As technology evolves and businesses digitize, the work accountants perform has become increasingly imperative to the overall function of individuals and organizations. From private and public sectors, accountants analyze, verify, and maintain the financial and tax aspects of business dealings. Accountants specialize their services within four areas:
Those who perform financial auditing often work as Certified Public Accountants upon earning relevant education, experience, and certification. Those who work within governmental agencies analyzing and recording financial data and information are managerial accountants. Managerial accountants work for firms and organizations recording, analyzing, and ensuring financial information is accurate. Internal auditors work within banks, financial institutions, and other institutions ensuring business practices adhere to financial laws and regulations. Government accountants and auditors work ensuring auditing the financial matters of public organizations, agencies, and firms.
Accountants must complete formal education, gain work experience, pass state licensing exams, and often continue education to qualify for employment and remain current in the field. As many individuals maintain work and family responsibilities while expanding their educational foundation, most colleges and universities have outstanding online accounting programs to meet their academic needs. Due to the number of quality online programs available, we have created a ranking of the 10 Top Colleges For Online Accounting Degrees to assist in the selection process.
10 Best Online Accounting Programs
1. Walden University
Walden University has provided working adults access to higher education with a long standing tradition of accessible, high quality instruction since 1970. As one of the most highly “respected virtual institutions” per reports from U.S. News and World, Walden’s ability to propel professional and educational goals through online, print, and electronic formats is exception. Walden is a highly regarded research institution offering uniquely personalized and flexible online programs since 1995. The University is ranked as one of the top 7% of more than 20,000 post secondary schools per Webometrics and is member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All programs at Walden are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and feature some of the best online instruction presently available. Accounting degree students may participate in certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs including: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Accounting – General, Master of Science Accounting/Management – Strategic Managers, Master of Science Accounting/Management – Self-Designed, Master of Business Administration – Accounting for Managers, Master of Science Accounting – General, Master of Science Accounting/Management – General, Master of Science Accounting – Self-Designed, Master of Accounting – For the Professional, Master of Science Accounting – CPA Emphasis, and Doctor of Philosophy Management – Accounting.
For more information regarding Walden’s online Accounting degrees, go here:
http://www.waldenu.edu/Colleges-and-Schools/College-of-Management-and-Technology.htm
2. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University was founded in 1932 as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science by Harry A.B. and Gertrude Crockett Shapiro. As a non-profit institution, the school quickly transformed during a period of growth and evolved to offer undergraduate degrees during the 1960s. Upon earning permission to grant Master of Business degrees during 1969, the school assumed its present name and gained worldwide recognition as one of the best business schools in the country. In recent years, the University has consistently ranked as providers of The Best Online Degree by the New Hampshire Business Review and as one of the Best Regional Universities within the U.S. per US News and World Report. Considered a “Best Buy Bachelors Online” per GetEducated.com, all programs offered by the University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Prospective and present accountants may participate in a number of programs specially designed to meet the educational needs of even the busiest of students. Online programs include: Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information Systems, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Accounting – Taxation, and Master of Science in Investments and Securities.
For more information regarding Southern New Hampshire University’s online Accounting degree programs, go here:
http://www.snhu.edu/search.asp?q=accounting
3. National University
National University was established during 1971 as an independent non-profit private university within La Jolla, California. Based upon a mission based in diversity, National has steadily grown to become the second largest institution of higher education within California and the 12th largest within the U.S. Offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate and credentialing programs, National excels as a leader in quality education for adult learners within traditional, on campus studies and online programs. Ranking #1 per the Online Educational Database,and placing on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of America’s Best Colleges and Universities since 1994, National University is a great path for those seeking to expand knowledge in the field of accounting. Programs include: Associate of Applied Science – Accounting, Bachelor of Science – Accounting, and Master of Science with an Accounting Specialization. All programs offered by the University are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
For more information regarding National University’s online Accounting degrees, go here:
http://www.nu.edu/OurPrograms.cfm
4. Liberty University
Liberty University was founded during 1971 within Lynchburg, Virginia, by the late Reverend Doctor Jerry Falwell, Sr. As the largest private Christian institution of higher education, the University offers a number of programs based upon its mission of service and spirituality. Blending faith and academics, Liberty’s world renowned online programs have catered to the intellectual and educational needs of over 60,000 students since 1985 and provides access to the most highly recognized online degree programs available. Listed as one of America’s Top Colleges by Forbes and ranking fourth by Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges, Liberty’s standard of excellence is the central focus of over 220 degree programs. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, and recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, Liberty’s online programs are highly ranking and frequently a top match for undergraduate and graduate students as they propel their goals. Those interested in completing studies within online accounting programs may participate in Liberty’s Associate of Arts in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, or a Master of Business Administration – Accounting.
For more information regarding Liberty University’s online Accounting degree programs, go here:
http://www.libertyonlinedegrees.com/index.php/business
5. Capella University
Capella University is a for profit co-educational school based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded by Dr. Harold Abel and Stephen Shank during 1991, the University is dedicated to meeting the academic needs of non-traditional adults seeking to expand their knowledge base and advance their careers. Considered a pioneer in providing distance education, Capella’s online programs feature the Blackboard Learning System. As a university which rewards experience based knowledge with college credit through learning assessment programs, Capella is often a great match for those entering or advancing accounting professions. With a third place ranking on the 2010 Online University list by the Global Language Monitor and as the 140th University worldwide on TrendTopper Media Buzz’s list of the Top 300 Colleges and Universities, Capella’s supportive online learning environment is among some of the best available. Since 2007, Capella has been listed among the 86 colleges and universities recognized by the National Security Agency with the recipient of the designation for the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and as member of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, Capella often surpasses the competition with affordability and quality educational experiences.
For more information regarding Capella University’s online Accounting degrees, go here:
http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/undergraduate_studies/business/accounting.aspx
6. Kaplan University
Kaplan University was founded as the American Institute of Commerce during 1937 and was later renamed as Quest College. With a dedication to support, integrity, and advancing educational goals, the University began originally offering only undergraduate degrees to students and successfully grew to offer masters degrees by 2004. That same year the school assumed its present name to honor Stanley H. Kaplan, creator of the Kaplan Test Prep and began offering its first online degrees in numerous fields. As a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Kaplan’s standard of academic excellence is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University offers instruction to over 66,000 students from ten campuses and award winning online programs. As a TopTenREVIEWS recipient of the Gold Award by Online Education Review, Kaplan is a great match for accounting students. They may complete studies within certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree programs in accounting to expand their educational foundation and advance their career goals.
For more information regarding Kaplan’s online Accounting programs, go here:
http://online.kaplanuniversity.edu/business/Pages/Accounting_BS.aspx
7. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University was established during 1965 as a for profit university with a mission to offer real world learning to meet the educational needs of professionals as well as the needs of select industries. The University began as the Colorado Technical College offering former military personnel technical and vocational instruction. During 1995, the school assumed it’s present name and began offering associate through doctoral level degrees focused on business, management, and technology fields. With campuses located throughout the Southwest as well as online, Colorado Technical is internationally recognized as the University of Choice and the University of Choices. Its online programs are based upon innovation, quality, and efficiency and meet the educational needs of a diverse student body, including those seeking to expand their professional horizons through accounting programs. The University’s online Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting program offered through the College of Business and Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute and certain to advance professional goals. Additionally, all programs offered at Colorado Technical University are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. The University is also a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information regarding Colorado Technical’s online Accounting programs, go here:
http://www.coloradotech.edu/Degree-Programs/Business-And-Management
8. Strayer University
Strayer University has specialized in extending education and advancing careers since 1892 as Strayer’s Business College. When Dr. S. Irving Strayer founded the school, his mission was to extend valuable business schools to displaced farm workers. Gradually the College expanded its programs, enrollment, and campuses to confer degrees and assumed the name Strayer Junior College during 1959. Ten years later the school was again renamed to Strayer College and began offering bachelor degrees. As one of The Best Online Universities per the Online Education Database, Strayer’s online accounting certificate and degree programs are based upon some of the industries most current information available. The University’s convenient and highly accessible programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. As a school highly recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, Strayer is a great path to propelling personal and professional goals.
For more information regarding Strayer’s online Accounting degrees, go here:
http://www.strayer.edu/academic-program-finder
9. Keiser University
Keiser University was founded as the Keiser School during 1977 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as a career college by Arthur Keiser and his mother, Evelyn Keiser. As a private school with a mission to extend instruction to students while meeting regional business and healthcare industry needs, the University has offered quality educational experiences designed to advance professional goals since inception. During 1982, the school assumed the name Keiser Institute of Technology and expanded many of its programs. Just four years later was renamed as Keiser College and began conferring its associate degrees. With an increased enrollment, Keiser underwent a period of expansion and began offering its first bachelor degrees during 2001. Within five years, the school assumed its present name and began offering graduate degrees. Over 17,000 students complete associate through doctoral programs in 50 certificate and degree programs offered at 14 campus locations and online studies. Keiser’s online accounting programs include: Associate of Arts – Accounting, Bachelor of Arts – Accounting, Master of Business Administration – Accounting, and Certificate in Accounting. All programs offered at the University are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and are licensed by the Commission for Independent Education in Florida.
For more information regarding Keiser’s online Accounting programs, go here:
http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/programs.php
10. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University was founded as Grand Canyon College by Arizona Southern Baptists with a mission to create accessible, faith based higher education to Prescott, Arizona residents. As a non-profit organization, the College initially suffered financially but steadily grew to achieve university status by 1989. Organizational difficulties greatly affected growth until the University was purchased by Significant Education, LLC during 2004 and transformed the school into a the first for-profit Christian College within the U.S. Since then, the University expanded its programs and extended studies to some of the best online educational paths available. A range of degree offerings for those within the discipline of accounting include vital fundamental principles based in spirituality, leadership, communication, critical thinking, global economics, and entrepreneurship. As one of Fortune’s Top 5 Online Schools for entrepreneurs, Grand Canyon’s Ken Blanchard College of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. In addition, all of the University’s programs are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
For more information regarding Grand Canyon’s online Accounting programs, go here:
http://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/
So those are our 10 best schools for online accounting degrees. Each of these schools has a solid academic program, is regionally accredited, and will help prepare you for a job upon graduation.
