Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting
Complete this form to receive the Purdue Global program guide.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting Overview
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow from 2023 to 2033. Come back and be ready to meet the demand. Earn your accounting degree online.
- Get the education employers require: most of these new positions will require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
- Fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the CPA or CMA® exams.
- Learn to develop and examine financial records, prepare taxes, and provide fiscal advice — services needed in nearly every industry.
- Apply the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to business applications.
- Gain hard skills in economics, finance, management, law, information systems, and quantitative methods, plus soft skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
- Choose from four career-focused accounting concentrations.
Review College Scorecard data for this program.
*************
Purdue Global’s business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Prepare for Accounting Certification
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program could put you on the way to meeting the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examinations.
Academic Quality
Learn the most recent developments in the field of business and accounting — the curriculum is reviewed and revised continually by our dedicated curriculum department and advisory board.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
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.
Calculate Your Time and Cost
Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.
What Courses Will I Take?
Courses in the BS in Accounting program focus on knowledge of accounting theories and principles relevant to the business world.
Sample Courses
- Business Law
- Federal Tax
- Finance
- Managerial Accounting
- Microeconomics
- Organizational Behavior
Program Requirements
1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours
3-Week Trial
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply. That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You must also complete orientation before you start classes.
Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Accounting Degree Concentrations
Accounting degree concentrations allow you to personalize your education by focusing your electives on an area of study that best fits your desired career path.
Choose from the following options:
Auditing and Forensic Accountancy
Gain the investigative skills and accounting knowledge to help you detect, recognize, and prevent specific types of fraud committed against organizations and individuals.
Concentration Outcomes:
- Evaluate risks, internal control, and appropriate audit tests for asset, liability, and equity accounts.
Managerial Accountancy
Gain specialized knowledge in strategic planning, budgeting, cost and asset management, and more. This program contributes toward the educational requirements to sit for the CMA® exam.
Concentration Outcomes:
- Apply cost characteristics to the decision making process.
Public Accountancy
Gain expertise in auditing, tax, and consulting for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, and more. You’ll also prepare to sit for the CPA® Exam.
Concentration Outcomes:
- Analyze financial reporting disclosure requirements.
- Determine internal controls to prevent and detect fraud.
- Compare the allowed business entities and their related tax attributes.
- Assess financial statement fraud using forensic accounting techniques.
Tax Accountancy
Develop a deep understanding of auditing, economics, finance, and management while studying how tax laws affect partnerships, S-corporations, C-corporations, and more.
Concentration Outcomes:
- Examine the tax components and unique rules applicable to corporations.
Earn Credit for Prior Coursework and Experience
The average bachelor's degree student pays $15k and takes 2.3 years to complete their degree.
Ways to Save on Time and Tuition
Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.
Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
Prior Work Experience Reduction
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
Financial Aid
Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.
Grants and Loans
Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.
Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
Military Tuition Reduction
Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.
Prior Military Experience
Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.
View the total cost of attendance for your program.
Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to explain industry-specific concepts to someone not within your field?
- Describe to me a time when an error prevented precise and timely financial statements. How did you rectify the situation?
- Tell me about a time when you've used your analytical skills to identify process improvement opportunities. What were the results of your efforts?
- Give an example of how you've handled sensitive financial data. What measures did you take to ensure confidentiality?
- Provide me with an example of a time when you had to investigate a financial discrepancy. What steps did you take?
Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field
- Account Reconciliation
- Accounts Receivable
- Auditing
- Billing
- Budgeting
- Critical Thinking
- Ethical Standards and Conduct
- External Auditing
- Financial Statements
- Forecasting
- Management
- Month-End Closing
- Problem Solving
- Process Improvement
Download the Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global. Prepare yourself for success with a bachelor's degree in accounting.
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.
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
Faculty members who have terminal degrees
Faculty publications in 2024–2025
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.