Online Accounting Degree

Please note: The 花椒直播 is no longer accepting applications for the online BS in accounting. To learn more about our on-ground accounting program, click here >>

Online B.S. In Accounting Program: Earn a Degree in a High-Demand Field

Accounting student

The 花椒直播鈥檚 online Bachelor Degree in Accounting equips you with the knowledge and skills to function as key leadership partners for management decision-making at all levels of organizations.

Kickstart your career and explore advancement opportunities with a diversified skillset.

In the USM online accounting program, you'll learn from expert faculty who possess years of academic and practical real-world experience. You'll gain a thorough understanding of basic and advanced accounting principles, auditing, taxation, cost management, regulatory reporting, and analytics.

Gain the Skills to Take Your Next Step

Why USM?

Accreditation: IACBE
Average Completion Time: Less than 2 years, with gen eds already completed
CPA + MBA Track: Integrated with our MBA degree and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam* track for you to achieve your professional goals.
Real-World Experience: Gain essential real-world experience through local internship opportunities.

The 花椒直播 Advantage

USM's program features a practical, real-world curriculum designed and delivered by professors with extensive experience in the field. As a result, you will develop a refined skill set based on accounting fundamentals.

The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). And students can pursue further higher education opportunities through USM's Triple Advantage program and integrate CPA* and MBA tracks after graduation.

Undergraduate admissions requirements to the 花椒直播 vary by program. Some basic requirements include:

A 2.0 GPA on at least 12 credits of previously completed transferrable college coursework or
A 2.75 high school GPA for students with no prior college experience, or a GED exam demonstrating college readiness

USM bachelor's degrees require 120 credits--including coursework transferred in--for completion.

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USM's accounting classes constitute 60 credits of a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Students may transfer in additional credits, or take gen ed and other non-accounting program classes via USM Online.

As part of the online B.S. in Accounting, you will engage with a rigorous curriculum designed by experienced professionals. The online core accounting coursework provides you with a real-world, pragmatic knowledge base to help you advance your career. Topics explored in the program include advanced accounting, auditing, taxation, business communications, accounting information systems, and data analysis.

Students of the online accounting degree are prepared to enter future business ventures as leaders in finance. It also prepares students who want to pursue a master's program with the integrated CPA* + MBA track.

Engage with auditing practices, taxation, business communications, information systems, and data analysis at the same time that you adopt leadership traits.

Additionally, the program is integrated with the MBA and CPA* degree paths at the 花椒直播, meaning you will have an opportunity to advance your academic profile that much further after graduation.

Courses

The study of accounting as a means of recording and communicating financial information about a business. Emphasis is placed on basic Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) used to identify, record, and report financial results. The concepts and principles underlying the measurement of income, costs, and financial position are studied and practiced, along with the preparation and use of the Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) and Statements of Operations (Income Statement). Ethical practices and regulatory compliance procedures are also introduced and studied.

Continuation of AC 251. The study of accounting concepts and principles as applied to partnerships and corporations, the reporting of assets, liabilities, and shareholders鈥� equity, and the preparation and use of the Statement of Cash Flows. The convergences of International Financial Reports in Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is also studied, with emphasis on those standards currently converged into one global standard. The course also introduces the basic concepts of managerial and cost accounting.

The study of Federal, State, and Local tax regulations governing the compliance, accounting, and reporting of individual, partnership, and various types of corporate taxes and estate taxes are also studied.

The study of cost behavior, cost controls, valuations, and the use of analytical cost tools and techniques for management decision making.鈥�

The study and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for use in the recording and reporting of accounting data and the preparation of Financial Statements. The focus of the course is on the detail elements that comprise a Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows. An introduction to accounting for mergers and acquisitions, income taxes, and comprehensive income, is also included in the course.

The study of accounting information and the application of analytical tools and techniques for day-to-day and strategic decision-making. Specific analytical tools, such as breakeven analysis, cost-volume-profit relationship algorithms, differential cost analysis, leverage, target cost/pricing, flexible budgeting, and activity-based costing are studied and practiced.

The study and practice of effective written, presentation, and verbal communication skills, as required in the management and reporting of accounting and financial information. Key topics include the preparation of executive summaries/reports, general business communications, audit reports, shareholder communications, media releases, and specific reporting for regulatory/compliance purposes.

The study of specific accounting and related topics such as government/fund accounting, revenue recognition, currencies and exchange rates, intra and intercompany transactions, international accounting, regulatory reporting and compliance, and other topics of current interest and concern.鈥嬧€�

The study of the essential processes of auditing, including specific procedures and techniques used in the review of both public and private company financial statements and internal controls. Compliance, ethics, and regulatory reporting are also studied, along with the organizations and regulatory institutions responsible for audit compliance and financial reporting.

The study of accounting principles and procedures applicable to decentralized/multinational operations, business combinations, consolidated financial reporting, foreign currency exchange, variable interest entities, transfer pricing, and governmental agencies.

One semester of supervised practical experience in selected organizations, agencies, or businesses 鈥� required for all students majoring in accounting who are classified as a junior or senior. Overall experience and written requirements for this Internship are developed collectively by the faculty internship coordinator, the organization, and the student.

The 花椒直播 has staff ready to help you answer your questions! The answers may be below, or are only a phone call or email away.

If you have a question we don鈥檛 cover here, request more information or call 800-752-7043.

How fast can I complete the online bachelor's degree in accounting?
Students who come in with a complete set of gen eds take on average 22 months to complete the program, but some have been able to complete the degree in as few as 20 months. Students who need additional credits may take longer

Is the online bachelor's degree in accounting a full- or part-time program?
The online BS in Accounting is offered in both full- and part-time formats.

What is the total tuition for the online BS in Accounting?
The online BS in accounting degree costs $429 a credit hour.

For more information about tuition, additional costs, and financial aid options, please visit our tuition page.

Is the online BS in Accounting program accredited?
Yes, the online BS in Accounting is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Does the online bachelor's in accounting require work experience?
No, the online accounting degree does not require work experience.

Which classes are required to complete the BS in Accounting program?
The online BS in Accounting program requires 60 credits, USM requires 120 credits (including transfer work) to earn a bachelor's degree. Coursework includes a focus on accounting principles, auditing, taxation, data analysis, and business communications. The degree-completion program is ideal for students who have completed roughly two years of college or have an earned associate in arts or associate in science from a regionally accredited institution.

Career Outlook

USM accounting grads routinely find financially and professionally rewarding positions at large and small accounting firms, governmental agencies, and businesses of all types.

With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and/or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a concentration in accounting, graduates find career opportunities as:

Public Accountants or Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)*
Financial Analysts
Financial Managers
Payroll Specialists
Accounts Payable Specialists
Management Accountants or Certified Management Accountants (CMAs)*
Cost Management Accountants
Forensic Accountants
International Accountants
Personal Financial Planners and Wealth Management Specialists
Tax Analysts and Specialists
Controllers
Securities Trading Accountants
Project Accountants
Investment Banking Analysts
Chief Financial Officers
Auditors
Sport Management Accountants
Local, State, or Federal Governmental Accountants
Regulatory Reporting Managers

The demand for accounting graduates is consistently high. With regard to compensation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported accountants and auditors earned a median $77,250^ per year in May 2021, plus benefits, such as educational assistance, retirement/savings plans, bonuses, and health care options.

^Source:

Meet the Faculty

Phillip Watlington, MBA

Accounting Program Director, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Spires Trading Team Coach
Phil.Watlington@stmary.edu
913-682-5151
花椒直播 Hall 407
Read Bio

Tonja Gardner, DBA

Assistant Professor of Accounting
Tonja.Gardner@stmary.edu
913-758-6261
花椒直播 Hall 408
Read Bio

Earning a degree at the 花椒直播 does not lead to licensure as a CPA or CMA. However, the coursework in some programs can satisfy requirements that will enable students to sit for the CPA or CMA exam. Please see your advisor for details.

Division Mission

The Division of Business and Information Technologies mission is to educate and inspire students with diverse educational needs to become competent, ethical, socially responsible, and globally aware.

The Division of Business and Information Technologies at the 花椒直播 has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66213. Learn more >>

USM | Online

Apply Now
Request Info

Have Questions? Contact Us.

Cynthia Sharp
USM Online
cynthia.sharp@stmary.edu
913-758-6187

USM | Online

Apply Now
Request Info

Have Questions? Contact Us.

Cynthia Sharp
USM Online
cynthia.sharp@stmary.edu
913-758-6187

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