The Best Accounting Online Colleges

Penn State World Campus is the second largest campus in The Pennsylvania State University system. It has an enrollment of about 18,000 students. Penn State World Campus offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs.

The Bachelor's in Accounting degree is offered online in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg School of Business Administration. It features a diverse and comprehensive curriculum. It provides students with knowledge and skills in:

• finance
• marketing
• business strategy

The online accounting program prepares graduates for the CPA exam as well as to pursue certifications such as:

• Certified Internal Auditor
• Certified Management Accountant
• Certified Fraud Examiner
• Chartered Global Management Accountant

Credit requirements: 120 Core courses: Students complete 55 credits of core online accounting courses, including:

• Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
• Federal Taxation
• Auditing
• Intermediate Financial Accounting I and II
• Advanced Financial Accounting
• International Business and Society
• Business Strategy
• Corporate Finance
• Introductory Macroeconomic: Analysis and Policy

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Applicants must:

• hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
• have completed eight entry-to-major courses
• received a C or better

Penn State World Campus has accreditation from AACSB and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Collat School of Business is focused on:

• innovation
• leadership
• entrepreneurship

It provides eight undergraduate degree programs as well as master's degrees in:

• accounting
• business administration
• management information systems

A majority of these are fully online. The same award-winning faculty using the same curriculum as the traditional on-campus programs teach the Collat School of Business online programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree online provides students with a solid grounding in conceptual business and accounting practices. It prepares graduates for careers in non-profit and corporate sectors, insurance and government. The program prepares students for the CISA, CIA, CFE, CMA, and CPA exams. Credit requirements: 120 credit hours. Online Bachelor in Accounting degree concentrations options:

• Forensic Accounting
• Auditing
• Managerial Accounting
• Governmental Accounting
• Tax Accounting

Core online accounting courses:

• Financial Accounting I, II and III
• Accounting Information Systems
• Income Taxation I
• Internal Auditing
• International Accounting

Students also complete a capstone project.

Program length: 4 years

Start dates: The program has three start dates each year - fall, spring and summer. The college offers 15-week semesters consisting of two seven-week terms with a one-week break in between.

Admissions and transfer credit information: ACT and SAT required for freshman applicants. Freshmen applicants must have completed a college preparatory curriculum. Transfer applicants must hold at least 24 semester hours of transferable college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all coursework. International applicants must show proof of English proficiency.

University of Alabama Birmingham received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business for its business and accounting programs. UAB received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU Carbondale) has a top accounting degree online. It began offering bookkeeping classes in 1894.

It established a separate school of business in 1957. Since then the College of Business has grown to offer bachelor, master and doctoral degrees through a School of Accountancy and three departments.

The College of Business enrolls students from around the world. The School of Accountancy emphasizes:

• teamwork
• organizational skills
• a combination of accounting theory and practice

The faculty includes nationally recognized researchers.

SIU Carbondale prepares graduates for career options in:

• government accounting
• management
• internal auditing

The School provides a fully online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree-completion program.

Credit requirements: About 60 credit hours

The program consists of 20 eight-week courses, including:

• Accounting I Financial
• Accounting II Managerial
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Auditing
• Introduction to Taxation
• Accounting Systems Operations
• Business Ethics
• Advanced Accounting
• Advanced Tax

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: 18 to 24 months.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International for both the College of Business and its accounting program. The accounting program also has full membership in the Federation of Schools of Accountancy. The Higher Learning Commission provides Southern Illinois University Carbondale with accreditation.

Indiana State University has one of the best online accounting programs.

The Scott College of Business provides professional education to students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The college focuses on experiential learning. This prepares graduates for leadership roles in private and public organizations.

The online Accounting Bachelor of Science degree provides students with:

• critical-thinking
• communication
• interpersonal
• leadership skills

It prepares them for careers as a public accountant. It will further their study toward a Master of Business Administration or master's degree in accounting. The online accounting degree from Indiana also prepares students to sit for a variety of accounting-related certifications. Students can tailor the online accounting program with optional online minors, such as:

• finance
• forensic accounting
• insurance and risk management.

Students can complete the program in four years of full-time study; however, the school provides part-time options.

Indiana residents seeking eligibility for the CPA exam, must complete the major plus an additional 30 credits, offered online.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Core online accounting classes:

• Financial Accounting I, II
• Cost Accounting
• Accounting Systems
• Introduction to Federal Income Taxation
• Advanced Federal Income Taxation
• Auditing Theory and Practice

Indiana State University provides the online accounting program to:

• U.S. residents
• individuals serving in the U.S. military
• State Department personnel and their family members with APO/FPO addresses

The Scott College of Business has accreditation from AACSB International. The Higher Learning Commission provides Indiana State University with accreditation.

Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) provides career-focused degree and certificate programs.

CSU-Global offers a range of fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. CSU-Global also offers tuition discounts for active military members and veterans. It is one of the best online accounting schools.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree program helps students develop knowledge of the fundamentals of accounting. It gives a comprehensive view of organizational management issues.

The accounting degree online prepares students for careers in public, private, government and not-for-profit organizations. The program prepares graduates to sit for the CPA exam but not for licensure. Colorado requires at least 150 credit hours with an accounting emphasis or additional field experience for CPA licensure.

Credit requirements: 120 credit hours

Students complete 17 three-credit courses, including:

• Applying Leadership Principles
• Principles of Accounting I
• Introduction to Marketing
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Federal Individual Taxation
• Business Taxation
• Auditing
• Advanced Accounting

Students also complete a capstone course and an optional practicum.

Specializations: Students can tailor their degree with numerous specializations

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: 4 years

Start dates: monthly start dates

The school provides accelerated eight-week courses.

The Higher Learning Commission provides accreditation.

The University of Minnesota - Crookston (UMC) is known for enhancing the higher education experience through technology.

Its Business Department offers a host of online degree programs in:

• technology
• healthcare
• business

The fully online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program focuses on fundamental and advanced technique. Also, the analytical and theoretical framework needed for careers in:

• private
• public
• governmental accounting

The Accounting degree online curriculum includes the fundaments of:

• income taxation
• cost accounting
• business writing

The university allows students to earn certificates, including those in taxation, while earning their Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree. The online bachelor's degree in accounting prepares students to sit for:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Certified Management Accountant
• Certified Internal Auditor exams

Credit requirements: 120

Students complete 63 credits of major coursework, including:

• Principles of Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Cost Accounting I
• Accounting Systems
• Auditing I
• Managerial Finance
• Legal Environment in Business
• Business Law
• Principles of Management
• Business Writing

Online instruction style: Synchronous and asynchronous

Program length: 4 years

The Higher Learning Commission provides the University of Minnesota Crookston with accreditation.

Regis University is a private Christian institution. It is part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Regis is home to the College of Business and Economics.

The College helps students develop critical-thinking and communication skills. It builds on the Jesuit vision of a values-centered, rigorous education. The College offers dozens of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs. It offers a range of business-related topics. It has high quality online programs.

The College of Business and Economics enables students to work on their Bachelor of Science in Accounting in tandem with a College of Business and Economics master's degree program. This allows them to earn their degrees faster.

The online Accounting degree emphasizes modern technology and techniques accountants use. The program prepares students to sit for CPA certification as well as for careers in the accounting field.

Credit requirements: 120-128 credits.

The degree follows an accelerated format.

Core online accounting courses: 45 credits of core courses, such as:

• Principles of Accounting I
• Introduction to Business
• Cost Accounting
• Accounting Ethics
• Business Finance
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Income Tax Accounting I
• Auditing Principles and Procedures
• Business Law
• Professional Business Communication

Students also must complete a capstone project.

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Start dates: rolling admissions with start dates in the fall, spring and summer.

The Higher Learning Commission provides Regis University with accreditation.

Florida Institute of Technology offers a range of online programs through its Virtual Campus.

Its Nathan M. Bisk College of Business challenges students to make a difference with its core values of:

• diversity
• leadership
• ethics
• innovation

The online Bachelor's in Accounting program provides students with critical-thinking and teamwork skills. Students receive foundational knowledge needed for accounting careers, including those in:

• managerial, financial and cost accounting
• auditing
• tax planning
• international accounting
• accounting for acquisitions and mergers

The degree program also prepares students for graduate school as well as to sit for the CPA, CIA, CFE, CMA, and CFP exams. The rigorous curriculum combines theory and practice and provides students with internship opportunities.

Credit requirements: 121 credits

Required core courses include:

• Cost Accounting
• Auditing
• Applied Decision Methods for Business
• Individual Federal Income Taxes
• Finance for Managers
• Strategic Management
• Principles of Accounting 1
• Principles of Accounting 2
• Intermediate Accounting 1
• Intermediate Accounting 2

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: 4 years

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants for accounting programs must provide transcripts and proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Transfer students must have a C- or better grade in any class they want to transfer to Florida Tech. The school evaluates transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. It may offer credit for examinations and military training.

Florida Tech does offer an associate degree in accounting as well.

This school for accounting online received accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Division of Continuing Professional Studies is the online, national division of Champlain College.

It strives to enhance the lives and transform the careers of working adults and adults seeking to return to the workplace through higher education. Champlain College Online offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate online programs.

While completing the coursework toward an online Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Champlain College allows students to earn a certificate in:

• Accounting
• Advanced Accounting
• Cost Accounting.

Upon completion, graduates achieved a number of competencies. These were adapted from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Core Competency Framework.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Online students complete 22 accounting courses, such as:

• Cost Accounting
• Federal Taxes
• Forensic Accounting
• Auditing
• Accounting Information Systems
• Managerial Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Advanced Accounting

Accounting majors also complete a capstone course.

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Most courses follow an accelerated seven-week format.

Start dates: Six start dates each year

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants to the online Accounting degree must submit transcripts and a resume.

Champlain College is one of the top online accounting programs. It received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College's Department of Business and Leadership enables students to sharpen their technological expertise and business skills.

This is done through hands-on learning opportunities. Students receive a solid liberal arts foundation and hone skills in:

• critical-thinking
• leadership
• communication skills

The Department of Business and Leadership's Bachelor's in Accounting online degree prepares graduates for a number of careers in the accounting field.

Credit requirements: 90 credit hours

Core online accounting courses:

• Accounting Information Systems
• Individual Tax Preparations
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Auditing Theory and Practice
• Managerial and Cost Accounting
• Accounting Measurements and Disclosures
• Auditing Theory and Practice
• Advanced Financial Accounting

Bachelor of Accounting degree concentrations (Optional):

• Entrepreneurship
• Professional Prep

Program length: 2 years (after applying their associate's degree)

Admissions and transfer credit information: Rolling admissions with five start dates each year. Applicants to the Accounting Bachelor's degree program must submit:

• transcripts
• SAT/ACT scores
• essay, resume or letter of recommendation

The college accepts transfer hours from accredited institutions if the student earned at least a "C" in the course. The college also offers credit for:

• Advanced Placement exams
• International Baccalaureate program
• prior learning

The Higher Learning Commission provides Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with accreditation.

Part of the State University of New York system, SUNY Plattsburgh offers several online programs.

The School of Business and Economics offers programs that give students a global perspective. This broadens their outlook and opportunities.

The School of Business and Economics offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree. It is designed for students who hold an associate's degree. The top online accounting degree emphasizes experiential learning and a global perspective.

Credit requirements: 120 credits (including transfer credits)

Core accounting courses online include:

• Intermediate Accounting I
• Cost Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems
• Advanced Accounting
• Income Tax I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Government and Nonprofit Accounting
• Auditing
• Income Tax II
• Money and Banking
• Principles of Finance

Online instruction style: Synchronous and asynchronous

Program length: 2 years (applying their associate's degree)

Admissions and transfer credit information: Transfer students must submit official transcripts and SAT/ACT scores and hold at least a 3.0 grade point average. SUNY Plattsburgh accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education and from recognized candidates for accreditation. The University accepts up to 84 transfer credits.

SUNY Plattsburgh received accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its business programs have accreditation from AACSB-International.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana's School of Business emphasizes:

• advanced technological knowledge
• leadership
• analytical-thinking skills

The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program prepares graduates for careers in:

• managerial and financial accounting
• auditing
• taxation
• accounting information systems

Online students also are prepared to sit for the CPA exam.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Core accounting classes online include:

• Income Taxes
• Cost Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting I, II and III
• Money and Banking
• Advanced Accounting
• Auditing

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: 4 years. Students can complete most of the program fully online, but some courses require on-campus visits for exams. All students pay the same tuition, regardless of residency.

Applicants must provide:

• proof of high school graduation
• standardized test scores
• official transcripts

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers rolling admissions. Transfer student must hold an associate's degree or 18 college-level hours with at least a 2.0 GPA. Transfer students also must have completed a college-level mathematics and a college-level English course with at least a "C" in each.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and from AACSB International.

Indiana Wesleyan University's DeVoe School of Business provides degree-oriented education designed for working adults.

Its Christ-centered programs build on students' current knowledge. It helps them become lifelong learners.

The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree focuses on:

• taxation
• accounting theory
• auditing

The online accounting program has an emphasis on analytical skills, problem-solving, and practical application. It prepares students to transition into or to advance within the accounting field.

Credit requirements: 42 credits; students must have 60 transferable credit hours

Students complete 16 core courses, including:

• Managerial Finance
• Accounting Principles I and II
• Accounting Ethics
• Managerial Cost Accounting I
• Auditing
• Federal Income Tax I and II
• Accounting Information Systems
• Strategic Planning
• Business Law
• Intermediate Accounting I and II

Program length: 18 to 20 months

Admissions and transfer credit information: Students must have proof of high school graduation or a GED certificate and submit transcripts. Applicants must hold at least 60 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university or an institution which has accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Students can earn up to 40 credits through the Prior Learning Assessment.

The Higher Learning Commission provides Indiana Wesleyan University with accreditation.

Linfield College's Online and Continuing Education offers:

• eight degree programs
• 17 certificate programs
• handful of minors

Designed for working adults, the fully online programs enable students to earn their degree on their schedule.

Students enrolled in the online Bachelor's in Accounting degree receive a well-rounded education in accounting with courses in:

• financial reporting
• taxes
• cost measurement

The degree program prepares students for careers in private, public, and government accounting.

Core online accounting classes for one of the top online accounting programs include:

• Financial Management
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Cost Accounting
• Advanced Accounting
• Federal Income Tax
• Auditing
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Principles of Economics
• Marketing

Admissions and transfer credit information: Linfield College awards up to 30 credits for:

• life experience
• workshops
• volunteer responsibilities

Linfield College evaluates transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. It accepts up to 72 semester credits of coursework from an accredited two-year college.

Linfield College received accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

A non-profit Christian university, Liberty University offers a host of distance learning programs.

The School of Business at Liberty University teaches students using a Christian perspective.

Through its School of Business, the online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree prepares graduates for careers in:

• public sectors
• private sectors
• non-profit sectors

They can also pursue a Master's of Business Administration degree.

The BS in Accounting degree includes courses in:

• corporate finance
• accounting ethics
• financial accounting
• operations management

Students also must complete 12 credits in Christian life and thought classes.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Students complete 20 core courses, including:

• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Cost Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems
• Accounting Ethics
• Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
• Taxation I
• Auditing
• Advanced Accounting

Students can complete a recommended internship.

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Start dates: Eight start dates each year, enabling students to complete the online accounting degree program in about three years. The online courses follow an eight-week format.

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must have at least a 2.0 grade point average. Liberty University offers rolling admissions. Liberty University offers credit for prior learning, professional experience or military service. Students must complete at least 30 credits at Liberty University, including at least 50 percent of the major-related credits.

Liberty University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

California Baptist University's Division of Online and Professional Studies (CBU Online) offers students flexibility to earn their degree with an online education.

It is designed for working professionals. The programs use the latest distance education technologies.

CBU's online Bachelor of Science in Accounting curriculum features studies in:

• economics
• business law
• business analysis
• marketing

The program prepares graduates for careers in the accounting profession as well as to sit for the CPA or CMA exams. All students complete a Bible studies course.

Credit requirements: 112 credits

Students complete 69 required major units, including:

• Principles of Accounting I
• Principles of Accounting II
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Cost Accounting
• Government and Non-Profit Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems
• Advanced Accounting
• Auditing
• Federal Income Tax

Online instruction style: Synchronous and asynchronous

CBU Online's program follows a year-round semester schedule. This allows students to complete the program in three years.

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants to the online Bachelor's degree in Accounting need at least 24 transferable credits or a high school diploma or its equivalent and a GPA of at least 2.0. The University offers a fast-track option for individuals transferring from participating community colleges. CBU offers the same tuition regardless of residency.

California Baptist University received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Saint Leo University's Donald R. Tapia School of Business is the largest Catholic business school in the nation.

It enrolls more than 8,000 business students online. Donald R. Tapia School of Business provides a values-centered education. It helps students develop into responsible global citizens.

The online BA in Accounting degree prepares graduates for entry-level accounting positions in:

• companies
• nonprofits
• governmental agencies

Students receive one-on-one attention and can gain real-world experience through internships.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Core accounting courses online:

• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Accounting Information Systems
• Advanced Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Auditing
• International Accounting
• Individual Federal Income Taxes
• Financial Statement Analysis

Admissions and transfer credit information: Saint Leo University offers rolling admissions and six start dates each year. Applicants for the online Bachelor's degree in Accounting must submit:

• proof of high school graduation
• official transcripts
• scores from standardized exams, such as:

Applicants who hold an associate's degree can transfer up to 64 credits. Saint Leo University evaluates other credits on a case-by-case basis.

Saint Leo University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Bemidji State University offers traditional on-campus as well as several online degree options. a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

The Department of Accountancy provides students with a well-rounded business education. Its rigorous curriculum prepares students for careers as:

• accountants
• controllers
• chief financial officers
• auditors

The online BS in Accounting program, a 2+2 program, requires students to have an associate's degree or have completed the MN Transfer Curriculum before beginning the BS Accounting program. Students can complete the program in two years of full time study or can choose a part-time option.

Credit requirements: 120

Students must complete 71 credits for the major courses, including:

• Principles of Accounting I
• Accounting Systems
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Government Accounting
• Cost Accounting I
• Income Taxes I
• Advanced Accounting
• Auditing
• Cost Accounting II
• Intermediate Accounting II

Students also complete a senior seminar.

Online instruction style: asynchronous

Start dates: fall, spring and summer start dates.

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants for the online accounting degree must submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions and must have at least a 2.0 grade point average. Students must hold an associate's degree or MN Transfer Curriculum; they can transfer up to 88 credits from a community college. Students must complete 30 credits at Bemidji State University.

Bemidji State University received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Ottawa University's Angell Snyder School of Business has a long and distinguished history of developing leaders with strong analytical and technical capabilities.

Students gain critical thinking skills and a global perspective. The Angell Snyder School of Business offers a number of undergraduate and graduate degree options in a range of business-related topics.

The online BA in Accounting degree program helps students develop:

• communication
• problem-solving skills
• decision-making skills

It provides accounting principles needed for careers in:

• economics
• finance
• auditing
• administration

Credit requirements: 124 credit hours

Core accounting classes online:

• Financing and Investing Activities
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Federal Income Tax
• Cost Accounting
• Advanced Accounting
• Advanced Accounting II
• Auditing
• Foundations of Finance
• Seminar in Applied Accounting

Online Bachelor of Accounting concentrations:

• Actuarial Science
• Finance
• Economics
• Marketing
• Leadership and Management

Students also can complete minors in 18 areas, such as:

• marketing
• healthcare management
• economics

Online instruction style: Asynchronous and synchronous

Program length: 4 years

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants must have at least a 2.0 grade point average and submit SAT or ACT scores. Ottawa University awards up to 40 credit hours through assessments and up to 32 hours through placement testing. Ottawa University accepts up to 80 transfer hours from accredited institutions. Ottawa University offers the same tuition rate regardless of residency.

The Higher Learning Commission provides Ottawa University with accreditation.

The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business provides students with a range of market-relevant programs.

They are designed to give students the competencies, skills and abilities for successful careers.

The online Accounting degree program prepares students for careers in:

• businesses
• government
• non-profit organizations

They can also pursue Certified Management Accountant or Certified Public Accountant certifications. The curriculum focuses on:

• accounting principles application
• tax law reporting
• audit standards

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Students complete 36 credits of accounting core courses, such as:

• Managerial Accounting
• Spreadsheet and General Ledger Software
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Cost Accounting
• Federal Income Taxes
• Accounting Information Systems
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Auditing
• Advanced Accounting I

Students also complete a capstone course.

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

The University provides accelerated eight-week courses.

Admissions and transfer credit information: Applicants for the online accounting degree must submit official high school transcripts or GED. Students who do not have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA also must submit an essay. Students who have completed a two-year program from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.0 or higher may transfer credits from those courses.

Post will accept up to 75 credits from a two-year college. As a Military Friendly School, Post University accepts up to 90 transfer credits for a baccalaureate degree based on the review of a military program student's Joint Service Transcript.

Post University received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.