Advances in computing devices and distance education technologies make it possible for students to get an accounting degree online. If you are looking for alternatives to studying for your degree in a classroom environment, it is very important that you learn about the types of degrees that you can pursue as an online student and also the benefits of studying online. It is also important for all prospective online students to see if they are a good fit for a partially independent collegiate degree program where there is not a physical attendance requirement. Read on, and find out more about online accounting programs and whether or not they are right for you.
What Types of Accounting Degrees Can You Earn Online?
Any prospective student who wants to major in accounting should be familiar with the types of degrees that you can earn and which types of positions you will be qualified for once you earn your degree. An Associate’s in Accounting is a two-year undergraduate degree program where general education courses and minimal accounting courses will be delivered. With this degree, you can become a bookkeeper or an entry-level accounting clerk. You will also be qualified to move on to a bachelor’s degree program, which qualifies you for many more entry and mid-level positions.
A bachelor’s degree will take a total of four years to earn and will have a much greater emphasis on accounting principles and theories. Once you graduate, you will be qualified for technical positions or for financial planning roles. If your goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant, you may need to take additional accounting coursework to meet the 150 credit hour requirement, according to the American Institute of CPAs. This is when you should consider enrolling in a master’s or MBA program with an emphasis on accounting classes. Master’s programs are more geared towards those who want to be a specialist and MBA programs are best for students who want to become leaders or managers.
What Are the Benefits of Studying for an Accounting Degree Online?
No matter what type of degree you want to earn, there can be a long list of benefits if you choose to take a program that is delivered entirely online. One of the biggest benefits of studying online is that you will have a flexible schedule so that you can spend time with the family or hold a full-time job as you commit to continuing education. Students are free to study at night or on the weekends, as long as their projects and work is submitted in time. It also eliminates the need to commute to and from a campus, which will reduce your ongoing costs that add up when you are a student.
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Studying for a degree online is not for everyone. While there are socialization tools and resources that allow students to network, some find that they need to physically be in a classroom with a professor to stay on track. You need to be extremely organized and willing to spend your free time reading, watching lectures or writing papers. You will not constantly be micro-managed, and if this is something that drives you to succeed, this might not be the route for you. Consider your personality type and your needs and then you can decide if you want to get an accounting degree online or on campus.
