What is an online bachelor's degree in accounting?

A bachelor's degree in accounting is a college degree that students can earn online that can help them prepare for a career in accounting. UMGC’s bachelor's degree in accounting is a 120-credit program that covers topics like managerial accounting, budgeting, accounting systems, internal controls, financial analysis, financial reporting, financial accounting, auditing, and more. The program helps students prepare to work in a wide range of accounting-specific or accounting-related industries, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations.

How long does it take to get an online bachelor's degree in accounting?

UMGC's bachelor's degree in accounting is a 120-credit program with courses offered year-round. The time it will take you to complete your accounting degree online will depend on several factors, including your goals, how many transfer credits you have, your course load each semester, and whether you are able to benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.

How much does a online bachelor's degree in accounting cost?

Tuition rates for the bachelor’s degree in accounting from UMGC are very competitive and appear at the top of this page. We offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military service members and their spouses and dependent children. We also offer scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make online bachelor's degrees even more affordable.

What background do I need to get an online bachelor’s degree in accounting?

You do not need any background or experience in accounting to apply for and graduate with an accounting degree. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.

Are any certifications needed with the online bachelor's degree in accounting?

You do not need any prior certifications to enroll in or complete this accounting program.

Online Accounting Bachelor’s Degree

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

120 credits
Transfer up to 90 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

$324 per credit (in-state)
$499 per credit (out-of-state)
$250 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

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Aim to develop the skills you need to enhance your analytical abilities and boost your organization’s financial health with an online bachelor's degree in accounting from University of Maryland Global Campus. Engage with a diverse network of peers and learn from highly respected faculty members as you prepare to advance in nearly any industry or workplace. With convenient online courses, multiple start dates, access to lifetime career services, and a generous transfer credit policy, UMGC provides the flexibility and support you need. Begin your accounting degree journey today.

Develop Expertise in Tax Law, Auditing, Budgets, & More

This career-focused 120-credit online accounting degree features topics ranging from the core principles of accounting to an introduction to microeconomics. In completing coursework, you will learn about financial statements, cost analysis, managerial accounting, financial accounting, and federal tax laws. You will also delve into emerging topics such as data analytics, technology applications, forensic accounting, and ethical communication. Ultimately, this undergraduate degree is designed for individuals looking to make a positive impact in a high-demand field.

Here are a few benefits of this accounting program:

Our curriculum is designed to help prepare you for several certification exams including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in your state, the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam, and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam.
Projects incorporate the use of real-world case studies, data visualizations, and the latest accounting software including Excel, PowerBI, Tableau, ACL, and IDEA.
Students in this degree program can take advantage of UMGC's accelerated pathway, reducing the total credits needed for a master's degree in accounting and financial management, cyberaccounting, or management with an accounting specialization.
This degree program has been recognized by professional organizations such as the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) through its Internal Audit Educational Partnership (IAEP) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) through the Anti-Fraud Education Partnership.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2023–2024 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Develop Vital Skills in Accounting

In today's rapidly evolving and complex financial landscape, proficiency in accounting has become crucial for achieving success in the business world. This online accounting degree program is specifically designed to equip students with the skills required to thrive in this dynamic environment. The program seeks to help you develop critical competencies in areas such as financial reporting, cost accounting, taxation, auditing, budget planning, financial analysis, risk assessment, and more. Program directors regularly revisit and revise the curriculum with an emphasis on helping students achieve the following:

Enhance Communication Skills

Communicate with financial and non-financial audiences in a concise manner to facilitate decisions.

Develop Effective Reports

Create financial and business reports based on research and data analysis.

Inform Business Decisions

Apply accounting and business management principles to inform decision-making and risk management.

Assess Modern Technology

Evaluate technology designed to help personnel work collaboratively and facilitate the decision-making process.

Test and Validate Data

Employ standards to identify, test, and validate processes, systems, and financial data.

Detect and Prevent Fraud

Plan for fraud detection and deterrence analysis, implementation, and evaluation.

Manage Agency Finances

Perform a range of functions, including budgeting, reporting, and auditing to manage federal agency finances.

Improve the Use of Data

Propose a plan for improved use of business intelligence, data management, and analytics.

Unlock Your Career Potential

UMGC courses are taught by experienced faculty members and offer skills and proficiencies in high demand by today’s employers. This undergraduate accounting program is specifically designed to enable you to succeed in a wide range of professional environments within both the public and private sectors, including corporate accounting departments, auditing firms, taxation agencies, financial consultancies, and more. Graduates may pursue careers as entry-level accountants, financial analysts, auditors, forensic accountants, tax consultants, management accountants, or budget analysts.

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Practice Real-World Skills in Your Courses

Throughout this undergraduate curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and hands-on experiences within hypothetical business environments. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following projects:

Design a corporate governance plan to facilitate sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks.
Evaluate accounting information systems (AIS) to determine if appropriate internal controls and security measures are in place to protect an organization from fraud, waste, and abuse.
Calculate dissolution or reorganization under U.S. bankruptcy laws.
Explain consolidated financial statements, integrating international or multinational operations such as currency transactions in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Research ethical standards and regulations to determine if a case violates or fails to comply with codes of professional conduct or other rules.

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Online Bachelor's Degree: Accounting

Accounting

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

TUITION RATES

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Develop Expertise in Tax Law, Auditing, Budgets, & More