Accelerated Accounting Degrees

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 become a certified public accountant and pursue their (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.

Why Pursue an Accelerated Accounting Degree?

Trade-Offs in Getting Your Accounting Bachelor's Faster

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 2022-23 school year was $14,688.

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 accounting 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.

Common Questions About Quick Accounting Degrees