Best Online Accelerated Accounting Degree Programs of 2023

Discover how an accelerated accounting degree online can cut your study time down and get you working faster.
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Accounting is one of the most popular disciplines in colleges and universities. And to make the major accessible to an even more people, schools have introduced accelerated programs — so you can save time and money.

Popular Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees

Accelerated accounting degrees may be found at every level. Learn more about different types of accelerated degrees below.

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Types of Accelerated Accounting Online Degrees

While all accelerated degrees shave time off the program length, they achieve this in different ways. The following sections look at the specifics of each degree type.

Accelerated degree programs in accounting include:

  • Associate in Accounting Degree
  • Bachelor's in Accounting Degree
  • Master's in Accounting Degree
  • Doctorate in Accounting Degree

Accelerated Online Associate in Accounting Programs

An associate in accounting features fundamentals and introductory-level courses that you can build on through professional experience or further study. These programs focus on building the basic skills and knowledge you need, allowing you to experience different areas of the field before choosing a more permanent direction.

Featured Associate Degrees in Accounting

Pursuing an accelerated accounting degree online fast-tracks your path to the workforce or into a more advanced program.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs

A bachelor's in accounting takes a comprehensive look at the field. Graduates have access to most entry-level accounting careers, plus master's degrees and professional credentials and examinations. These programs typically cover all major facets of accounting and business, and many offer specialization opportunities.

Types of Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting:

  • Bachelor's in Accounting, Auditing Concentration
  • Bachelor's in Accounting, Managerial Accounting Concentration
  • Bachelor's in Accounting, Public Accountancy Concentration
  • Bachelor's in Accounting, Tax Accountancy Concentration

Featured Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting

Accelerated online accounting degrees condense study sessions and offer heavier course loads to decrease the time spent in school. Many programs also offer more flexible schedules for you to accommodate your studies. Along with faster study times, you may have the option to specialize in a niche field, which can improve your chances of employment.

Accelerated Online Master's in Accounting Programs

A master's in accounting explores advanced accounting technologies, methods, and practices. In this program, you can develop an in-depth career or research specialization to improve your career and study options.

Featured Master's Degrees in Accounting

An accelerated accounting degree at this level gives you the opportunity to quickly access leadership positions and professional credential requirements.

Accelerated Online Ph.D. in Accounting Programs

Accounting doctorates require a significant amount of time and research. These degrees prepare you for teaching and research roles in colleges and universities or leadership roles in various organizations.

Featured Doctorate Degrees in Accounting

You can fast-track your accounting degree at the doctoral level by condensing the research requirements or by pursuing a course-based program. A practical course-based accounting doctorate like a DBA, for example, typically features shorter completion times.

Careers With an Accelerated Accounting Degree

Your accounting career options depend on the level of your degree. Undergraduate degrees can lead to business support positions and entry-level accounting roles. Graduate degrees can lead to management and specialized accounting careers.

Popular Accounting Jobs
Jobs Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Accountants and Auditors $77,250
Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks $45,560
Budget Analysts $79,940
Cost Estimators $65,170
Financial Analysts $95,570
Financial Managers $131,710
Personal Financial Advisors $94,170
Postsecondary Teachers $79,640
Tax Examiners and Collectors $56,780
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Online Accounting Programs

What is the easiest accounting degree to get?

The easiest accounting degree to get is typically an associate degree in accounting. An accelerated accounting degree at this level typically takes less than one year and features primarily introductory classes.

Despite being at the graduate level, a master's degree may also be considered easy for some. Experienced accountants looking to upgrade their skills might find the training accessible, and the program length is less than two years.

How quickly can you earn a degree in accounting?

Program lengths vary by degree type. An accelerated accounting degree online usually takes 1-2 years at the associate level, 3-4 years at the bachelor's level, 1-2 years at the master's level, and 3-5 years at the doctoral level.

What are the highest-paying jobs in accounting?

The highest-paying accounting jobs come at the management level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers made a median annual wage of $131,710 in May 2021. And top executives made $98,980.

The accounting and auditing field has some high-paying roles as well. For example, the top 10% of accountants and auditors made a median annual wage of more than $128,970 in May 2021.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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