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Multiple Degree Pathways

Accounting
Online Programs

Calendar

CLASSES START
Jul 8th

8-36 Mo.

Program Length

25-122

Credits

Online

Format

3

Degree Pathways

Multiple Degree Pathways

Accounting
Online Programs

Earn a career-focused accounting education

AccreditationIACBE accredited degree programs,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 91 approved credits into a bachelor's degree program
Format100% online classes you can take right at home
OptionsChoose your undergraduate or graduate-level degree pathway
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Accountant Seated at Desk Calculating Balances
US News Best Online Programs Bachelor's 2024 Badge

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2024

Accounting / Bookkeeping
US News Best Online Programs Bachelor's 2024 Badge

Choose Your Degree Pathway in Accounting

Accounting degree options include diploma, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs which prepare you for a number of different rewarding careers in bookkeeping, accounting, and finance.

Our degree and diploma programs provide fundamental knowledge and skills in payroll accounting, taxation, business law, computerized accounting, and much more.

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Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

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Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start July 8th

Learn More Today

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Pathways

Follow your career pathway with Herzing

Online Diploma in Accounting and Bookkeeping Program
  • Program length: 6-8 months
  • Classes: View the curriculum
  • Credential earned: Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting
Online Associate Degree in Accounting Program
  • Program length: 20 months
  • Classes: View the curriculum
  • Credential earned: Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
Online Bachelor's Degree in Accounting Program
  • Program length: 36 months
  • Classes: View the curriculum
  • Credential earned: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Online MBA in Accounting and Finance Program
  • Program length: 20 months
  • Classes: View the curriculum
  • Credential earned: Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting and Finance
Online Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Finance Program
  • Program length: 8 months
  • Classes: View the curriculum
  • Credential earned: Post Master’s Certificate in Accounting and Finance

Dual Credit

Save time and money by earning dual credit

Students enrolled in Herzing University’s accounting bachelor’s degree program can get a head start on earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Qualifying undergraduate students who pursue a Herzing Bachelor of Science in Accounting may apply up to 12 credits toward an MBA degree.

Graduates may choose one of several MBA concentrations including Accounting and Finance, or consider our Dual Concentration option to add additional emphasis to your MBA credential.

U.S. News Best Online Bachelor's Degree Program 2021

Classes Start July 8th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Careers

Discover the many career possibilities in accounting and finance

Every company needs to keep their financial house in order—accountants and auditors play a pivotal role in the process. From administrative tasks in bookkeeping and payroll accounting to senior management, jobs in accounting and finance demand a wide variety of skills and responsibilities.

  • Earn a diploma or associate degree in accounting and pursue roles as a clerk in bookkeeping, accounting or payroll.
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting and you can qualify for jobs including accountant, auditor, budget analyst, financial examiner or tax examiner
  • Climb the ladder to potential job titles including general manager, operations manager, or CFO by earning an MBA or post master’s certificate in accounting
  • Prepare for industry certifications such as the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

How can I advance my career? We provide several opportunities to advance your education online and reach the next level in your career, from earning your bachelor’s degree to help become a CPA, or transition to the managerial side with a Master in Business Administration (MBA) or a post-master’s certificate in accounting. Make sure to contact your state licensing board for CPA requirements, as each state is different.

Job outlook

 

According to  the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of accountants and auditors is expected to rise 4% from 2022-2032.*

In addition, the BLS projects a 4% increase in employment for general and operations managers, suggesting further opportunities for applicants with skills developed in a post-baccalaureate/MBA program.

Now is an excellent time to begin or advance your career in accounting.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The difference between finance and accounting is that accounting focuses on tracking the day-to-day flow of money into or out of an organization, while finance is the general management of assets and liabilities and includes future growth planning. The curriculums of their respective degree programs follow suit.

Additionally, if you would like to pursue your CPA, a degree in accounting is often the more preferred choice.

There are many different types of accountants with varying levels of required education. Herzing offers the following undergraduate accounting degree options:

  • Associate of Science in Accounting/Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting

We also offer an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting and Finance.

Yes! All of Herzing’s accounting programs can be completed online on your schedule, at your pace.

Accounting is much more specific to managing and analyzing money in and out of organizations. An accounting degree offers students in-depth knowledge to a range of advance accounting principles and processes.

Business administration is often limited to basic accounting principles. Instead, a degree in business administration focuses on many aspects of business, including operations, management, and business strategy.

Students choosing a business administration degree program with an emphasis on accounting and finance may learn big picture business principles while learning the fundamentals of day-to-day financial management and analysis.

While you may not be required to hold a degree to qualify for jobs that include bookkeeping and accounting tasks, employers may prefer earning a degree if you plan to become an accountant and continue advancing your career in accounting and finance. It’s difficult to obtain senior-level roles in accounting without earning an accounting-specific undergraduate degree. 

Many states require that you must have a bachelor’s degree plus additional credit hours to sit for the exam to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). State-specific requirements may vary.2

A key difference between a diploma and a degree in accounting is required coursework.

Typically, an accounting diploma takes 6-8 months, while a degree may take two or more years. In a diploma program, you'll take classes specific to the field of accounting with no general education courses.

It's a cost-effective way to get foundational knowledge in a subject and can help you qualify for an entry-level job.

Locations

Program Finder

Accounting / Bookkeeping Degree Programs

Showing 3 programs for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

This Bachelor of Science in Accounting program prepares students for challenging careers and positions of leadership in both private and public sectors. It offers upper-level courses in financial accounting, auditing, taxation and cost accounting and introduces students to multiple functional aspects of business in general. Upon completion of this program, students are able to apply computer, communication, and decision-making skills to management accounting techniques to support accounting activities. These activities include maintenance of accounting records, the preparation of financial statements, inventory tracking, valuation, and the preparation of tax returns.

This Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Herzing University does not fulfill all of the requirements for a graduate to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam or apply for licensure as a CPA in most states/jurisdictions. Most states/jurisdictions require a specific amount of study beyond a bachelor's degree (typically, a total of 150 semester credit hours, but this varies by jurisdiction) as well as several years of professional experience working in accounting to be eligible to apply for licensure. Some states (including, but not necessarily limited to, Texas) require the program to have specific programmatic accreditation for graduates to apply for licensure as a CPA, which this program does not have at this time, and no representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Applicants interested in becoming a CPA should check with their state board of accountancy regarding CPA eligibility requirements prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Students planning to pursue certifications other than the CPA exam should also contact the respective certifying organization to confirm requirements for certification prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Certification enhances employment opportunities but is not a state specific requirement.

This accounting program provides students with a solid accounting background. The curriculum includes academic core courses, business courses, and education in computer skills related to accounting such as computerized accounting software, spreadsheets, and payroll systems. This program provides career opportunities in accounting areas such as payables, receivables, bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation.

The Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting program provides students with an introductory understanding of general and payroll accounting practices and the skills needed to set up and maintain basic accounting and payroll records in typical business settings.

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By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Disclosures

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The Business Division at Herzing University 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, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page.

2. This Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Herzing University does not fulfill all of the requirements for a graduate to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam or apply for licensure as a CPA in most states/jurisdictions. Most states/jurisdictions require a specific amount of study beyond a bachelor’s degree (typically, a total of 150 semester credit hours, but this varies by jurisdiction) as well as several years of professional experience working in accounting to be eligible to apply for licensure. Some states (including, but not necessarily limited to, Texas) require the program to have specific programmatic accreditation for graduates to apply for licensure as a CPA, which this program does not have at this time, and no representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Applicants interested in becoming a CPA should check with their state board of accountancy regarding CPA eligibility requirements prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Students planning to pursue certifications other than the CPA exam should also contact the respective certifying organization to confirm requirements for certification prior to enrolling in any accounting program.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

I'm excited about the future and ready for the next chapter in my professional journey!

Maya Herrin

Maya Herrin

Business Program

Akron Campus

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Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.