Accounting degrees prepare individuals for a career in the technical field of accounting. Earning professional licensure requires an accounting education prior to sitting for the exams. While traditional classroom settings have been utilized by individuals seeking an accounting degree, the online educational format has increased the opportunities for individuals to earn a degree. Most, if not all, online colleges and universities are accredited, giving individuals several institutions to choose from, depending on their location and educational goals.
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degrees are the first step for most individuals in the accounting education process. While most bachelor's degrees are four-year programs, the online format allows individuals to go part-time, extending the program length to six or seven years depending on the college or university. Bachelor degrees have a minimum of 120 semester credit hours required for graduation, and many programs require 130 to 136 semester credit hours. Classes include principles of accounting, intermediate accounting, advanced accounting, cost accounting, taxation, corporate finance and auditing. These classes provide individuals with a well-rounded knowledge of the accounting profession; business classes are mixed into the degree to prepare individuals for future management positions.
Master's Degree
Master's degrees in accounting meet the extended educational requirements for professional accounting licensure in the U.S. Most state accountancy boards require 30 semester credit hours in postgraduate level education before sitting for licensure exams. Master's programs usually have a minimum of 30 semester credit hours, although 48 to 60 credit hours are needed for specialized master's degrees. Accounting specializations such as taxation, public accounting, forensic accounting and auditing are the most common degree specializations. Master's degrees are advanced accounting courses, where the format has students learning the breadth and depth of accounting theory. Online programs use an accelerated program format, allowing individuals to earn a master's degree in as little as 12 months; however, most online programs require 18 to 24 months for completion.
Doctorate
Two doctoral programs are available for students wanting to earn the highest accounting education: the Doctor of Business Administration in Accounting (DBA) and an accounting PhD. The DBA focuses on the application of accounting theory to practical situations, whereas the PhD focuses on creating new accounting theory and concepts. DBA programs usually consist of 60 to 80 quarter credit hours, and the PhD requires 90 to 120 quarter credit hours. While each of these degrees usually leads to a career in the educational field, traditional accounting career paths may be chosen by successful doctoral candidates. Doctorates take four to five years to complete, with the last two or three years focusing on a thesis or dissertation. The DBA program may allow a management project in lieu of a dissertation, since the DBA focuses on the application of accounting and business theory.
Tags: credit hours, semester credit, semester credit hours, accounting education, accounting theory, advanced accounting, application accounting