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Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting

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Program at a Glance

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow from 2020 to 2030; most of these positions will require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.*
  • The program contributes toward the educational requirements to sit for the CPA or CMA® exams.†
  • Our accounting bachelor's degree lets you choose from four career-focused accounting concentrations.
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
4 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
180
(120 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
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Bachelor of Science in Accounting Overview

Accountants and auditors develop and examine financial records, prepare taxes, and provide fiscal advice for organizations in nearly every industry. Earning your bachelor's degree at Purdue Global can prepare you with the skills and proficiencies to advance your career in accounting.

Throughout the course of study, you will work closely with faculty members who are experienced in the accounting field and dedicated to helping students. You will also complete a capstone project or internship in accounting to demonstrate your ability to apply theories and concepts to real-world accounting practices.

Accelerated CPA Track Option

If your goal is to sit for the CPA Exam, consider Purdue Global's Accelerated CPA Track option. Once you complete the bachelor's degree in accounting, you can apply for entry to Purdue Global's Master of Science in Accounting. If you enroll within 7 weeks of completing your bachelor's, you'll have one course waived from the master's program so you can earn your degree faster.

Completing both the bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting meet the educational requirement of 225 quarter credit hours (150 semester hours) to sit for the CPA exam. For details, speak to an Advisor.

Program Outcomes to Support Your Career Growth

Build the core skills and competencies that employers demand. You will study how to:

  • Acquire a solid background in economics, finance, management, law, information systems, quantitative methods, and taxation.
  • Apply the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to business applications.
  • Improve skills in communication, teamwork, and decision making while gaining a strong professional ethic and practical experience.


See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Purdue Global
Graduate Yemeli Marin discusses how earning her accounting degree at Purdue Global enabled her to study on her own time while caring for her children and working a full-time job.

Purdue University 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.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

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

The human resources concentration aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management's HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

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

The curriculum is reviewed and revised continually by our dedicated curriculum department and advisory board to ensure it reflects the most recent developments in the field of business.

Admissions Requirements

You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education 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.

View University Catalog

Ways to Save

  • Transfer Credits

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Prior Work Experience

    You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

    Your Experience Counts

  • Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Grants

    Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.

    Federal and State Grants

  • Corporate Partner Benefits

    Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

    Employee Savings and Benefits

  • Military Tuition Reduction

    55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.

    Tuition Savings for Military

  • Prior Military Experience

    We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

    Credit for Military Training

  • International Tuition Reduction

    International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.

    International Tuition and Benefits

Program Cost Estimator

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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.

See All Accounting Courses
Sample Courses
  • Business Law
  • Federal Tax
  • Finance
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Microeconomics
  • Organizational Behavior

Program Requirements

  • Core Credits
    45
  • Major Credits
    89
  • Elective Credits
    46
  • Total Credits
    180

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:

  • Gain the investigational skills and accounting knowledge to help you detect, recognize, and prevent specific types of fraud committed against organizations and individuals.

  • 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.

  • Gain expertise in auditing, tax, and consulting for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, and more. You’ll also prepare to sit for the CPA® exam.

  • Develop a deep understanding of auditing, economics, finance, and management while studying how tax laws affect partnerships, S-corporations, C-corporations, and more.

Accounting 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. 

View Concentration Details

Career Opportunities

Organizations in nearly every industry require employees, consultants, or independent practitioners with accounting knowledge and expertise. Graduates of our bachelor’s in accounting program may pursue positions in a variety of work environments including public or private organizations, such as accounting firms; corporate accounting or tax departments; nonprofit organizations; and governmental agencies.†

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Mathematics
  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 (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
grad hat icon 98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 50% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 237 Faculty publications in 2020–2021
student at desk icon More Than 36,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.

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Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.

That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

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Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our 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.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*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 and finance positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.

‡CPA Exam: To sit for the CPA Exam, states require students to have obtained 150 semester hours or 225 quarter credit hours. This program is 180 quarter credit hours (120 semester hours). To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam, a student who has completed Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting would need to complete the University's Master of Science in Accounting or its equivalent. Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state. You should review your state's educational requirements by visiting Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page. For additional information on licensure and state-specific requirements, you should refer to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website as well as your state's CPA licensing requirements, which can be found at the Accountancy Licensing Library.