Obtaining an online accounting degree has never been easier thanks to several quality schools that offer various undergraduate and advanced degrees. Depending upon your current level of education, you will want to explore your options for the various degrees offered as well as for certification. If you are just getting started with your online accounting degree, you may want to consider doing a bachelors degree first. There are approximately 10 online universities that are considered quite prestigious. All of them offer associates, bachelors, masters and MBA degrees, in various types of accounting procedures and economics.
Online Training vs. Attending Live Lessons
Typically, your online accounting degree will take less time than if you attended a traditional brick-and-mortar university. One of the big advantages of an online degree is the ability to complete classes faster than you might at a traditional university. In addition, an online accounting degree will not incur transportation costs, childcare costs, or other expenses typically associated with attending college or university.
Attending virtual classes, from the safety of your own home, is not only gaining in popularity but also considered the trend of the future. If accounting is something you have always been interested, perhaps you should take advantage of the amazing online opportunities available, to pursue any one of several online accounting degrees. The first level degree is usually an associate degree, typically a two-year degree that may be finished faster with online studies. Next in line is a bachelor’s degree program, typically a four-year degree, which may also be accelerated with online programs. A master’s degree or masters in business administration are both advanced degrees that may be pursued online.
Several universities offer a doctorate program as well. Among the leaders in online education are the University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, DeVry, Post University Online, and Argosy University, among others. All of these fine schools offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to pursue your online accounting degree on your own terms. Offering comprehensive and intensive instruction, both on-site and online learning methods are employed by all of the aforementioned colleges.
Dynamic curriculum, coupled with an interactive learning environment, offers students many of the same opportunities online that are offered in traditional universities. An obvious good choice for the working person or anyone who has a busy schedule, online learning allows students to set their own study schedule. Several colleges allow one to obtain an online accounting degree equivalent to that of a traditional, accredited four-year university, in only about 18 months. Certificate programs are also available from all the major online campuses.
Accelerated online programs are extremely popular as they allow any student to work at their own pace, on their own schedule, and accomplish their educational goals in less time than traditional universities. This is especially important for older students or students who need to become employed as soon as possible. Adults who are hoping to advance a current career, or resume a former career while still handling work, family, and other obligations are drawn to online study for obvious reasons. The ability to just log on and take a class whenever it is convenient draws students from all over the globe to virtual classrooms. A student may obtain a quality education without relocating to some distant region.
Career Options
An online accounting degree, prepares a student to record and analyze financial transactions for individuals and businesses or government agencies. Providing relevant financial information for decision-makers in all entities is one of the primary duties of any accountant. In addition, accountants are entrusted with the preparation of financial statements and the interpretation of financial data for determining such things as tax liability, budgetary concerns, estate and financial planning, audits, and the development of financial systems for the provision of internal security and controls.
The field of accounting is filled with many lucrative and challenging employment opportunities and is an excellent career choice for those who have an aptitude for mathematics. Being a team player and having good people skills is also important for anyone in the field of accounting. Numerous career options are available to those who hold degrees in virtually any area of accounting. Obviously, the more advanced the degree the more options one has in terms of career choices.
When you are considering an online educational institution, it is important to make sure that your school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or an equivalent professional accounting, regulatory organization. Take time to check with your state accountancy license licensing board so that you can make a determination as to the validity and strength of your school’s accreditation. Available financial aid or student loans may be contingent upon your school’s accreditation. One of several reasons why it is important to review your school’s credentials prior to enrollment.
Other considerations when choosing an online school will be the program graduates pass rate, on CPA exams as well as, the program success rate in placing their graduates in career positions. Look for student reviews online of the schools you are considering, for information on how past student’s rate the classes offered, as well as the faculty. You may want to consider whether internships are offered through your online university, given that internships are excellent ways to gain job experience and accumulate professional references. Both will bode well on your resume or curriculum vitae.
Full-Time or Part-Time?
Most online accounting degree programs will offer both full and part-time study options. Some may also be a combination of online classes and on-campus classes. An associate’s degree will probably not meet most states requirements for the CPA exam; however, it will still form a good foundation for a future advanced degree. You will also be able to work as an accounting clerk or in bookkeeping for most small businesses. A Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, will generally allow you to sit for the CPA exam as long as it is the equivalent of 150 credit hours. It may be necessary to inquire about the specific criteria in your state for CPA exam acceptance.
An MBA degree, also called a masters of business administration, or a master of science in accounting, will take longer but will open the door to many more opportunities and options along your career path. The highest-level academic degree is the PhD of accounting, which will allow you to teach at the university level. Your choice of degree will quite obviously depend upon your level of ambition, as well as the time and money you have to invest in your education and career.
Conclusion
This brief overview is intended to help you understand the types of degrees typical for accounting majors as well as what to look for in an online education source. Your particular requirements must be considered as you peruse online accounting degree options. While online education may not be for everyone, for many people it is a convenient and expedient avenue to higher education. Whatever you decide accounting is a career choice that has both opportunity and longevity. The world will always need good accountants.