Online Accounting Degrees vs.. On-campus Accounting Degrees

Despite what critics say about online accounting degrees, if the school is accredited and the accounting program has the same curriculum model as an on-campus program, the online degree is just as worthy as the traditional degree. If you are a working professional and you are interested in enrolling in online accounting degree program, all you have to do is your homework. Meaning, you should check three things before applying. You should:

• Check the school’s accreditation status
• Compare the online curriculum to the traditional curriculum
• Review admissions requirements

Check the School’s Accreditation Status

Before enrolling in an online program, you can check the school’s accreditation status by visiting the U.S. Department of Education at ed.gov. Accounting programs are usually part of the business school. Most on-campus and online business schools have been accredited by the following recognized agencies.

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

The following regional agencies are also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Compare the Online Curriculum to the On-Campus Curriculum

According to Top Online Colleges, all accounting programs should include courses that cover accounting, economics, finance, marketing, statistics, accounting policy, and accounting information systems.

Specific courses will include: accounting information systems, advanced management accounting, advanced financial reporting and analysis, ethical leadership and communications, managerial economics, managerial finance, financial reporting, taxation of business and investment transactions, research in financial reporting, seminar in advanced audit topics, marketing, operations, and strategy, directed study, and introduction to law and business.

All accounting students must complete 10-27 hours of accounting courses through an accredited program in order to obtain an application to take the CPA examination. Each state has its own requirements, so contact your state board of accountancy for details.

Review Admissions Requirements

When reviewing admission requirements, check to make sure the school asks for official copies of transcripts from all schools attended, test scores, an application letter or essay, and recommendation letters. In addition, the average GPA requirement for admission to top business schools is 3.5.

For more information about accounting careers, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.