Best Online Accounting Degree Programs (2023)

Over a hundred schools in the U.S. have some form of an online or hybrid accounting program. We've selected our top choices and listed them below in alphabetical order.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public university in Tempe, Arizona. They offer two online bachelor's degrees in accounting through their W. P. Carey School of Business.

The first degree is a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. It teaches students everything they need for a career in accounting.

The second option is a Bachelor of Arts in Business—Corporate Accounting. It concentrates on teaching students accounting in a corporate environment.

Both programs take four years, require 120 credits, and prepare students to sit for their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification.

2. Brenau University

Brenau University is a private university in Gainesville, Georgia. Their College of Business and Communication offers both a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting online.

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting teaches students the technical and interpersonal skills they need to become a successful accountant.

This program is 100% online and offers six start dates a year. Students need 120 credits to graduate, which takes four years.

The Master of Accounting program focuses on sharpening communication skills, learning a variety of practical subjects, and preparing students for the CPA exam.

This program is completely online. It requires 33 credits and can be finished in as little as two years.

3. Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university. While based in Fort Collins, Colorado, their Global online learning experience reaches students all over the country.

CSU Global's Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree is 100% online and flexible, allowing you to work at your own pace. The 120–credit program typically takes four years, but you may be able to earn yours faster.

The program allows students to develop an understanding of accounting fundamentals and a comprehensive view of organizational management issues.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared to sit for a number of certifications and exams, including their CPA, CMA, and financial analyst certification (CFA).

4. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private university geared toward adult students. They're headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, but 80% of their students learn online.

They offer both a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting fully online.

The bachelor's in accounting program trains students in sought–after accounting skills and prepares them for certification. 124 credits are required, and courses last six or 12 weeks.

The master's program offers two focus options: financial operations and taxation. Students can earn their master's in as few as 17 months.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Baptist university in Lynchburg, Virginia. They have multiple online degree options, including a bachelor's degree in accounting.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Data Analysis is available through the School of Business and teaches the critical, basic skills to succeed in almost any accounting field.

120 credit hours are required, and the degree program takes four years. Classes are offered in eight–week blocks and eight start dates are available each year.

This program prepares students to sit for their CPA exam.

6. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is a public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue Global is their online branch with a focus on adult learners, and students can earn a bachelor's and master's in accounting.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree prepares students with the skills and proficiencies of accounting. 180 credits are required, which takes four years.

The Master of Science in Accounting is designed to enrich skills in auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting. It requires 52 credits and takes a year and a half, on average, to complete.

Purdue Global also offers an accelerated CPA track option for bachelor's students interested in earning their master's in accounting.

7. Saint Mary–of–the–Woods

Saint Mary–of–the–Woods is a private Roman Catholic college in Indiana. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need for a career in accounting. It requires 120 credits.

After graduation, students will be prepared to sit for their CMA, CFM, and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exams.

Students who want to sit for the CPA exam will need to modify their program to meet the requirements.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private university. While based in Manchester, New Hampshire, they are best known for their extensive online programs, which include several accounting degree options.

Three 120–credit bachelor's degree options are available:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance

Students can also earn a master's in accounting or accounting finance.

The accounting degree has four concentration options:

• auditing
• forensic accounting
• management accounting
• taxation

All master's programs require 36 credits

9. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university in the University of Alabama system. They offer both a bachelor's and master's degree online.

The bachelor's in accounting degree takes four years to finish, and classes are structured in seven or 14–week blocks. Students must complete experiential learning.

For online students, this can be:

• 150–hour internship
• one–week study away trip
• wavier for previous or current work experience

The Master of Accounting degree requires 30 credits that can be completed at your own pace. Bachelor's students can start their master's early by taking up to 12 shared credit hours.

An accounting certificate is also available for non–accounting students to bridge the gap into the Master of Accounting program.

10. University of Southern Florida

The University of Southern Florida is a public research university in Tampa and is part of the State University System of Florida. They offer an online bachelor's in accounting degree through their Muma College of Business.

The online program is flexible and primarily asynchronous, meaning there are no set log–in times. Students are able to complete assignments at their own pace so long as they meet course deadlines.

Online students have the same curriculum and requirements as on–campus students, though there is a slight difference in the sequence of online courses.