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.
COURSE EFFORT 20 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 90
COST PER CREDIT $371
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

August 21
September 18
October 16
November 6

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.

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the associate’s degree in accounting, you must be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate or other equivalency diploma. You must also complete an orientation before you start classes.


Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

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Purdue Global’s business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
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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:

  1. Mathematics
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Complex Problem Solving
  4. Reading Comprehension
  5. 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 (2016–2028) 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.

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.

Sample Courses
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Federal Tax
  • Business Math and Statistical Measures
  • Introduction to Management
See All Accounting Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits20
  • Major Credits60
  • Elective Credits10
  • Total Credits90

Ways to Save

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Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

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
97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
218 Faculty publications in 2017–2018
Nearly 87,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2017–2018

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis and Center for Teaching and Learning, 2017–2018 academic year. Note: all figures include data prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting program and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*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 Assessment 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.