Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Worth It?

High school students, adult learners, and working professionals seeking the best career paths may ask if an online accounting bachelor’s degree is worth it, and it’s a valid question, too, considering the rising costs of college education in the United States. In a nutshell, yes, an accounting degree is well worth it!

An online bachelor’s degree in accounting can open opportunities in a wide range of business and financial occupations, from bookkeepers and accountants to financial analysts, tax examiners and auditors. Graduates of online accounting programs can also pursue graduate degrees, with the most common graduate degree being a master’s degree in accounting that can lead to a career as a CPA or Certified Public Accountant.

But we must also emphasize that to make an accounting degree worth the time, effort, and money spent on earning it, you should enroll in a regionally accredited college or university, preferably in an online accounting degree program with programmatic accreditation (e.g., AACSB or ACBSP). The rest, particularly leveraging your accounting degree, gaining relevant experiences through internships and volunteer work, and maximizing your networking opportunities, is up to you!

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Traditional vs. Online Accounting Program

Accounting is one of today’s top 5 most in-demand degrees in the job market. For this reason, it makes sense that a bachelor’s degree in accounting is one of the most popular choices for those who are detail-oriented, love numbers, and solving problems.

With an accounting degree, you can either work as a corporate finance officer, a self-employed accountant, or even work for the government as an analyst or auditor. Today, there are many reputable schools offering a bachelor’s in accounting, delivered online or traditionally.

Similarities and Differences Between Traditional and Online Bachelor of Accounting Programs

The main similarity between traditional on-campus programs and online programs in accounting is that both will require students to complete the same curriculum to obtain the degree. While the courses and their titles, descriptions, and course requirements differ between on-campus and online accounting programs, the typical curriculum consists of 120 credits.

When you choose a recognized accounting program, an accredited body will require the school to have a curriculum that meets the body’s standards. These standards are set so that students can succeed in landing jobs in the accounting field.

Both online and on-campus students must comply with the academic standards set by their respective accounting degree programs, from attendance in classes, submission of assignments, and completion of projects to compliance with exams and quizzes, among other requirements.

For this reason, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in accounting receive a diploma that doesn’t differentiate between online and on-campus programs (i.e., the diploma doesn’t contain the word “online”). This means accounting graduates with online accounting degrees have the same access to employment and entrepreneurial career paths as their counterparts who earned an in-person degree.

An online accounting program, however, has several significant differences from an on-campus, in-person degree program. For one thing, online learning is emphasized, meaning students can attend classes, participate in discussion forums, and collaborate with their peers from anywhere with a personal computer/smartphone and a stable Internet connection.

Most bachelor’s degree programs have an asynchronous component, too, meaning students can access their learning materials and complete online coursework at their own pace and when it is most convenient for them.. This isn’t usually possible with in-person degree programs where students must attend live classes at set times of the day.

Financial aid options are usually granted to undergraduate students regardless of their choice between an online or a traditional in-person program. However, there may be slight differences in eligibility when it comes to institutional and external scholarships and grants.

Whether you choose an on-campus or online accounting degree program, we cannot overemphasize the importance of choosing regionally accredited colleges and universities! The best accredited online bachelor’s degrees in accounting can start you on the path to a great career with excellent pay.

Should you enroll in an online undergraduate program in accounting?

For adult re-entry students, the idea of earning an accounting degree while balancing work, family life, and your education at the same time might sound overwhelming. But online bachelor’s degree programs are designed primarily for people in such situations — who can’t find the luxury of time to go to traditional classes on campus.

Online programs are perfect for adult students who need flexibility. You no longer have to worry about attending school at a specified time, and you can even customize your schedule to work around your life and availability. You can complete an online accounting program at your own pace, although there will likely be a maximum time-to-degree, say, seven years after matriculation in classes.

But this is just one of many benefits to consider.

Benefits of Earning an Online Accounting Degree

A career in accounting has long-term job security, which is particularly important during times of economic uncertainty!

If you’re thinking about enrolling in an online accounting program, here are some benefits to consider:

Extensive Preparation

• Whether you’re studying for a master’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can expect to gain essential knowledge from your core classes. These classes provide you with the fundamentals of tax law, tax filing, bookkeeping, accounts receivable, and many more.

Transferable Credits

• Most online universities and colleges today not only offer carefully crafted curriculum, but also various specializations like auditing and business systems, statistics, and marketing. If you enroll in online classes from a reputable and accredited institution, you can easily transfer your credits should you decide to transfer to a different program.

Flexibility

• One of the best reasons to consider an online degree in accounting is the flexibility it offers. If you’re juggling work and family obligations, it’s easy to set aside your plans of pursuing a degree. The online option can help you achieve your academic goals without needing to sideline other responsibilities.

Cost Effectiveness

• Online programs can be cheaper on average than their on-campus counterparts. When you’re in an online accounting degree program, you won’t have to spend money on transportation and other incidental expenses. Although you will still invest in some required books, more programs are beginning to offer more online textbook options.