Best Online Accelerated Accounting Degree Programs 2024
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Students who want to enter the accounting field as soon as possible should consider an accelerated online accounting degree.
Online accounting programs can prepare graduates for professional roles in accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping, as well as other positions in business and finance. Accounting majors learn the fundamental theories and practices of accounting and explore financial rules and regulations, taxation, risk management, and business ethics.
On this page, we explore various types of accounting degrees you can earn in accelerated online programs. An accelerated accounting program lets students take more credits in less time than they would in a typical program, allowing them to graduate more quickly.
Programs that let students learn more in less time may go by names like "accelerated," "three-year," or "one-year," depending on the degree level. Degree completion programs that let students transfer credits or an associate degree aren't included in our list of accelerated accounting programs.
This page not only covers bachelor's programs in accounting, but also all levels of accelerated online accounting degrees, including master's in accounting programs. Read on to learn more about accelerated online accounting degrees.
Featured Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Quickest Accounting Bachelor's Degrees
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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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Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665
Credits to Graduate: 124
Temple's online BBA in accounting develops the knowledge you'll need for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination and offers an appealing acceleration option. With an advisor's guidance, you can rocket your way to graduation in just three years.
Along the way, you'll study financial accounting, auditing, taxation, data analytics, cost analysis, and accounting information systems. You can stick with a versatile generalist focus or opt for a data analytics concentration. The latter might be a good fit if you're looking to build forward-looking, tech-focused skills.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $430
Out-of-State | $430
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students in Saint Mary's online BS in accounting program can earn their degrees in as little as one year. You can transfer in up to 90 of the 120 required credits for graduation.
Saint Mary's grants credits for college coursework, relevant work experience, and military service. You can even use exams like the Defense Subject Standardized Test or College Level Examination Program to get advanced standing.
The program's 36-credit core covers generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), corporate finance, cost accounting, auditing, and taxation. You'll also study business management and complete a capstone project.
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 128
CSS's online BA in accounting features a flexible and efficient 100% online format. By maximizing the school's generous transfer credit policy, you can finish your degree in as few as two years.
Course content prepares you to sit for the CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. Supplementary business classes help deepen your understanding of accountancy and its bigger-picture impacts.
You can also opt to do an internship. While you'll have to complete it in person, an internship can double as an excellent networking tool. CSS recommends them, especially if you're new to accounting.
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $460
Out-of-State | $460
Credits to Graduate: 121
Misericordia's online BS in accounting is available through the school's branded Expressway Program. If you have transferable college credits, you can bypass some requirements and fast-track your way to graduation. If not, don't worry: Prior college credits aren't required for admission, and you can still earn credits for your work and life experience.
This IACBE-accredited program offers a generalist track and a forensic accounting specialization. Learning emphasizes standard accounting practices and helps you master cutting-edge business and accounting technologies.
Seton Hill University
Greensburg, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $494-$639
Out-of-State | $494-$639
Credits to Graduate: 51 credits for the accounting major
Seton Hill's online accounting BS program develops your professional-level knowledge of general accounting principles. Eight-week learning sessions thrust you to rapid degree completion. You can finish even faster by transferring qualified college coursework.
This program is compatible with Seton Hill's FastForward Bachelor's to MBA option, making it a good match for ambitious students. You can also complete it as a standalone degree if you plan to launch a non-CPA accounting career.
Seton Hill boasts excellent student outcomes. According to the school, 98% of graduates secure careers or graduate school placements.
Illinois College
Jacksonville, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 120
You can complete major coursework requirements for IC's online BA in accounting in just 15 months. IC specifically designed this program for working professionals, busy adults, and nontraditional students. Eight-week courses and inclusive transfer credit policies can propel you to fast graduation and rapid access to professional accounting opportunities.
If you're looking for flexibility and convenience, this program might match your needs. Online coursework covers financial accounting, auditing, taxation, risk management, statistics, and economics using a self-paced, self-scheduled asynchronous model.
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 124
The accelerated structure of Campbell's adult and online education accounting program leverages eight-week terms to expedite degree completion. You can also apply college-level transfer credits and military training toward advanced standing and faster graduation.
Through your coursework, you'll develop advanced accounting and financial analysis skills relevant to the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. If you plan to work for a family business or launch your own venture, this program might be a good match. Campbell describes the curriculum as especially relevant to these career paths.
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 120
CUW's accelerated online BS in accounting leads to more than just fast graduation: It can also help you land a great job. According to the 2023-2024 program profile, CUW accounting grads have posted 100% job placement rates for two straight years.
You can self-pace your way through a curriculum focused on GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. Asynchronous scheduling allows you to study on your own terms. CUW will also match you with a dedicated student engagement specialist to help guide your learning.
Marian University
Fond Du Lac, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 120
Marian's online BBA in accounting matches efficiency with flexibility. Annual schedules built around a half-dozen seven-week terms fast-track you toward graduation. The unique program structure also helps you focus your learning, as you'll engage with only a handful of topics each term.
With a practical curriculum emphasizing applied theory, the program readies graduates to pursue CPA or CMA licensure. Beyond accounting, you'll also study enterprise finance, economics, business and personnel management, business law, and marketing.
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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
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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
Associate Degree in Accounting
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.
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
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
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
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.
An accelerated accounting degree at this level gives you the opportunity to quickly access leadership positions and professional credential career accounting requirements.
Accelerated Online Ph.D. in Accounting
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.
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. A practical course-based accounting doctorate like a doctor of business (DBA), for example, typically features shorter completion times.
Why Get an Accelerated Accounting Degree Online?
-
Save Time
Earning an accelerated online accounting degree can save students time. By definition, an accelerated program allows students to complete more credits in a condensed timeline. This can benefit anyone who wants to start working in the field as soon as possible, especially aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs). CPAs must complete 150 credits to qualify for licensure, 30 more than the traditional bachelor's program requires. -
Convenience and Flexibility
Online accelerated programs can provide greater convenience and flexibility than most traditional on-campus offerings. Learners often find these programs easier to fit into their busy lives, especially asynchronous online options that let students complete coursework wherever and whenever they want, as long as they meet deadlines. -
Potentially Save Money
Although cost varies by program and this isn't always the case, sometimes students can save money by choosing an accelerated online accounting program. A shorter program also means that graduates will land their first job and start making money earlier.
What Are the Requirements for an Accelerated Accounting Degree?
Accelerated accounting programs typically require the same number of credits and classes as traditional ones but let students complete them in a shorter time frame. Specific program requirements vary depending on degree level. Many accelerated programs accept transfer credits from accredited institutions, which can further reduce the time it takes to graduate.
A traditional bachelor's degree in accounting takes at least four years for full-time students to earn (often longer if they need the 150 credits required to become a CPA), and a master's degree usually takes two full-time years.
Many schools offer accelerated online programs that let students earn a combined bachelor's and a master's degree in accounting in about five years total. Students may also find accelerated stand-alone online bachelor's in accounting programs that take less than three years to complete or master's programs that students can graduate from in under one year.
How Much Do Online Accelerated Accounting Programs Cost?
The cost of accelerated online accounting degree programs varies by school, but in some cases, they offer greater affordability than a regularly timed program. If a program charges tuition on a per-term basis, students who graduate more quickly may pay less for the degree.
Factors that can affect price include school type (public or private), level of prestige, and tuition rate (in-state or out-of-state).
Students can offset the cost of an online accelerated accounting program by applying for student loans, scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Ask any prospective programs about their specific financial aid options for accounting students.
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.
| Jobs | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Accountants and Auditors | $79,880 |
| Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks | $47,440 |
| Budget Analysts | $84,940 |
| Cost Estimators | $74,740 |
| Financial Analysts | $99,010 |
| Financial Managers | $156,100 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $99,580 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,870 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors | $58,530 |
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 to complete 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. Master's degree programs typically take less than two years to complete.
How fast can I get a degree in accounting?
Program lengths vary by degree type. An accelerated accounting degree online usually takes 1-2 years to earn 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.
Which degree is best for an accountant?
A bachelor's degree in accounting is the best choice for someone who wants to become an accountant. Accountants typically must have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting to qualify for entry-level positions in the industry.
Is a two-year accounting degree worth it?
Pursuing a two-year accounting degree can prepare graduates for accounting and auditing clerk roles, but it usually takes a four-year degree to qualify for accountant positions. Some students earn a two-year degree first to ensure they want to enter this field before transferring to a bachelor's program.
What is the highest degree in accounting?
A Ph.D. in accounting is the terminal degree in the field, or the highest academic level available in accounting. Graduates with this degree usually pursue research-intensive roles at universities or government agencies.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed Jan. 4, 2024
