Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Online
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Program at a Glance
- Most bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are required to have some postsecondary education.*
- Curriculum emphasizes accounting software and the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to identify solutions to accounting business demands.
- A capstone project at the end of your associate's degree program allows you to demonstrate your ability to apply theories and concepts to real-world accounting principles.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
2 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
90
(60 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Overview
The curriculum in our accounting associate’s degree program emphasizes:
- Analyzing, recording, and interpreting accounting information based upon industry guidelines
- Building, maintaining, and operating a computerized accounting system using accounting software
- Preparing payroll, financial statements, and tax documents according to federal and state regulations
Continue With Your Bachelor’s Degree
When you’re ready to further your education, your associate’s degree may bring you halfway toward earning a Purdue Global bachelor’s degree.*
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting could put you on the way to meeting the educational requirements to sit for the CPA or CMA examinations.†
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
Courses in the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting focus on theories and principles relevant to the application of accounting functions in business. Your program will culminate with a capstone course that builds upon all the courses taken in the program.
The curriculum is reviewed and revised continually by our dedicated curriculum department and advisory board to ensure they reflect the most recent developments in the field of business.
See All Accounting CoursesSample Courses
- Managerial Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Federal Tax
- Business Math and Statistical Measures
- Introduction to Management
Program Requirements
- Core Credits20
- Major Credits60
- Elective Credits10
- Total Credits90
Career Opportunities
High-quality accounting services are crucial to an organization’s success. Earning an online associate’s degree in accounting can prepare you for entry-level opportunities in this dynamic career field.
Employers typically require some college education, especially coursework in accounting, for accounting positions.‡ If you want to begin a career in business administration, earning an accounting degree may help you acquire valuable accounting knowledge and skills that will help you stand out to employers.§
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Business Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Download the Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the online Associate of Applied Science in Accounting program and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
Prepare yourself for success with an associate's degree in accounting.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
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There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
†Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.
‡Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/ooh/Business-and-Financial/Accountants-and-auditors.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Certain accounting positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.
§Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. Certain accounting positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements for licensure or certification, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.