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Bachelor of Science Business Administration

Online Accounting Degree

OVERVIEW

An Online Accounting Degree That Sets You Apart


 

Every business relies on accountants to help them meet regulations, achieve financial security, and make money. This accounting degree ensures you will stand out from the competition with your knowledge of GAAP, ledgers, journal entries, and more. A knack for numbers and a passion for financial performance can help you get into a career where you're sure to thrive and make a difference. This online accounting degree empowers you to help organizations meet standards and obey laws, benefiting individuals, companies, and entire communities.

WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting is also the first step toward your CPA certification. Continuing on to earn your Master of Accounting (also known as Master of Accountancy) from an online college for accounting will help you meet the 150 semester hours required to sit for the CPA exam in most states. The CPA license gives you additional experience and credentials, boosting your résumé and qualifying you for elite positions in finance and business. View requirements for CPA licensure by state.

Compare this degree: Also considering the B.S. Finance degree program? This article can help you understand the differences.

70% of graduates finish within 

42 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,755

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their business management degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Average salary increase

$15,053*

B.S. business management graduates report an impressive average salary increase after completing their degree at Western Governors University.

*WGU Internal Data

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COURSES

Accounting Courses

Program consists of 41 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

The WGU B.S. Accounting degree program is an affordable, online way to prepare for a rewarding career in accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping, or as a CPA. Once you earn your accounting degree, you'll be ready to complete your accounting certification. Learn to evaluate and manage business performance and develop the financial skills needed to keep companies running smoothly. You will learn auditing, financial recording, taxes, payroll, financial planning, and other essential accounting principles while preparing for the CPA or other licensing exams.

To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and skills sought by today’s employers, our online bachelor of science in accounting degree was developed with significant input from experts and business leaders who serve on the Western Governors University Business Program Council.

Accounting
Business Core
Business Management
General Education
Human Resources
IT Fundamentals

41 Courses

Program consists of 41 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Accounting Success

Join Our Growing Alumni

The WGU undergraduate accounting program was founded in 2002 and has over 7,400 graduates.  

 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Accounting: Meticulously recorded day-to-day financial transactions, ensuring precision and completeness, and skillfully reconciled discrepancies to deliver accurate and timely financial statements.
  • Finance: Successfully identified and utilized appropriate financial tools and techniques to inform critical financial decisions.
  • Financial Statements: Expertly analyzed financial statements, utilizing prior year sales and industry standard return data, to evaluate the company's performance and debt ratio, contributing to informed decision-making and financial stability.
  • Communications: Articulated ideas, opinions, and information with precision and relevance, tailored to suit the needs of specific target audiences, leading to enhanced communication and understanding.
  • Detail Oriented: Demonstrated proficiency in manipulating complex financial data with meticulous accuracy, ensuring error-free financial analysis and reporting.
  • Research: Conducted thorough research analysis, gathering relevant data and extracting valuable insights.

“I got this job because I was a graduate with my bachelor's in accounting from WGU. My new degree got me my new job.”

—Raymond Baker
B.S. Accounting

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Why WGU?

Earning Potential

A degree can dramatically impact your earning potential. After graduation WGU accounting students report earning $15,053* more per year.

*WGU Internal Data

Entirely Online

Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education.
 

Ready For Your Next Step

Graduates of this program are ready to progress toward a MAcc program, CPA examination, or a specific job. WGU's accounting bachelor's program is a crucial step in eligibility to sit for the accounting certification exam, and prepares you for success in the field.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

How Much Does it Cost to Get an Accounting Degree Online?

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Need help paying for college? Be sure to check with the AICPA and your state CPA society for scholarship opportunities! Both are a great resource for students and can provide a pathway to industry professionals. In addition to scholarship opportunities, many state societies also offer free student memberships and networking events.

Tuition Calculator
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An Accounting Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for. You can also learn more about the CMA scholarship nomination process here.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

“Now that I'm doing full-cycle accounting, I understand the scope. I understand where you start and where you're supposed to wind up. It just makes a lot more sense. Earning my degree has really helped me fill in the blanks and take my job satisfaction to a higher level because I actually understand why I'm doing what I'm doing now.”

—Kate Leger
B.S. Accounting

CAREER OUTLOOK

Your Accounting Degree Can Be One of Your Greatest Assets

Taxes. Audits. Payroll. Financial planning. Businesses need professionals who can help manage their finances and help everything run smoothly with budgets and taxes. This online degree from WGU prepares you for a lucrative and successful career as an accountant in whatever field or specialty you're passionate about. You can also be prepared to sit for the accounting certification exam and become a certified public accountant. 

As long as there is money, there will be a need for qualified accountants. When you have completed your B.S. Accounting degree, your skills will be in high demand because every business, no matter the size or industry, has to balance its books and comply with government regulations.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

6%

Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. The national average salary for an accountant and auditor as of 2021 is $72,550.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Accounting Grads Are Thriving in Rewarding Careers

Our 2,600-plus B.S. Business Administration Accounting alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:

Job Titles

  • Accounting manager
  • Financial director
  • Vice president of finance and operations
  • Controller
  • Chief financial officer
  • Forensic accountant

Diverse Industries

  • Business and corporations
  • Tax preparation
  • U.S. military
  • Government
  • Colleges and universities

Major Employers

  • State of Nevada
  • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
  • Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
  • Wyndham
  • Northrop Grumman

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

ADMISSIONS & TRANSFERS

Admissions Requirements - Accounting

Applicants to undergraduate School of Business programs must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following options below:

  • Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Option 2: Possess a bachelors or associates degree (A.A or A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Option 3: Submit high school transcripts for review with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

Get Added Support and Flexibility as You Start Your Degree 
Take a course or two at your pace before committing to a full degree program. Strengthen your study habits, gain essential learning skills and, best of all, each completed course counts toward your degree requirements. 

Learn More about Pathways to Starting

MORE DETAILS

WGU Certificates in Accounting


 

Each of WGU’s Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree programs begin with the same 4 terms of core classes, covering business basics and including valuable certificates. For the accounting degree, you'll earn the accounting, strategic thinking and innovation, and leadership certificates. After finishing these core courses, you move forward to courses in your chosen major of Accounting, Business Management, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, or IT Management.

FAQs about Accounting Programs

A degree in accounting qualifies you to work in a number of positions related to accounting and finance. The positions you qualify for depend on your level of education. With a bachelor’s degree, you may be most qualified for entry-level positions as a bookkeeper, accounts payable specialist, or assistant payroll administrator. With a master’s degree in accounting and as a certified public accountant, you may find you’re more qualified for leadership positions and senior-level roles. These include accounting manager, auditor, investment banker, and chief financial officer.

In general, it takes about four years or 120 credits to complete an online accounting degree. However, with a competency-based education model, like what is offered at WGU, students can graduate more quickly by passing assessments using their existing skills and knowledge.

 

Yes! There are many online programs that offer accredited bachelor's degree programs for students to pursue. These online bachelor's degree programs can be a great option for students who are working full-time so they can continue to pursue their online education while still earning money.

With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you may be able to secure a job in a number of different accounting-related areas. While Certified Public Accountants often work more in management and senior-level positions, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting you may be qualified for some of the following entry-level positions:

  • Payroll specialist
  • Tax accountant
  • Auditor
  • Bookkeeper
  • Financial analyst

The cost of your online accounting degree will vary based on the school you choose—different schools will have different tuition and fee amounts. WGU is one of the most affordable options for an online accounting degree, with tuition costing just $3,755 per six-month term. Tuition is charged per term, not per credit, so you can take as many courses as you're able during your six-month term. That means graduating faster will cost less! 

Yes! There are many online degree programs that offer accounting degrees online. Do your research to learn which kind of online university is the best fit for you. For example, WGU offers entirely online degrees and no set class times—you do your coursework on your schedule. This helps you take control of your education and earn an online accounting degree on your timeline. 

There are many online colleges that offer accounting degree programs, so it's important to do your research to find the best fit for you. Look at tuition costs, accreditation, educational models, and coursework to figure out which program is best. WGU is highly reputable, accredited, and affordable. Our online accounting degree program has helped thousands of students pursue an accounting career and find success.

An online accounting degree is extremely valuable if you want to become an accountant. For most accounting positions you will need at least a bachelor's degree. This will help you learn about fundamental accounting principles, rules, regulations, financial statements, and more. And if you want to become a CPA you'll absolutely need at least a bachelor's degree, if not a master's degree.

In order to sit for the CPA exam you'll need to have an accredited bachelor's degree, and in many states also a master's degree in accounting. An online bachelor's degree program will be a crucial first step in preparing for CPA certification. When researching an online accounting degree, you'll need to ensure that your online degree is from an accredited institution. 

An online accounting degree can be a fantastic choice if you are currently working full-time and want to maintain your job while furthering your education. An online accounting degree also allows you to get valuable credentials that boost your résumé, preparing you to move forward in your career. An online accounting degree can be a great option for many working professionals and students who are looking for an accessible degree option. 

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