate Tuition: $28,960/year Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered school that offers an online accounting degree. It offers an online bachelor’s in accounting degree program. The program focuses on accounting theory and auditing. It also covers taxation. But at the core of the online degree, students learn how to problem solve through practical application. You earn each credit hour online. But the same faculty who instruct on campus deliver the online instruction. Topics covered in the online courses include:
  • Accounting ethics
  • Business law
  • Federal income tax
  • Financial statements
IWU ranks #13 in best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News. It also ranks #61 in best value schools and #9 in most innovative. To help decrease costs, the school offers competitive financial aid awards.

#27 – Berkeley College

Online BBA in Accounting

New York, New York Website
A logo of Berkeley College for our ranking 30 Best Online BBA Accounting Degree Programs
Financial aid awards help cut costs for the online accounting bachelor’s degree at Berkeley College.
Undergraduate Tuition: $27,600/year Berkeley College is one of the top accounting schools online. You can earn a BBA degree designed to prepare you for accounting careers. In this program, you learn about many different accounting topics. Your courses feature studies in accounting theory and principles. But you also learn real-world skills you can put into practice on the job. These courses cover topics such as:
  • Auditing
  • Business law
  • Federal taxation
  • Strategic management
Online students who’ve graduated from this program have landed jobs in government and nonprofit accounting. They’ve also found work in public accounting. U.S. News ranks the school #35-#45 in best regional colleges in the North.

#26 – Maryville University

Online BS in Accounting

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

Maryville University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Maryville University is a top choice for business schools with accounting options.
Undergraduate Tuition: $27,166/year Maryville University is a good school for an accounting degree. You can earn your undergraduate degree online. The BS in Accounting degree program is for working students with career goals of becoming an accountant. In this program, your online learning covers many business and accounting topics. Courses include:
  • Financial accounting
  • Financial reporting
There are also niche areas of business and accounting you can study. These include project management and supply chain management. As an online accounting major at Maryville, you cover the same topics that your peers in the on campus program cover. And when you graduate, you’re prepared to take the CPA exam. To cut costs, Maryville offers financial aid awards. It also ranks with U.S. News as a top national school.

#25 – Brescia University

Online BS in Accounting

Owensboro, Kentucky Website
Brescia University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
The accounting online program at Brescia accepts transfer credits.
Undergraduate Tuition: $26,950/year Brescia University offers a flexible and affordable accounting program online. This program accepts transfer credits and awards financial aid to qualifying online students. As an accounting major at Brescia, you take classes that prepare you for professional exams like the Certified Public Accountant examination. Your online learning courses cover topics such as:
  • Auditing
  • Business policy
  • Federal entity tax
  • Financial data
  • Financial reporting
The school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #35 in best regional colleges in the South. It also ranks #18 in best value schools.

#24 – Concordia University

Online BS in Accounting

Saint Paul, Minnesota Website
Concordia University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Generous financial aid awards help you afford an accounting degree online at Concordia University.
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,900/year Concordia University is a best online school for accounting degrees. It offers a BS in Accounting degree online. You can finish this degree in 2.5 years. In this online learning program, each credit hour prepares you for the CMA and CPA certification exams. You take courses that teach you how to prepare financial statements. You also learn about financial analysis and legal and ethical issues in business. Concordia accepts transfer credits and awards federal financial aid. These help cut costs and save you money while enrolled in online programs. U.S. News ranks Concordia #66 in best regional schools in the Midwest.

#23 – Point University

Online BS in Accounting

West Point, Georgia Website
Point University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Online programs at Point include the BS in Accounting degree.
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,850/year Point University is a good school for an accounting degree. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program with a concentration in forensics and fraud. The program is for students interested in forensic accounting. It offers courses that cover topics in auditing and fraud examination. It also covers fraud detection and prevention techniques. Transfer students can enjoy generous transfer credit opportunities. Whether you’ve taken college algebra or a class in financial statements, you can transfer credits. This helps cut your credit hour costs. Other benefits of the school include its accreditation and rankings. Its rankings include #68 in best regional colleges in the South.

#22 – University of Mary

Online BS in Accounting

Bismarck, North Dakota Website
University of Mary - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
University of Mary’s BS in Accounting is fully online!
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,290/year University of Mary offers one of the best online accounting program degrees. You can earn a BS in Accounting online. This program prepares online students seeking CPA certification competencies. It also prepares you for eligibility with most MBA accountancy programs. Each credit hour in accounting teaches you relevant principles. You take courses that cover topics like:
  • Cash flow analysis
  • Cost management and strategy
  • Fund accounting
  • Intermediate accounting i and ii
To cut costs, the school offers financial aid awards. It also has a generous transfer credit policy. Most students finish their degree in about three years. This is shorter than most programs of its kind. The school ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Current rankings include #330-#440 in best national institutions.

#21 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online BS in Accounting

Manchester, New Hampshire Website
Southern New Hampshire University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
SNHU’s online accounting bachelor’s degree prepares students for CMA and CPA certification.
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,380/year Southern New Hampshire University is an affordable school for an accounting degree. It offers a Bachelor of Accounting degree program online. The degree serves as the first step toward a CPA or CMA certification. As such, the program prepares students to qualify to sit for either exam. Good news for transfer students. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits and acts as an accelerated BS to MS pathway. Your courses at SNHU cover both foundational and advanced accounting topics. Courses include:
  • Auditing principles
  • Business law
  • Federal taxation
  • Financial state analysis & business valuation
  • Intermediate accounting
SNHU has received rankings from U.S. News. Rankings include #133-#175 in regional universities in the North and #2 in most innovative schools.

#20 – University of Minnesota

Online BS in Accounting

Minneapolis, Minnesota Website
University of Minnesota - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
The University of Minnesota’s online programs include a BS in Accounting.
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,254/year University of Minnesota offers one of the best online CPA programs. Its BS in Accounting degree prepares students with the knowledge they need to pass certification exams. Your accounting major covers topics in accounting systems. You learn different auditing and project management skills that you use in an accounting career. You can transfer credit into the program and cut your completion time. Like some accounting degree programs, this one also offers financial aid awards. This also cuts costs and helps you earn a degree that’s less burdensome on your budget. The school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #62 in best national universities and #160 in best value schools.

#19 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Online BS in Accounting

University Park, Pennsylvania Website
Pennsylvania State University World Campus - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Pennsylvania State University World Campus has an affordable option for online bachelor’s degrees in accounting.
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,338/year Pennsylvania State University World Campus offers an accounting degree that has received the Advance Collegiate Schools recognition. The online BS in Accounting degree is one of only a handful of business schools accredited by the AACSB. In this program, you learn different accounting techniques. Your courses cover topics in auditing, federal income taxes, and financial accounting. The courses also prepare online students for five certification exams. These include:
  • CFE
  • CGMA
  • CIA
  • CMA
  • CPA
U.S. News ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #16 in the country, making it one of the top online programs on our list.

#18 – University of Arizona

BBA Accounting Online

Tucson, Arizona Website
University of Arizona - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
The University of Arizona offers certified public accountant training.
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,736/year The University of Arizona is a good school for an online accounting degree. It offers an online BBA accounting degree that’s IACBE-accredited. The online degree program helps students learn accounting basics while earning a bachelor of business administration degree. The mix of business and accounting classes gives you a strong foundation for related careers. Courses run five weeks. They move at a rigorous pace. These courses cover topics such as:
  • Accounting systems
  • International accounting
  • Leadership & financial analysis
You can also earn an emphasis in an area of interest. These specializations include homeland security and real estate. UA ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #105 in best national schools.

#17 – Colorado Technical University

Online BS in Accounting

Colorado Springs, Colorado Website
Colorado Technical University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Colorado Tech offers an online degree in accounting that’s ACBSP-accredited.
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,581/year Colorado Technical University is a good school for accounting degrees. It offers an online BS in Accounting program that prepares students for careers in the field. The program moves at a quick pace, but you can earn your degree in less than four years. Transfer credits also help you complete your degree in less time. The online program offers many general and advanced accounting courses. Some of the required coursework you complete covers topics in:
  • Computerized accounting
  • Intermediate accounting integrations
  • Management information systems in accounting
CTU ranks with U.S. News as a top school. Its rankings include #331-#440 in best national universities. It has also received recognition from Advance Collegiate Schools.

#16 – Washington State University Global Campus

Online BS in Accounting

Pullman, Washington Website
Washington State University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Ranked and accredited! WSU’s accounting degree online.
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,417/year Washington State University has one of the best online accounting programs. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting online. This program helps online students get a grasp on accounting theories and practices. Courses cover topics in taxation and business ethics. They also teach students about auditing. You learn how to put your studies in intermediate accounting into practice. Courses move at a fast rate. Most take seven weeks to complete. Good news if you want to finish your degree early. The fast-moving classes and summer courses shorten the time you spend in the program. WSU ranks with U.S. News. Recent rankings include:
  • #212 in best national schools
  • #177 in best value schools
  • #140 in best schools for veterans

#15 – University of Louisville

Online BSBA in Accountancy

Louisville, Kentucky Website
University of Louisville - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Affordable and ranked! University of Louisville’s online bachelor of business administration in accountancy is a top choice program.
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,370/year University of Louisville offers an online accounting program. You can get a BSB in Accountancy. This program mirrors the one offered on campus. In this program, you take courses that prepare you for the CPA exam. Courses help you develop your business practices and abilities. They also improve your research skills in tax and auditing. Online courses cover topics such as:
  • Auditing theory and practice
  • Business education
  • Intermediate accounting i & ii
  • Managerial cost accounting
You can finish the degree in four years, but transfer students can earn their business education in less time. Transfer credit helps reduce your degree completion time. The school ranks with U.S. News. Current rankings include #182 in best national universities and #146 in best value schools.

#14 – Arizona State University

Online BS in Accountancy

Tempe, Arizona Website
Arizona State University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
ASU’s bachelor’s in accountancy is an affordable, online program.
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,348/year Arizona State University is a good school for an accounting degree. Students interested in related careers or taking the CPA exam can earn a BS in Accountancy online. The online program consists of 120 credit hours. Courses run between 7-8 weeks. They cover topics such as:
  • Business statistics
  • Computer applications & information technology
  • Enterprise process analysis & design
  • Internal reporting
  • Managerial accounting
When you graduate from the program, you can sit for the CPA or CMA certification exams. You can also apply to graduate school and earn a master’s degree in business or accounting. ASU has received rankings with major publications. U.S. News ranks the school #121 in top national universities.

#13 – Purdue University Global

Online BS in Accounting

West Lafayette, Indiana Website
Purdue University Global - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Purdue Global’s accounting programs are flexible and online.
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,125/year Purdue University Global is an affordable school for an accounting degree. For around $10,000/year, you can earn an online BS in Accounting. The program has 10-week terms and career-focused concentrations. Online students can tailor their degrees in accounting specialties such as:
  • Auditing/forensic
  • Managerial
  • Public
  • Tax
Through your courses and curriculum, you gain the knowledge you need to sit for the CMA or CPA exams. Courses cover topics in business law and accounting theory. You also learn about cost accounting and federal tax. The ACBSP-accredited program ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #331-#440 in top national schools and #169-#227 in best public schools.

#12 – University of the Cumberlands

Online BS in Accounting

Williamsburg, Kentucky Website
University of the Cumberlands - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Earn an online accounting bachelor’s degree at the University of the Cumberlands.
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,875/year The University of the Cumberlands offers an online accounting undergraduate degree that’s IACBE-accredited. The program is for students seeking a degree online that prepares them for professional accounting careers. Online courses cover business and finance topics. They also cover:
  • Accounting information systems
  • Advanced accounting
  • Federal income tax
Curriculum and courses mirror those offered through the on-campus accounting programs. Online students earn the same degree!

#11 – Indiana State University

Online BS in Accounting

Terre Haute, Indiana Website
Indiana State University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Indiana State University’s online accounting bachelor’s degree accepts transfer students.
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,598/year Indiana State University is an affordable school for aspiring accountants. It offers online bachelor’s degrees in accounting for those who want to become licensed certified public accountants. The program consists of 120 credit hours. But transfer students can shorten the length of time it takes to complete the total credit hours. Your online courses cover advanced topics in accounting. From accounting systems to auditing theory, you learn the skills needed to work as an expert in the field. Electives cover topics like:
  • Advanced federal income taxation
  • Business education
  • Financial reporting
The accredited school ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Current rankings include #331-#440 in best national universities and #169-#227 in top public schools.

#10 – University of Arkansas

Online BSBA in Accounting

Fayetteville, Arkansas Website
University of Arkansas - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
University of Arkansas offers an accounting program ranked with U.S. News.
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,574/year The University of Arkansas is a good school for students interested in learning accounting. It offers an online undergraduate accounting program. You can earn a BSBA in Accounting. The program consists of 120 credit hours. Most courses run 15 weeks, but summer courses take five weeks. Core courses and electives cover topics such as:
  • Accounting principles
  • Data analysis & interpretation
  • Financial accounting
  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
With its strong academics, the school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #176 in best national universities. It also ranks #202 in best value schools.

#9 – University of Alabama at Birmingham

Online BS in Accounting

Birmingham, Alabama Website
University of Alabama - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
UAB is a top affordable school for online accounting.
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,568/year The University of Alabama Birmingham is an affordable school for an online accounting degree. It offers an accounting program that prepares students for today’s competitive job market. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, this program has received a premiere stamp of approval. Only 5% of all business schools worldwide have received this accreditation. Curriculum prepares students for all types of certification exams, including:
  • CFE
  • CIA
  • CISA
  • CMA
  • CPA
The school also offers a generous transfer credit policy. UAB ranks #137 in best national universities by U.S. News. It also ranks #195 in best value schools.

#8 – Colorado State University Global

Online BS in Accounting

Aurora, Colorado Website
Colorado State University Global - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
CSU Global’s online accounting programs include this bachelor’s degree program.
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,400/year Colorado State University Global is a top-ranked school. It offers an online accounting degree for undergraduates.  The program is for students seeking online learning options in accounting. In this program, you study accounting fundamentals. You also cover advanced topics you need to enter the business industry. All courses are online. It mirrors the on campus program. You take courses that cover a wide range of topics. These include:
  • Accounting theory
  • Intermediate accounting in practice
  • Legal and ethical issues in business
CSU Global ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Its bachelor’s online degree programs rank #10 in the country. 

#7 – Bellevue University

Online BS in Accounting

Bellevue, Nebraska Website
Bellevue University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Bellevue’s online accounting program is IACBE-accredited!
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,310/year Bellevue University is an affordable college for an accounting degree. It offers a BS in Accounting that you can earn online.  The program prepares students for careers in many business industries. It also teaches students what they need to know to get into a graduate business or accounting program. Courses you take online cover topics such as:
  • Financial accounting
  • Financial statements
  • Managerial accounting
  • Principles of marketing
The school also has a generous transfer policy for transfer students. If eligible, you can cut your per credit hour cost by transferring classes you took.

#6 – University of Maryland Global Campus

Online BS in Accounting

Adelphi, Maryland Website
University of Maryland Global Campus - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
UMGC offers online accounting programs ranked with U.S. News.
Undergraduate tuition: $7,704/year UMGC is a good school for an online accounting program. It offers an online BS in Accounting degree that’s designed for students seeking jobs in accounting and business. The program helps you develop your managerial accounting skills. It also teaches you about relevant topics in the field. Your courses teach you about auditing theory and practice. You also cover federal tax and accounting information systems. From financial accounting to fraud and forensics, electives also teach you about niche areas of accounting. And if you plan to sit for any of the certification exams, the accounting program can help. UMGC ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#5 – SUNY Empire State College

Online BS in Accounting

Saratoga Springs, New York Website
SUNY Empire State College - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
SUNY Empire State College offers an online degree in accounting that’s ranked and accredited.
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,630/year State University of New York, SUNY Empire offers an accredited online BS in Accounting degree. The program is for students who want to earn licensing to work as accountants. The program offers many different classes that prepare you to sit for licensing exams. You take a series of core business courses followed by advanced accounting courses. The program also helps you earn what you need to get into graduate school. Admission requires students to have a GED or high school diploma. Transfer students can transfer some of their work from a two-year institution. This include college algebra or basic business courses. The school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #133-#175 in best regional schools in the North.

#4 – Western Governors University

Online BSBA in Accounting

Salt Lake City, Utah Website
 
A logo of WGU for our ranking on 30 Best Online BBA Accounting Degree Programs
Earn an online accounting degree that prepares you for the certified public accountant exam at WGU!
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,452/year Western Governors University is an accredited school that offers online business and accounting degrees. Here you can earn a BSBA in Accounting online. The program helps you gain mastery over specific skills needed to work in the accounting industry. You take a total of 41 courses, basic and advanced. These courses teach you different accounting theories and principles. You take:
  • Accounting information systems
  • Financial accounting
  • Fundamentals of Accounting
  • Principles of Finance
WGU ranks with major publications such as U.S. News & World Report.

#3 – American Public University

Online BS in Accounting

Charles Town, West Virginia Website
American Public University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
APU’s undergraduate accounting programs have received ACBSP accreditation.
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,360/year  American Public University is an affordable school for accounting and business programs. You can earn a BS in Accounting online degree through the Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business. The program teaches you both applied and theoretical accounting. It also covers business courses that teach you principles and advanced topics. You graduate ready for work in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. All courses run between eight and 16 weeks. You must finish 120 total credit hours to earn your degree. It takes about four years to finish your degree. Your courses cover topics like:
  • Advanced productivity applications
  • Law & ethics in a business environment

#2 – Eastern New Mexico University

Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Portales, New Mexico Website
Eastern New Mexico University - 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
The accounting program at ENMU is online and affordable.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,648/year Eastern New Mexico University is an affordable school for an online accounting degree. You can earn a BBA in Accounting that prepares you for work in the field or entry to graduate school. The online BBA accounting degree program offers foundational and advanced coursework. It teaches you the basics of business while exploring deeper topics in accounting. You graduate prepared for an accounting career in many different sectors. Some students go into private business, while others seek nonprofit work. The program also prepares you for certification in relevant areas. You can sit for the following certification exams:
  • CFE
  • CGFM
  • CIA
  • CMA
  • CPA
ENMU ranks with U.S. News. Its most recent rankings include #90-#117 in top regional universities in the West. It also ranks #45-#59 in top public schools.

#1 – Fayetteville State University

Online BS in Accounting

Fayetteville, North Carolina Website
Fayetteville State University - Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
#1 affordable online accounting degree – Fayetteville State University!
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,379/year Fayetteville State University offers an accounting program online for undergraduates. You can earn a BS in Accounting online. The accounting program covers many financial accounting topics. You take courses in finance, management, and statistics. You also learn data processing and how to audit taxes. The flexible schedule and programming appeal to working students. You work at your own pace. You also have start times that bend with your schedule. You don’t have to show up for class at a particular time. As a school that is part of the UNC System, it is accredited and ranked. FSU ranks with U.S. News as the 72nd best regional school in the South. It also has the most affordable options with generous financial aid awards for qualifying students. _____________

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with an online BBA in Accounting?

Business schools around the country offer accounting degrees. But some offer a combination of business and accounting degree. This is called a BBA or BSBA in Accounting. A BBA or BSBA is a business degree with an accounting focus. Some college graduates with this degree go to work for financial institutions. Others work for government agencies or branch out on their own to launch a business. But most with these degrees find work as:
  • Accountants
  • Auditors
  • Financial analysts
  • Personal financial advisors
To become an accountant, you need a degree and licensure. The license you get depends on which career path as an accountant you plan to take. But most online accounting programs prepare you to sit for a qualifying licensure exam.

7 Accounting Certifications

There are seven accounting certifications to look at as you plan your degree and career journey.
  • CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
  • CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
  • CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant)
  • CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
  • CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
  • CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

What is the job outlook with an online degree in accounting?

Good news for aspiring accountants. You can expect 6% job growth through 2031 in this occupation. This means that over 136,400 job openings for accountants should result each year, over the next decade. Why? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports several reasons for growth. These include:
  1. Economic expansion
  2. Job replacements
  3. Tax law changes
Over the next several years, experts project that the economy will struggle to bounce back from the toll the COVID-19 pandemic exacted on it. Recovery efforts will result in new and expanding businesses in need of financial management. This will cause job creation for accountants and auditors. As current accountants retire and exit the workforce, new accountants must take their place. Job replacements will drive growth over the next ten years, causing an increase in employment growth for this occupation. The last reason experts believe accountants will see job growth has to do with tax laws. Auditing standards change. Tax laws become more complex. This results in the need for trained professionals who can help with complicated taxation. But competition at the most elite accounting firms is fierce. To help yourself stand out from your competitors, consider licensing add-ons and/or additional schooling. Getting a master’s degree in accounting and a secondary license can make your resumé shine.

How much money can you earn with a BSBA or BBA online degree?

Earnings for accountants is higher than the average wage reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Close to $30,000 more per year! The BLS reports average wages for accountants and auditors as $77,250/year. The lowest 10% of earners in this occupation make about $48,000/year, while the highest 10% earn almost $129,000/year. That’s a wide margin, but there are ways to increase your earnings. What causes the difference in pay? Why do some accountants earn much higher wages than others?
  • Education level
  • Geographic location
  • Industry type
  • Years of experience
As with most professions, the more education and experience you have on the job, the more money you make. Earning a master’s degree or getting industry licenses can help increase your earnings. But where you work also impacts your wages. There are four high-paying industries for accountants. These include:
  1. Finance and insurance: $79,310/year
  2. Management of companies and enterprises: $78,540/year
  3. Government: $77,290/year
  4. Accounting, tax prep, bookkeeping, payroll services: $77,080/year
Where you live also impacts your earnings. Certain geographic locations pay higher wages than others. According to the BLS, the highest paying states are as follows:
  1. Washington, DC: $110,240/year
  2. New York: $105,790/year
  3. New Jersey: $97,950/year
  4. California: $92,840/year
  5. Massachusetts: $92,310/year
Certain metro areas also pay higher wages for accountants. You can earn top wages in areas like Vienna, West Virginia and Denver, Colorado. Top-paying non-metro areas include rural Colorado and Alaska.

What classes do you take in an online accounting program?

Most online accounting programs require a wide range of courses. You take everything from college algebra to human resources. Your liberal arts courses allow you to explore different career paths. But your major requires that you take many advanced accounting courses. The best online bachelor’s degrees in accounting want about half of your courses to be in general education. You will take many humanities and social science courses. You will also explore some natural sciences and mathematics. Your accounting degree online will also cover a series of basic and advanced accounting classes. Here are a few common accounting courses found in most accounting online degree programs accredited.

Accounting Information Systems

This course teaches students how to use industry-standard technological tools to perform financial tasks. You learn how to use technology and accounting software to solve problems and analyze data.

Financial Accounting

This course teaches students how the accounting cycle works. You learn how to prepare statements and ensure compliance with tax laws. Some financial accounting courses require a general finance class as a prerequisite.

Intermediate Accounting i & ii

Intermediate accounting is a year long course that serves as a foundation for other accounting courses to build on. This course covers accounting rules and methodologies that get more complex as the course continues.

Managerial Accounting

Managerial accounting teaches you how to manage the financial records of an organization. In this course, you learn how to keep accurate records, increase profits, and improve performance.

What are the most popular jobs for an online bachelor’s degree in accounting?

Graduates of accounting degree programs can work in any industry. But there are two jobs that are more common than others. 

Accountants

Accountants work in different organizations. They analyze financial records for companies and individuals. They also create financial statements. Their job is to ensure compliance and maximize a company’s profits. Accountants work in:
  • Accounting organizations
  • Financial institutions
  • Government agencies
They work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. But during tax preparation season, accountants work extended hours to keep up with the large workload.

Auditors

Auditors are financial specialists. They ensure the legality and validity of individual and organizational financial records. Some work as external consultants to clients, while others hold in-house positions. Work peaks during quarterly tax preparation season for auditors. But most work over 40 hours/week. BDP Staff November 2022

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