Accounting

Accounting is the study of how businesses track their income and assets over time. Accountants engage in a wide variety of activities besides preparing financial statements and recording business transactions including computing costs and efficiency gains from new technologies, participating in strategies for mergers and acquisitions, quality management, developing and using information systems to track financial performance, tax strategy, and health care benefits management.

Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Beginning accounting and auditing positions in the Federal Government, for example, usually require 4 years of college (including 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in accounting, or with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and increased scrutiny of company finances will drive growth. In addition to openings resulting from growth, the need to replace accountants and auditors who retire or transfer to other occupations will produce numerous job openings in this large occupation.

Accounting - Associate of Arts
The Associate of Arts in Accounting specialization focuses on the role of accounting in business strategy, financial statements, cost information, economics, management, and ethical issues. Students will encounter real-world scenarios where they will use accounting information resources and systems, and present conclusions based on accounting and business data. Additionally, students will use ledgers, journals, and worksheets to complete formal, informal, and quantitative accounting tasks.

Accounting - Bachelor of Science in Business
The Bachelor of Science in Business/Accounting program promotes identification with and orientation to the accounting profession, and is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to a successful accounting career. Core competencies in technology, critical thinking, and communication are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Accounting - Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting (MBA/ACC) is designed to develop or enhance the financial management skills necessary to function effectively within private businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies. The program concentrates on managing human and fiscal resources within the structure, culture, and mission of any organization. The curriculum addresses advanced costing techniques, accounting theory, accounting information systems, issues in corporate taxation, executive management, budgeting, human resources management, organizational development, conflict management, strategic planning, information management, and decision making, among other subjects.

Individual Accounting Courses
As the nation's largest private university, University of Phoenix is an excellent source for individual college-level courses. Students can take the courses they need to transfer into a degree program elsewhere or for their own professional development. While widely available, not all courses are available in all states.

Accounting - Associate
An associate in accounting from Rasmussen College helps train students for a broad range of reputable entry-level accounting positions. Graduates of the program walk away prepared for employment in such sought-after specialties as Internal Auditing, General Accounting, Financial Analysis, Tax Accounting, Accounts Payable and Receivable, and Bookkeeping.

• Financial Accounting
• Financial Investigation
• Banking

Accounting - Bachelor of Science
Rasmussen's BS in Accounting program will prepare students to manages the finances of small businesses, corporatae offices, financial institutions, and more. The programs covers topics in accounting such as corporate fraud analysis, governmental and nonprofit accounting, managerial accounting, money and banking, and more. Rasmussen also offers students many electives to customize their education.

Accounting and Finance - Bachelor of Business Administration
AIU Online developed the online Bachelor's of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance degree completion program to help prepare students interested in pursuing such career opportunities as Internal Auditors, Assistant Controller, Loan Officers, and Personal Financial Advisors. This program is structured to provide a strong foundation for motivated professionals looking to advance in many interesting financial careers. Graduates will also have a strong foundation for continued studies, should they decide to advance into the AIU Online MBA program in the future.

Accounting and Finance - Master of Business Administration
American InterContinental University's MBA in Accounting and Finance program educates students with a unique, market-relevant combination of comprehensive business studies and real-world financial applications. This online degree program is designed to give students the advanced knowledge, skills, and practical, experience-based education necessary to focus on finance and accounting careers that are experiencing a dynamic growth rate. American InterContinental University created this MBA program to prepare students interested in developing and advancing their careers as Financial Analysts, Comptrollers, Independent Accountants, Professional Investors and other top-tier financial professions.

Accounting - Bachelor of Business Administration
This accounting specialization program provides learners with an understanding of a wide array of accounting related services, including budget analysis, financial and investment planning, and financial statement and internal control auditing. These skills prepare graduates for a profession in financial, managerial, or government accounting. In addition to accounting expertise, learners in the specialization will demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to present information to both internal and external clients, influencing organizational effectiveness at all levels of their organization. This specialization is not designed to prepare learners for a CPA exam.

Accounting - Master of Business Administration
Capella's online MBA specialization in accounting will expand students' knowledge in areas such as budget planning and control, audit and evaluation of controls, and the nature and function of accounting information in the decision-making process. This program will build the strategic perspective needed to interact effectively with executive management and strengthen one's ability to succeed in middle and senior management positions.

Accounting - Associate of Applied Science
DeVry provides an academic program that offers foundational knowledge of accounting, tax and related concepts, as well as analysis techniques integrated with contemporary technology. Students of the accounting program will learn how to apply accounting and finance principles to fundamental accounting tasks and use accounting for financial tasks and data analysis.

Accounting - Bachelor of Business Administration
An accounting concentration can prepare students to pursue career goals as a public, corporate or government accountant with positions such as financial analysts, forensic accountants, information technology specialists, international accountants and tax consultants. In three years or less, students in DeVry's Business Administration program develop competency in applying technology to business strategy, management and decision-making through case studies, team projects, Internet use and web page development, as well as computer applications and systems integration.

Accounting - Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
Kaplan University's online Associate of Applied Science in Accounting will teach students the theories and principles of business accounting, and technical skills needed to succeed in an entry-level accounting position. The program's focus goes far beyond analyzing and interpreting numbers; it teaches how to communicate vital information effectively, and network with people from all walks of business. Students will learn how to use accounting software, as well as analyze, record, and interpret accounting information based upon industry guidelines. Students will also learn how to use accounting information (financial and non-financial) to make decisions as business leaders do. Course content includes the application of accounting principles, payroll processing procedures, financial statement preparation, and tax preparation according to federal and state regulations.

Accounting - Bachelor of Science
Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Accounting will provide the academic knowledge and technical expertise needed to succeed in an entry-level accounting position. Learners will acquire a solid background in economics, finance, management, law, information systems and quantitative methods, as well as improves skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making processes. By working with faculty members who are highly esteemed in the accounting field, students will gain a strong professional ethic and great practical experience. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting may be prepared to sit for the CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examinations.

• Auditing / Forensic Accountancy
• Government / Nonprofit Accountancy
• Public / General Accountancy
• Managerial Accountancy
• Tax Accountancy

Accounting - Bachelor of Science in Business
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the accounting industry, including tax preparation firms and payroll departments. Courses cover all aspects of accounting principles including new tax laws, financial statements, balance sheets, asset management, inventory analysis, accounting software, and cost-volume-profit analysis. Students choosing this emphasis area will also learn accounting procedures as they relate to managing and controlling business activities.

Accounting Management - Bachelor of Science in Management
This program prepares learners for entry-level positions in the accounting industry, including tax preparation firms and payroll departments. Courses cover accounting principles, including new tax laws, financial statements, balance sheets, asset management, inventory analysis, accounting software, and cost-volume-profit analysis. This emphasis area also covers accounting procedures related to managing and controlling business activities.

Accounting - Associate
Keiser University’s Associate of Arts degree in Accounting focuses on entry-level accounting skills needed in today’s business environment. The program provides a basic understanding of essential business skills and addresses unique skills needed by an accounting clerk. Topics include financial accounting, accounting software and tax accounting.