Accounting Degree Programs Information
No one wants a call from the IRS. That’s why today’s business leaders make sure to have an employee with a good accounting degree on staff to run their accounting departments, get their public records in order, and make sure their taxes paid on time.Accountants perform all of these functions, as well as a variety of others. Learn more about accounting degree programs, types of accounting degrees, and top accounting schools. Get started on an accounting degree with the college degree information below.
Schools with Accounting Degree Programs
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
Jones International University: Online
American Intercontinental University: Online
Accountants help their clients prepare and verify financial documents, offer budget analysis, provide investment and financial planning, and even give limited legal service
Types of Accounting Degrees
If you’re interested in working as an accounting assistant, bookkeeper, or in management, an accounting degree at the associate level may be right for you. If you’re long-term goal is to become an accountant, this is a great way to gain valuable work experience as you work towards a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
To become an accountant, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting as a minimum. Online accounting programs make it easy for those who need to get their accounting degree, or for those accountants who already have their diploma but want to continue their education.
For those who are looking to advance their career, they can go back to school for a Master’s degree in Accounting, or a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting.
Whichever level of accounting degree you choose to pursue, many accountants take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. This exam is required for any accountant who will file a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as an accountant who works for large public companies.
Accounting Career Salary
- Accounting degree professionals earn an average salary of $52,500.
What an Accounting Degree Teaches You
What you learn will depend on the level of degree you pursue. An Associate’s degree in Accounting will prepare you to start in an entry-level job as a bookkeeper or accountant’s assistant.
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting will teach you how to measure and report the financial information of an individual or an organization. You’ll also learn how an audit works, how to analyze financial documents, and how to use financial information to make management-level decisions. In addition, a Bachelor’s in Accounting is required if you want to take the CPA exam.
A master degree in Accounting or an MBA with an Accounting concentration will teach you the accounting principles and theories you’ll need to help businesses make future financial forecasts and wise financial decisions. At this level, you’ll be involved in theoretical and strategical financial discussions, rather than number-crunching.
The Master degree in Accounting will cover financial and managerial accounting, research, business valuation, cost management, information systems, auditing, policy, taxation and consulting services, while the MBA will give you a background in general management and business along with an understanding of advanced accounting applications and concepts.
Featured Careers with Accounting Degree
- Accountant
- Forensic Accountant
Questions to ask about Accounting Degree Programs:
- Do you enjoy working with numbers? Have you ever thought of yourself as a human calculator?
- Are you able to work long hours during tax season?
- Are you detail-oriented?
- Would you be able to communicate well with your clients?
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm
