Accelerated Accounting Degrees

Want to earn your accounting degree in less time? An accelerated bachelor's degree means you'll finish college quickly and enter the workforce sooner.

What is an accelerated bachelor's program, and how is it different from a traditional bachelor's in accounting? In an accelerated program, you'll complete similar courses on a faster timeline. Depending on the program, this can mean a higher course load, condensed curriculum, or year-round classes. While an accounting degree typically takes four years, accelerated programs can take three years or less.

Learn more about accelerated accounting programs to see if they’re a good fit for you.

Why Pursue an Accelerated Program?

Trade-Offs in Getting Your Accounting Bachelor's Faster

What to Expect From a Short Accounting Degree Program

An accelerated accounting degree lets you complete your graduation requirements in less time. Whether in an accelerated or traditional program, you'll need at least 120 credits for a bachelor's degree. In a traditional program, full-time students take 30 credits per year, meaning you'll spend 3-4 years on your degree. Accelerated programs fast-track that timeline so you can graduate in less time.

How do accelerated programs work? Usually, you'll take more credits per year by taking shorter classes or enrolling in more terms each year. For example, summer classes can speed up your degree, as can courses that use an accelerated 8-week term instead of the traditional 15-week semester.

Another option to accelerate your degree is to enroll in a degree completion accounting program, which requires 60 credits to enroll. Alternatively, you can apply to an accounting bachelor' s-to-master's program, where you'll complete both degrees on an accelerated timeline.

Degree and Concentration Options

Accelerated undergraduate accounting programs typically award a bachelor of science or bachelor of business administration degree. Both options incorporate foundational business courses, while a BS program may also include general education courses in the natural and social sciences.

Depending on the program, you may choose a specialization or concentration. Popular accounting concentrations include:

• Financial accounting
• Tax accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Auditing
• Forensic accounting

A concentration provides specialized coursework to prepare you for an accounting career or graduate school. Some programs incorporate internship opportunities within your concentration.

Admissions Process

You'll typically complete the same application process for an accelerated program as a traditional one. That means you'll need to submit application materials and meet the prerequisites. However, accelerated programs may have more requirements.

While the exact application process and requirements depend on the school, you'll typically need the following:

• A high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED certificate
• A minimum 2.0 GPA
• SAT or ACT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose or essay
• A resume

You can strengthen your application by raising your GPA and standardized test scores. Check out our SAT guide for information on the SAT for accounting majors. Taking AP courses or college-level classes that transfer toward your accounting degree can also increase your chances of acceptance.

Some accelerated programs may require prerequisite accounting classes before entering the accelerated track.

Popular Accounting Bachelor's Courses

As an accounting major, you'll take foundational business and accounting courses along with upper-division accounting classes. In addition to these requirements, many programs incorporate electives and accounting internships that let you customize your degree. Bachelor's programs also require general education courses, and you can add a minor to complement your accounting major.

How is an accelerated program different when it comes to courses? You'll likely take many of the same courses as students in a traditional program. However, the classes may be accelerated, which can mean longer class sessions, a more compact schedule, or different course lengths. The content of your accounting classes will be the same, even though you'll graduate faster.

• Financial Accounting: Gain foundational accounting skills as you apply accounting principles in business settings. You'll study business transactions, liabilities, and assets while learning to create and review financial documents. This introductory course is often a prerequisite for advanced accounting classes.
• Taxation: Learn about individual and business tax preparation, including tax laws and regulations. In addition to examining tax reporting requirements, students explore tax strategies. With its focus on public accounting, this course is a good prerequisite for future CPAs. Many accounting programs offer several taxation-focused courses, including corporate taxation.
• Auditing: Explore the auditing process, including internal and external auditing. Course topics include audit planning, reporting requirements, and common auditing tools. You'll complete hands-on assignments that draw on real-world business scenarios. Auditing courses may also introduce forensic accounting and fraud examination principles.
• Accounting Information Systems: Examine the management and financial reporting tools accountants use to track financial information. You'll gain data management skills while developing your understanding of documentation rules. These courses also introduce common accounting software programs like Intuit QuickBooks, building career-specific skills.

How Much Do Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees Cost?

Earning a bachelor's degree can be expensive. The cost of tuition and fees varies from $9,800 per year at public institutions to $40,700 at private nonprofit colleges, according to 2022-23 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

You'll also need to factor in textbooks, living expenses, and other costs, which raise the average total cost of attendance to $27,100 per year at public colleges and $58,600 per year at private colleges.

Fortunately, you can make your degree more affordable by maximizing your transfer credits, researching affordable bachelor's programs, and considering an online format. Enrolling online allows you to take advantage of low tuition rates at schools outside your local area.

You can also apply for financial aid, including scholarships and grants, to lower the cost of a bachelor's degree. By choosing an accredited institution, you can apply for federal student aid, such as the Pell Grant and federal student loans, to cover costs.

Common Questions About Accelerated Accounting Degrees