Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting

For anyone looking to enter the accounting profession, a bachelor’s degree in accounting is often the first step. These programs can qualify you for various accountant and auditor positions, a sector facing a critical talent shortage, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Growth in online bachelor’s in accounting programs has also made education more accessible.

Discover more about a bachelor’s degree in accounting below, including what the programs include and where they can lead.

Thanks to proposed new requirements for certified public accountants (CPAs), more states may introduce an alternative CPA pathway that requires a bachelor’s in accounting and two years of professional experience.

The typical four-year bachelor’s degree in accounting features 120 credits and is designed to prepare you for various business and finance careers. These programs include general education courses and electives, but the bulk of the program comes from core accounting, business, and finance courses.

Your accounting-specific training may include courses in accounting principles, tax law, and financial reporting. You could learn cost accounting, auditing, and financial analysis, along with courses in statistics, economics, and management science. You may also get the chance to specialize in a discipline like forensic or managerial accounting.

Most schools welcome transfer credits from other accredited institutions, so you can shorten your program if you have existing credits. You can also build on your bachelor’s degree with a graduate degree in accounting or another related field if you choose.

You may encounter several degree and program options in your search. While you can usually pursue the same positions with any type, the different approaches and focuses in the different programs may influence your eventual career.

Here are some of the different degree types:

Online education has changed the higher education landscape. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than half of all students take some online courses, and more than one-quarter of all students enroll in online classes exclusively.

With limited on-site and practicum requirements, accounting programs lend themselves well to online learning. An online accounting program will reduce your travel time and costs, and may help fit your studies into your schedule.

When choosing an online program, consider your scheduling and learning needs. An asynchronous online program will let you study on your own time but requires independence, while a synchronous program has set study times and more of a traditional classroom structure. If you want even more engagement with your classes and campus, a hybrid program combines online and on-campus learning.

Every school and program has its own admission process, but most require a high school diploma or a GED certificate. While competitive programs may ask for a 3.0 GPA, most require a 2.0 GPA. You also need to submit letters of recommendation and a resume.

Additional requirements may include SAT scores, though many schools have moved to a test-optional policy. You may also be asked to submit a personal essay. Experience is rarely required, but it can usually help your application.

At the bachelor’s level, accounting programs cover accounting, business, and economic principles. They also include essential math and information courses. Along with electives, some programs conclude with a capstone project.

Here are some common accounting courses.

Tuition prices vary among accounting programs, but they usually require a significant investment. According to the NCES, the average annual undergraduate tuition price was $27,673 in 2022-23.

Many factors influence prices, including location and institution type. For example, out-of-state students typically pay higher tuition rates than in-state students, and public school students usually pay lower rates than private school students.

When comparing education costs, consider how financial aid might affect what you owe. Along with low-interest federal loans and grants, you could also qualify for scholarships and grants from your school, your state, and accounting organizations.

After your bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can enter the workforce in various capacities. For example, you may pursue one of the many business and financial occupations, a sector with a median annual salary of $80,920, according to the BLS. With experience and/or advanced credentials, you might also pursue a higher-paying management career.

Here are some of the careers you could have access to with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Accountants prepare and analyze financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient use of finances. Their responsibilities include budgeting, preparing tax returns, and auditing financial statements. They primarily work in accounting firms, organizations, and government agencies.

Source: BLS

Financial analysts review and evaluate financial data to help individuals and organizations make sound investment and business decisions. Their duties include analyzing markets and trends, preparing reports, and creating forecasts and risk projections. They typically work in banks, insurance agencies, and corporate finance departments, and they may need a financial analyst certification for some roles.

Source: BLS

Financial managers oversee an organization’s financial health by creating reports, developing strategies, and guiding investment activities. They can work for corporations, government agencies, and banks. They usually need several years of finance or accounting experience, along with advanced degrees or credentials like the CPA.

Source: BLS

Cost estimators manage the financial projections for various construction and manufacturing projects. They budget for time and materials, help make project bids, and work with engineers and project managers to make changes when needed. For positions handling high-profile projects, cost estimators may need an advanced degree.

Source: BLS

Budget analysts handle the budgets and costing for organizations. They monitor spending, manage supply chains, prepare reports, and ensure compliance. They often work in government agencies, corporations, and universities, and they may need a graduate degree for some government positions.

Source: BLS

Choosing the right program in any discipline requires some introspection and consideration for your own needs and preferences. When comparing accounting programs, you might put some extra thought into the following factors.