An undergraduate accounting degree can qualify workers for careers in accounting with higher-than-average salaries. Though standard accounting bachelor's degrees take four years to complete, some accelerated accounting degrees allow students to graduate more quickly, sometimes in just three years.
Accelerated and three-year programs are full bachelor's degrees. They typically require the same number of credits as four-year programs. These are not the same as degree-completion programs, which require students to have an associate degree or other transferable college credits.
Accelerated accounting degrees can benefit accounting students who plan to pursue certified public accountant (CPA) licensure. CPA certification requires 150 credit hours of education. Since most bachelor's degrees are only 120 credit hours, this means learners often need to pursue additional coursework, which can take the form of a master's degree in accounting or a graduate certificate. An accelerated bachelor's can streamline this process.
Accelerated degrees are also ideal for students looking to enter the workforce more quickly. Three-year program enrollees can graduate and begin earning a full-time salary more quickly than traditional four-year degree students.
Explore this guide to learn more about the benefits of accelerated accounting degrees and see our rankings of the best accelerated accounting programs.
Why Pursue an Accelerated Accounting Degree?
-
Faster Graduation: Because students in accelerated programs spend less time in school, they graduate and enter the workforce faster than other learners.
-
Lowered Cost: Completing a degree more quickly can help learners save money on up to a full year of expenses like tuition and campus housing.
-
Efficient Pathway to CPA Licensure: To qualify for CPA licensure, accounting professionals need to earn additional credits beyond the 120 required for a typical bachelor's degree. Many students fulfill these requirements by taking graduate-level courses. Enrolling in an accelerated program can streamline this process by allowing learners to complete their undergraduate education more quickly.
Trade-Offs in Getting Your Accounting Bachelor's Faster
-
High Workload: Fitting all graduation requirements into a shorter time frame increases the workload for each term and often means enrollees also need to complete summer courses.
-
Fewer Internship Opportunities: Accounting students often complete summer internships to gain experience, develop professional networks, and even find full-time job offers. Because accelerated learners often take a full load of summer courses and are enrolled for fewer overall summers, they may not have as many opportunities as other students to complete these internships.
-
Less Time for Electives: Accelerated students usually have more rigid degree paths and full course loads each term. They may not have as much time as other learners to explore electives, concentrations, or minors.
What to Expect From a Short Accounting Degree Program
Accelerated bachelor's in accounting programs usually take three years of full-time study. These degrees typically require the same number of credits as other programs. However, to facilitate faster completion, accelerated degree enrollees often take classes or complete internships in the summers or during shortened winter terms.
Some schools with accelerated degrees may offer courses that run in shorter academic terms — 5- to 8-week classes instead of a typical quarter or semester. Summer and winter presession classes also usually operate on condensed timelines.
Because learners who took high school dual enrollment or AP and IB exams can test out of general education requirements, they may be able to enroll in fewer courses per term to complete their accelerated degree.
Some institutions offer a fast-track combined degree option for accelerated students looking to complete a master's degree as well. As learners finish their bachelor's coursework in their third or fourth year of study, they begin taking graduate-level classes to work toward the master's degree, which they typically finish in 1-2 years. This is also an efficient option for aspiring CPAs seeking the 150 credits required for licensure.
Three-year programs are designed for full-time students. Many schools offering accelerated programs also have standard-length degrees that require the same classes in a less condensed course schedule. Learners interested in attending school part time may find those traditional programs better suit their needs.
Degree and Concentration Options
Accelerated accounting programs are often offered as bachelor of science or bachelor of business administration (BBA) degrees. These are also common degree types for four-year accounting degrees.
Some accounting programs offer degree concentration options such as public accounting, tax, auditing, and forensic accounting. These concentrations allow enrollees to specialize their education toward specific career fields.
Admissions Process
Accelerated accounting degrees are open to all incoming first-year students, including those who just finished high school. Generally, there are no past work experience requirements. In many cases, learners apply for the fast-track option after acceptance to the school. They can also work with their advisor to build an accelerated schedule.
The admissions process for accelerated degrees is often identical to the process for standard degrees. Students submit an application, which typically includes high school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Many colleges require ACT or SAT scores.
Popular Accounting Bachelor's Courses
A typical curriculum for bachelor's in accounting degrees consists of accounting major courses and general education classes. Accounting major courses can include financial accounting, managerial accounting, and economics. Accounting BBAs usually require business-related classes.
Below, we explore common accounting courses:
Financial Accounting
This is often an introductory course for accounting majors. It covers basic techniques for creating and reconciling financial reports.
Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting courses focus on how to use accounting in support of business management and decision-making.
Principles of Auditing
Students in this course learn the principles and best practices of auditing, including how to gather necessary information and complete audit reports. The class also covers ethical and legal considerations for auditing.
External Reporting
This course covers accounting practices related to preparing external reports.
How Much Do Accelerated Bachelor's Programs Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics found that the average tuition for undergraduate students in the 2020-21 school year was $13,667.
Tuition for accelerated accounting programs varies by location, institution type, and delivery method. Tuition will typically be higher at private schools than public schools. Out-of-state public institutions are usually more expensive than in-state public institutions. Online programs sometimes charge lower rates for distance learners, including public schools that offer in-state tuition to all online students regardless of state residency.
Depending on how a school assesses tuition, accelerated accounting programs may be a more affordable bachelor's degree option. For institutions that charge a flat per-semester rate for full-time students, enrolling in a high course load each term to graduate early may reduce the total number of terms a student is enrolled and paying tuition, which consequently can reduce overall degree cost.
However, since accelerated degrees typically require the same number of credits as traditional bachelor's degrees, a shorter degree will not be cheaper at schools that charge tuition on a per-credit basis. Accelerated students also often do summer or winter terms, resulting in extra tuition charges.
There are many financial aid options available to accelerated students, including public and private loans, grants, and scholarships. Loans require repayment, while grants and scholarships do not. See our financial aid guide for more information about the assistance available to accounting students.
Best Accelerated Accounting Degrees
An accelerated accounting degree allows students to fast track a career in the field. We've ranked the top 2023 accelerated accounting degrees using our objective, comprehensive methodology.
#1 Best Accelerated Accounting Degrees 2023
Arizona State University-West
- Glendale, AZ
- 4 years
- Campus
Established in 1883, ASU opened its doors nearly three decades before Arizona became a state. ASU enrolls more than 100,00 students annually throughout its Arizona locations and online.
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Offered through Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Accountancy, the accelerated BS in accountancy allows learners to earn a degree in three years. Students can complete the accelerated program online, at ASU's Tempe and West campuses, or through ASU local.
The accelerated bachelor's in accountancy includes 120 credits of general education and major coursework. Students study accounting, economics, finance, and business. They also complete a capstone requirement. Enrollees can choose to complete an internship.
Throughout the accounting bachelor's degree, ASU provides career coaching, resume assistance, and guidance after graduation. Students can earn their bachelor's and master's degrees in as few as five years through the accelerated taxation and data analytics program.
ASU's Accelerated Experience
Through eight terms, students in the accelerated bachelor's degree in accountancy complete four years of coursework. This requires full-time enrollment during summer sessions. Eligibility for summer financial aid varies by student.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $6,984/semester (in state); $8,119/semester (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 3 years
- Delivery Format: Online, on-campus, synchronous, asynchronous
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants submit transcripts and test scores for consideration
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT
- Cost: $50 (in state); $80 (out of state)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Accelerated Accounting Degrees 2023
Mount Mercy University
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, MMU is a Catholic-based institution that emphasizes academic excellence. Established in 1928 by the Sisters of Mercy, MMU offers undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 1,600 students annually.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Designed to help prepare students for the certified public accountant and certified management accounting exams, Mount Mercy University's accelerated bachelor's in accounting includes 123 credit hours of coursework.
Required business classes build fundamental skills in accounting, finance, economics, and management. Core major courses include tax accounting, auditing, and cost accounting.
Students complete an accounting internship with a local business. Transfer students can enter the program with up to 75 credits from a community college or 93 credits from an accredited four-year university.
MMU's Accelerated Experience
To earn an accounting bachelor's degree in three years, enrollees must be first-year students and complete an internship. Accelerated learners must enter the program with at least 15 credits from Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, or community college coursework. CLEP testing is accepted and recommended.
Accelerated accounting students complete January terms and enroll during summers.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $38,070/year
- Required Credits: 123
- Program Length: 3-4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus, synchronous, asynchronous]
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants submit transcripts and optional test scores for consideration
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: Optional ACT and SAT
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Accelerated Accounting Degrees 2023
Thomas College
- Waterville, ME
- 4 years
- Campus
Thomas offers career-focused academic programs from its 120-acre campus in Waterville, Maine. Founded as a business college in 1894, Thomas emphasizes innovation, technology, and business in its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Financial Analysis
Thomas College's accounting bachelor's programs offer a three-year option and require 121 credits. Learners can specialize in managerial accounting, public accounting, or forensic accounting.
Required accounting and financial analysis courses include accounting theory, personal financial planning, accounting and financial information systems. Students also explore federal personal income taxation, investment management, and complete an accounting proficiency exam.
Thomas' Accelerated Experience
Applicants must have a minimum 3.4 GPA and familiarity with program subject matter. Students take six courses during both fall and spring semesters. Additional classes outside of the semester model may also be required.
Earning a degree in three years allows students to save at least one year of expenses that would otherwise go toward room, board, and tuition.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $29,824/semester
- Required Credits: 121
- Program Length: 3-4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus, asynchronous
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants submit transcripts, at least one letter of recommendation, a college essay, and optional SAT or ACT scores for consideration.
- GPA: Not specified
- Standardized Tests: Optional ACT or SAT
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Common Questions About Quick Accounting Degrees
-
What is the easiest type of accounting degree?
All accounting degrees offer their own challenges. Because associate degrees do not explore accounting with the same depth as bachelor's degrees, they require fewer courses overall, which some learners may find easier.
-
How fast can I do an accounting degree?
Students can complete a bachelor's degree in accounting in three years with an accelerated degree path. Standard-length programs typically require four years of full-time study.
-
Is a two-year degree in accounting worth it?
Whether a two-year accounting degree is worth it depends on students' career goals. Associate degrees are not enough to qualify for CPA licensure, but they can help learners qualify for entry-level accounting roles.
-
Can you complete a bachelor's degree in one year?
You cannot complete a full bachelor's degree in one year. Depending on a school's credit transfer policy, learners with associate degrees or other prior coursework may be able to finish a bachelor's degree in 1-2 years.
