The amount of time that it will take you to earn an online accounting degree will depend on several factors. It will mostly depend on the level of degree that you are earning; however, the school you earn it through, as well as the number of classes that you can take at any given time, will also affect how long it takes you to earn the degree. Associate level degrees can of course be earned in less time than bachelor level and graduate level degrees. More so, if you can take classes during the summertime, you will find it much quicker to complete your online accounting degree.
Online Associate Degree Program
During an associate degree program, you will learn how to prepare taxes, how to operate accounting software as well as how to summarize a wide range of financial documents. After graduating, you will be prepared to enter into entry-level job positions found in the accounting industry. If you complete your online courses straight through, meaning you take courses during the summertime, you can complete your online associate program in as little as 15 months.
To enroll in an online associate degree program, you will need a high school diploma or a GED. Many colleges will also require that you have a minimum ACT score in math, however, the exact minimum score will be determined by the school. The coursework covered in an online associate degree program tends to focus on the following topics:
- Payroll accounting
- Computer applications
- Principals of accounting
- Individual tax accounting
- Document processing
After graduating, you can pursue the following career paths:
- Accounts payable clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Administrative assistant
- Accounting Assistant
Online Bachelor Degree Program
If you choose to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in accounting, the time period to earn this type of credential will usually be about 36 to 48 months. If you take courses during the summertime, you may be able to shorten your studies to about 30 months. The subjects focused on during this type of degree curriculum include business law, statistics, finances, economics and accounting. If you are desiring to become a Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Management Accountant, you will need to take part in a bachelor program. To enroll in an online bachelor’s program, you will need a high school diploma or GED as well as good ACT scores in math and English.
The topics covered in your coursework will most likely include:
- Marketing
- Auditing
- Macroeconomics
- Cost accounting
- Statistics
- Finite mathematics
- Business computer skills
With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can pursue the career path of any of the following professions:
- Tax adviser
- Accountant
- Banker
- Financial planner
- Financial analyst
Continuing Education
If you choose, you can further your online education and obtain a graduate level accounting degree. To do this, you should prepare yourself to take part in at least one to years of studies in addition to the three to four years of study that it will take you to earn your bachelor degree.
Additional Resource: Online Accounting Bachelor’s Degree
