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Earn a Top-Ranking Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
- Fully revised in 2022
- $330/credit (120 total credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Accessible online 24/7 with no set class times
- Earn certificates and credentials over the course of your program
- Aligns with 2024 CPA exam update (BS in Accounting only)
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Online Accounting Degree Programs Overview
Whether you want to pursue a career in banking, economics or financial markets or have interests in an adjacent career path like financial accounting, tax accounting, management accounting or forensic accounting, a degree in accounting or accounting and finance may be right for you.
The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting is aligned to the 2024 CPA exam change, ensuring you build the skills you need to help prepare you to become a U.S. Certified Public Accountant.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to blend elements of accounting and finance, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting and Finance may be right for you. This program offers you the coursework you need to qualify you for careers in accounting or finance professions.
Consider this program if you want to show flexibility to a potential employer, are unsure where you’d like to focus within the finance and accounting disciplines or could see yourself working in a small organization where employees must show strength in many areas of accounting.
Note: the BS in Accounting and Finance is not aligned with the 2024 CPA exam change at this time.
Throughout either program, you'll position yourself for success in the field of accounting. At SNHU, an online accounting degree is affordable, accreditedand designed to take you where you want to go in your career – and in your life.
Just getting started in your accounting career? If you're interested in a career in accounting, but want to earn a degree that requires a smaller commitment of time and money, consider these options:
- AS in Accounting. If you opt for part-time enrollment, you should be able to get your associate degree in about 2 years. Plus, if you choose to keep going, you can easily stack your credits into the BS in Accounting program.
- Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting. If you're looking for an even smaller burst of learning, or simply want to supplement your existing degree, a certificate program can help you build some fundamental accounting skills.
What You'll Learn
- Financial analysis
- General accounting principles
- Auditing and taxation
- Broader, business-specific skills
- How economics impacts profitability
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Blake Venable
Blake Venable '22 decided to pursue his bachelor’s in accounting as a step toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant. He said the courses have helped him run his three businesses.
“I know that what we’re doing and what we’re practicing and what we’re learning is obviously going to translate into the real world – because I’m already doing it,” he said.
Read Blake’s story.
Two Full Programs and a Concentration to Choose From
SNHU offers two accounting programs and a concentration option to meet your unique path and desired educational experience. Choose a program that aligns with your career goals.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Program Overview
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
Program Overview
How Do I Start a Career in Accounting?
Want to become an accountant, but not sure where to start? The online BS in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University is the perfect first step to licensure as a Certified Public Accountant, or CPA.
An Accounting Degree That Works with Your Schedule
At SNHU, we’re committed to helping you balance work, family and coursework. With no set class times, 24/7 online access and dedicated faculty supporting you every step of the way, an online accounting program is designed to give you the flexibility to earn your degree on your schedule.
Career Outlook
An online accounting degree can prepare you to pursue a variety of accounting and accounting-related careers, including:
Public Accountant
Many, but not all, people in the accounting field become Certified Public Accountants (CPA). Whether or not you earn the CPA designation, as a public accountant you can perform a wide range of tasks including auditing and tax preparation for companies, government entities or individuals. You can open your own agency or work for a large accounting firm.
Management Accountant
These accountants analyze financial documents and other information for internal use by company management to drive business decisions. They help a company optimize its budgets and spending and can be involved in investment and spending decisions.
Forensic Accountant
Establish risk management procedures or contribute to fraud investigations with a career in forensic accounting. This popular specialty area of accounting allows accountants to utilize their skills to assess financial crimes, audit personal or company records, and aid in criminal and civil investigations.
Internal/External Auditor
Auditors ensure an organization's resources are being used properly and find ways to reduce waste. An internal auditor is employed by the organization itself, while an external auditor works for an auditing firm hired by other companies.
A bachelor's in accounting will help prepare you for a number of career paths in environments including:
- Hospitals
- Social-service agencies
- Private industry
- Education systems
- International industries
The online bachelor's in accounting degree, revised to meet the requirements of the updated 2024 CPA exam, can also help prepare you to become a Certified Public Accountant. Students cannot earn CPA certification through the SNHU program itself, therefore if you wish to follow the traditional CPA track, you should verify that you'll meet the necessary requirements to sit for the exam.
The content in SNHU's BS in Accounting program aligns with the Content and Skill Specification Outlines (CSOs/SSOs) set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Learners who are interested in licensure may also pursue an MS in Accounting degree to help them meet educational requirements. Completion of the BS in Accounting degree alone does not adequately prepare learners to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam or to become licensed certified public accountants.
Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state. Students are encouraged to review their state specific requirements. State-by-state educational requirements can be found on the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), while state-by-state CPA licensing requirements can be found through the Accounting Licensing Library, powered by the NASBA.
For more information, visit our license and disclosurespage.
Job Growth and Salary
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4% through 2032.1
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2022 median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $78,000.1
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Gain career-focused skills employers are looking for
Dr. Kimberly Blanchette, executive director of online business programs
“Today's business environment requires professionals to rapidly adapt to change, strategically assess resource constraints, and provide solutions to complex problems related to customers or clients, staff, structure, operations and shareholders.”
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Accounting Degree
Why SNHU for Your Accounting Degree
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
Advice from an Accounting Graduate
Heather Maier '23
"No matter what is going on in your life, no matter how overwhelming it may be, just go for it. The only thing you regret is what you don’t try."
Courses & Curriculum
Courses are taught by instructors with professional credentials and experience in accounting, taxation and fraud examination.
8-Week Terms
100% Online
No Set Class Times
For full lists of courses in both the BS in Accounting and BS in Accounting and Finance programs, follow the links under View full Curriculum in the Catalog on this page.
Please note that only the online BS in Accounting program is currently aligned to the 2024 CPA exam updates.
Mona Stephens
“I really enjoyed working with students and sharing my passion for accounting with them, so I became an adjunct and have been teaching ever since.”
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
Business Core
Business programs require learners to complete the Business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
General Education
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog
BS in Accounting
BS in Accounting and Finance
Courses May Include | ||
---|---|---|
BS in Accounting and BS in Accounting and Finance | ||
ACC 201 | Financial Accounting | Students will learn the steps of the accounting cycle and how to prepare financial statements in accordance with industry established rules and regulations. Students will develop skills needed to analyze financial accounting information, communicate this information to stakeholders, and understand the accounting procedures that produce this information. |
ACC 202 | Managerial Accounting | Students will explore the financial impact of short-term and long-term business decisions. By learning how accounting and other productivity information can be used to assess and improve performance of an organization, managers will be provided the essential information they need to execute growth strategies and select opportunities that create business value. |
ACC 311 | Cost Accounting | In this course, students will gather cost data and behavior trends to support the development of cost reports. Students will analyze the data and communicate findings to stakeholders to support their understanding of business costs and inform business operations and decisions. |
ACC 317 | Intermediate Accounting I | In this course, students will take an in-depth look at financial statement elements and the interplay of various financial transactions represented on a financial statement. Students will apply theoretical frameworks and research accounting principles and concepts for the proper preparation and interpretation of financial statements. Students will utilize authentic industry tools and technologies to prepare financial statements and connect concepts learned to the importance of financial information for its users. |
ACC 318 | Intermediate Accounting II | In this course, students will study the liabilities and equities side of the balance sheet and apply accounting concepts for the proper preparation of financial statements. Students will analyze the inflows and outflows of cash for an organization and prepare accurate cash flow statements using direct and indirect methods. Students will utilize authentic tools and technologies to apply accounting principles to a variety of financial reporting situations. |
FIN 320 | Principles of Finance | Students will examine the corporate finance discipline, including the financial management of organizations and the skills needed to make decisions about financing, investments, and dividends. Students will learn how the analysis of financing and investment options can inform decisions that add value to an organization and its investors. |
Total Credits: 120 |
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Accounting Technical Requirements
What to Expect as an Online Student
No set class times: Asynchronous classes let you do your coursework when and where you want
Pick your pace: Choose between full time (2 courses) or part time (1 course) each term
Student support: 24/7 access to online student services like the library, tech and academic support
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
---|---|---|---|
Degree/Certificates | $990 | $330 | $9,900 |
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $693 | $231 | $6,930 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional CostsNo Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a degree in accounting?
How do I start a career in accounting?
Can you earn an accounting degree online?
Which designation is better: CFA, CPA or CMA?
How long does it take to complete an online accounting degree?
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References
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