Online accounting degrees are booming, with a whopping 3,500 online accounting programs available today. But it can be challenging to sort through all the options and choose the right one.
There are lots of different types of online accounting degrees, from associate to bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even Ph.D. in Accounting. However, not all programs are created equal; furthermore, you might need to meet additional requirements before you can begin studying for your chosen degree.
To help you narrow your options and get the most from your educational experience, we have outlined some important factors to consider when choosing an online accounting degree program.
What type of online accounting degree do you want to get?
If you’re in a hurry and just want to get your foot in the door, then you may want to choose an associate’s degree in accounting. This two-year program often fulfills the minimum requirements set by employers for new accountants, and students can typically earn their degree at a faster pace than if they were doing a four-year bachelor’s program.
Additionally, if you are looking to change careers, an associate’s in accounting may be the right choice for you. Some employers prefer to hire for a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but many will accept an associate’s degree from a reputable program instead of a bachelor’s.
If you have the time, you may want to choose a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting is the traditional route for many people who eventually want to work in the field. A bachelor’s degree in accounting will require you to take some core classes and specialization courses in accounting, as well as electives like finance, statistics, and economics.
The bachelor’s degree in accounting is a longer route, but you will be more prepared for the real-world challenges that come with the job.
Looking for a job? Be sure to check the hiring requirements.
When choosing an online accounting degree program, one of the most important things to consider is the hiring requirements for the accounting jobs you want to get. Some programs are designed to help students prepare for admission to a specific university’s accounting program.
If you want to get into a very competitive program, you may want to choose a program that will help you prepare for that university’s entrance requirements or a program that is highly recommended by the university. Some online accounting degree programs offer career services to help you prepare for the job search.
If you are looking for an accounting job, but have not chosen a program yet, you may want to consider programs that have built-in career services. For example, some programs partner with accounting firms to help place their students in jobs, and many offer resume-building and interview preparation assistance.
How much time do you have available?
When you select an online accounting degree program, you should also consider how much time you can commit to studying. Many online accounting degree programs are designed so that students can complete a degree in as few as two years. Other programs are designed to be completed in four years.
If you have family or other obligations, you may want to select a program that can be completed in two years. In addition to the length of the program, you should also consider how many credits are required to graduate. Some programs are designed to be completed with no more than 90 credits, while others will require 120 credits or more. Typically, the higher the number of credits required, the more challenging the program will be.
Which school or university offers the program you want?
Some online accounting degree programs have very specific hiring partners, while others are open-access programs that can be applied to a variety of jobs. If you are choosing an online accounting degree program with a hiring partner, be sure to do your research and select a program that offers a hiring partner that meets your needs.
If you are choosing an open-access program, you may want to select a program that has a strong reputation. You can often find rankings of the best online accounting degree programs from well-known organizations such as U.S. News, The Princeton Review, and The Education Trust.
What is the program’s reputation?
While it is important to consider the reputation of the school or university offering an online accounting degree program, it is also important to carefully review the program’s reputation.
When you review the program, be sure to look at factors such as the average student rating, the number of students who graduated, and the program’s completion rate. These statistics will give you a better idea of the type of experience you can expect as a student in the program.
Some online programs are offered by universities that are not well known, while others are offered by institutions with a strong reputation. If you are choosing an online accounting degree program, you must select a program with a strong reputation.
Are there any extra requirements you need to meet?
Some online accounting degree programs have specific requirements that must be met before you can apply to the program. For example, some programs require you to have completed a certain number of college credits before you can apply.
If you are choosing an online accounting degree program with specific requirements, make sure to carefully review those requirements before applying. Other programs may have specific English language proficiency requirements. If English is not your first language, be sure to select an online accounting degree program that offers English language proficiency (EOP) classes or services.
Conclusion
While online accounting degrees are a valid and valuable educational option, you should carefully consider which program is right for you. There are lots of different types of online accounting degrees, from associate to bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even Ph.D. in Accounting.
However, not all programs are created equal; furthermore, you might need to meet additional requirements before you can begin studying for your chosen degree. To help you narrow your options and get the most from your educational experience, we have outlined some important factors to consider when choosing an online accounting degree program.