Online Accounting Colleges and Universities
Accounting is a long-time respectable field and will only continue to be viewed as such; in fact, the accounting field has been rated as one of the top 30 careers with respect to projected growth. Working towards an online accounting degree from accredited online accounting colleges and universities offers students a vast array of career choices and possibilities for career advancement. Students who wish to acquire an online degree in accounting will have the ability to specialize in a specific accounting area and thus, prepare them with the skills they will need in a competitive job market.
Program Courses: Overview
While online accounting courses or online accounting programs vary, their basic purpose is to instruct and instill the essential knowledge required for success in the accounting field. Students can expect to complete general accounting coursework. In addition to the basic accounting courses, students are able to work toward an accounting specialty. There are seven focus areas offered by various online colleges and universities: tax accounting, public accounting, managerial accounting, forensic accounting, non-profit accounting, and auditing. While courses differ depending on the online college or university the student attends, the majority of colleges and universities offer the following accounting-related courses:
- Auditing
- Marketing
- Business Math
- Cost Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Principles of Economics
- Principles of Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
Skills Taught
Skills taught through accredited online accounting universities, as well as colleges, prepare students with the necessary accounting skills required in order to succeed in an accounting career. Students will receive essential hands-on training and develop the following skills:
- Creating and utilizing financial spreadsheets
- Preparing and analyzing financial statements
- Learning required and necessary accounting basics
- Making financial recommendations based on financial documentation
- Being able to conduct basic functions, such as balancing a general ledger
Popular Career Paths
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over approximately 1.3 million accounting and auditing jobs in 2008. Some of the more popular career options accounting graduates have chosen include:
- CPA
- Accountant
- Bookkeeper
- Budget Analyst
Accountants typically work in an office setting, such as public accounting firms, government, non-profit organizations, corporations, large and businesses. Some accountants decide to work on their own and are self-employed.
Field Outlook & Salary Information
The salary outlook for the accounting field is a positive one. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May 2008, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $59,430. Those with specializations, such as a certification in accounting, can expect to earn more. In general, accounting students can expect to earn $45,900-$78,210. The earnings are based on variables such as where they work, their experience and specialization, and skills they possess. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting careers are expected to grow by 21.7 percent by 2018. It is expected that the field of accounting will experience faster than average employment growth over the span of ten years.
Continuing Your Education
Graduates often find that they wish to pursue their education. Accounting offers several advanced degrees:
- PhD in Accounting
- Master of Accounting
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Forensic Accounting
- Master of Science in Management – Accounting
- Master of Science in Accounting Information Systems
Accounting graduates have often pursued graduate degrees in fields related to business, such as:
- Master of Science in Management
- Master Degree in Human Resources
- Master of Science in Business Administration
Being that the accounting field is expected to grow faster than average in the years to come, pursuing an accounting degree from accredited online colleges and universities, is a wise decision as it will provide for both employment security and financial stability.