Best Accounting colleges in the U.S. 2024

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting jobs are projected to grow by 7% over the next decade while offering relatively generous compensation for accounting degree graduates. Additionally, accounting skills play a significant role in virtually any professional setting in both public and private sectors. As a result, completing an accounting degree is a great way to enhance your career option.

Whether online or on-campus, accounting degrees span from community college-based associate programs to doctoral-level study. Students pursuing the various levels of accounting traditionally have strong math skills along with interest in subjects like business and finance. 

Students beginning their academic journey towards a career in accounting traditionally complete classes like introduction to business, accounting principles, and introduction to business law. Additionally, students pursuing a bachelor's degree complete advanced accounting coursework while completing some of the requirements needed to earn a public accountant (CPA) certification.

At the graduate level, students have access to certificate programs, allowing them to further hone their skills while enhancing their resumes. Common certificate programs cover topics like strategic management, fraud examination, and nonprofit accounting. Students tackling master's and doctoral accounting degrees often pursue academic concentrations in areas like government accounting, financial advising, and financial analysis.

In the following section, we take a closer look at common accounting degrees, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Keep reading to learn what it takes to complete each degree.

High school graduates may find an Associate Degree in Accounting a viable and affordable option before transferring to a four-year institution. Usually taking two years to complete for full-time learners, students traditionally complete about 60 credits of both general education and accounting classes. 

Core accounting classes often include topics such as accounting computer applications, finance basics, and accounting principles. 

In addition to transferring to a four-year college or university, an Associate Degree in Accounting can prepare students for various entry-level positions. Prospective associate degree students must hold a high school diploma or GED.

Students pursuing a Bachelor's in Accounting degree can anticipate a curriculum that offers them the skills needed to jumpstart their careers. A Bachelor's in Accounting typically requires students to complete about 120 credits over about four years. Standard requirements include classes such as auditing, accounting ethics, taxation, and management accounting. 

Admission requirements can vary between schools, but prospective bachelor's students typically submit an online application along with high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.

A Master's in Accounting degree provides students with advanced training that allows them to expand career options and earning potential. Standard master's coursework includes topics like accounting data analytics, international tax, and forensic accounting. 

Master's programs typically require that students complete between 35 and 45 credits of coursework. This degree also meets the requirements for CPA certification.

Master's applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Students with an unrelated undergraduate degree may have to complete various prerequisites before beginning master's coursework.

A doctoral accounting degree offers a research-centric program that students usually complete in 4-7 years. Throughout their program, doctoral students conduct advanced research in the specialized area. In addition to enhancing their resume, many graduates go on to careers in academia.

Students often focus their energy on topics like econometrics, accounting information in markets, and advanced accounting research methods. Prospective doctoral students typically have a strong background in accounting or business.

After completing their undergraduate degree in accounting, many accounting degree graduates go on to fulfill the requirements necessary to secure their CPA designation. While state-specific requirements may vary, most require a bachelor's degree and at least two years of professional accounting experience. Because standard CPA requirements involve 150 semester hours of relevant coursework, many accountants go on to complete a master's degree.

Students graduating with a bachelor's in accounting degree can expect to enter a growing field that boasts a median annual salary of nearly $74,000. Alongside careers for accountants and auditors, accounting graduates can leverage their skills into business careers such as budget analysts, financial managers, and personal financial advisors.

Online accounting degrees are available at nearly every academic level. These programs offer flexible coursework where students can often complete assignments at their own pace. Additionally, some graduate-level accounting degrees provide accelerated academic tracks that allow working professionals the ability to graduate more quickly.

• Is an accounting degree worth it?
  • Students graduating with an accounting degree have a set of essential skills applicable to a seemingly endless list of careers in the public and private sectors. Students can cut costs by completing general education credits at a community college. Additionally, online learners often pay less because they avoid various campus-based fees.
• What can I do with an accounting degree?
  • Many accounting students have their eyes set on securing their CPA certification, but accounting skills can be applied to various business careers. Those with an Associate Degree in Accounting may be limited in their career options but have the option to complete a bachelor's degree in two years. Those with advanced, graduate-level degrees often boast the training to take on lucrative leadership and management roles.

• How long does it take to complete an accounting degree?

  • The time it takes to complete your accounting degree depends on the type of degree. Full-time students typically complete their associate degree in account in about two years. Students pursuing their Bachelor's in Accounting can finish in four years. The time it takes to graduate can vary between programs and how many credits you complete each semester.
    

Accounting

Carol Holmes is the manager of accounting services at Dugan & Lopatka in Wheaton, Illinois, and she has been an accountant for 27 years.

Accountant Career Path

Although she was originally studying to be an actuary, by her senior year in college, Carol realized that she was meant for accounting. “I happened to be working at an insurance company, and I worked with some auditors," she explains. “I took the only accounting class at my liberal arts school, and I really enjoyed it. I knew that I had to pursue accounting it in graduate school."

Accountant Experiences

Carol received her Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and her Master of Science in accounting from Stern Business School at New York University. With her accounting degree, she also earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) title. The majority of Carol's career has been spent as an auditor in public accounting. “I started in public accounting," she says. “Accountants are pretty evenly divided between public and private accounting. Public accounting consists of doing tax work, auditing, and other accounting services for people and companies, while private accountants work for one company."