Online and Distance Learning

Campus and online accounting programs are a popular choice amongst students.  But what is accounting (or accountancy)? 

Accounting is basically the preparing, analyzing and interpreting of financial data.  It is fundamental to the operation of any business, and accountant s are in high demand.  So a qualification in accounting can lead to a very well paid job.

This page is about what the courses are, what employers expect, certification, and what you can earn after completion.  For students who are working it is very often more convenient to complete their accountancy courses online.  This page also has details of where it is possible to obtain an online bachelors in accounting or an online masters in accounting.

What is studied in accountancy programs?

The Associate of Arts in Accounting  (AA in Accounting) degree program develops the foundation of knowledge related to accounting in terms of business strategy, financial statements, cost information, economics, management, and ethical issues.

At the Bachelor's level , core competencies in technology, critical thinking, and communication are emphasized throughout the curriculum, which typically includes: performance analysis, budgeting, managing controls, taxation, and auditing.

The Master of Science in Accounting  will help you broaden your knowledge in a variety of accounting specialties, such as forensic and international accounting.  Coursework usually includes accounting theory and research, accounting information systems, managerial accounting, financial reporting, auditing, taxation, not-for-profit and government accounting, forensic accounting, and accounting ethics.  You can also specialize in Accounting in an MBA, in which you will study advanced financial reporting, auditing theory, taxation.

All these levels are available as online accounting programs.  Make sure the program you select helps you to meet the "150 Hour Requirement" for the CPA Exam and possibly also meet the requirements for the CMA designation (details below).

Which schools offer online accounting programs?

The following colleges and universities offer online accounting programs at various levels.

• American InterContinental University Online
  • Bachelor's of Business Administration - Accounting and Finance
  • MBA - Accounting and Finance

• Capella University
  • BS - Accounting
  • MBA - Accounting

• DeVry University - Online
  • Associate - Accounting
  • Bachelor's - Business Administration - Accounting
  • Master's - Accounting and Financial Management

• Grand Canyon University
  • BS Accounting
  • MS in Accounting

• Herzing University
  • BS in Accounting
  • BS in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting
  • Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting

• Kaplan University - Online
  • AAS in Accounting
  • Advanced Start BS in Accounting
  • BS in Accounting
  • BS in Accounting / Auditing - Forensic Accountancy
  • BS in Accounting / Tax Accountancy
  • BS in Accounting / Government - Nonprofit Accountancy
  • BS in Accounting / Managerial Accountancy
  • BS in Accounting / Public - General Accountancy
  • MS in Accounting

• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
  • Graduate Certificate - Accounting
  • Master's - Accounting and Financial Management

• University of Phoenix
  • Associate of Arts in Accounting
  • Bachelor of Science in Business with a Concentration in Accounting
  • Master of Science in Accountancy

• Everest University - Online
  • Accounting (Associate's)
  • Accounting (Bachelor)

• Colorado Technical University Online
  • Associate's Degree in Accounting (ASACC)
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting
  • Master of Business Administration - Accounting

What does an accountant do in an organization?

Accounting (accountancy) is an essential part of any business. Basically it is concerned with the preparation, analyzing and interpretation of financial statements.

In the case of 'Financial Accounting' reports are mainly produced for external stakeholders such as creditors, investors, and lenders. But in the case of 'Management Accounting', reports are generated on a regular basis for the company's managers and the chief executive officer to enable them to make day-to-day and short-term decisions. But an accountant is also very likely to be involved in the business planning process.

Computer skills and the use of accounting software is now an integral part of accounting, and will be included in any campus or online accounting programs.

What about Professional Certification?

Most companies want their accounting employees to be certified by an appropriate body, for which you usually have to pass a series of tests offered by the relevant Institute.

In the US, legally practicing accountants are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), and other non-statutory accountants are Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs), Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) and Association of Certified Project Accountants (ACPA) Accredited Business Accountants (ABAs). 

In Canada, there are three recognized accounting bodies: the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CA), the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA), and the Society of Management Accountants of Canada, also known as the Certified Management Accountants (CMA).

What salary can graduates of online accounting programs expect?

The sort of salary you could expect will depend on any experience you might bring, which US state or Canadian province you work in, the size of the company, and many other variables. In the USA, with a Bachelor's degree approximate salaries might range from an accountant $44,000 to a financial controller $79,000. In Canada, with a Bachelor's degree approximate salaries range from an accountant $43,000 to a chartered accountant $98,000. (PayScale.com)

More information related to online accounting programs

Online finance programs may be of interest to you if mathematically inclined and have an eye for detail.

If you don't find what you want here, try using the search facility on this site using online accounting programs as your search term.

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

You also use this link to search for online degree programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for a program or a school near you.