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 2019 to 2029; most of these positions will require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.*
Our accounting bachelor's degree lets you choose from concentrations in auditing/forensic, managerial, public, or tax accountancies.
The program contributes toward the educational requirements to sit for the CPA or CMA^® exams.^†

15–18 Hours per Week

10-Week Terms

Course Details

180

$371

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How Do I Get Started?

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

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.

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/forensic accountancy: Develop the knowledge and skills to detect, recognize, and prevent specific types of fraud committed against organizations and individuals.
Managerial accountancy: Gain skills in strategic planning and budgeting, performance evaluation, and cost and asset management.
Public accountancy: Develop skills for handling auditing, tax, and consulting for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals.
Tax accountancy: Study how tax laws affect partnerships, S-corporations, C-corporations, and other business entities.

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.

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

To enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 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.

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.

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

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:

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Mathematics
Reading Comprehension
Speaking

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.

Take the Next Step in Your Education and Career

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.

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.^‡

Discover your work interests and use them to chart your ideal career path.

Learn More

Courses in the BS in Accounting program focus on knowledge of accounting theories and principles relevant to the business world.

Business Law
Federal Tax
Finance
Managerial Accounting
Microeconomics
Organizational Behavior

See All Accounting Courses

Choose from four accounting concentrations:

Auditing/forensic accountancy
Managerial accountancy

Public accountancy
Tax accountancy

Core Credits45
Major Credits89
Elective Credits46
Total Credits180

Ways to Save

Military Tuition Reduction

We Offer an Affordable Education for Military Students

For undergraduate programs, tuition is reduced 55% per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans. Tuition reductions are also available for graduate programs and military spouses.

Tuition Savings for Military
Corporate Partner Benefits

Purdue Global, Your Employer, and You: a Great Partnership

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions and could earn college credit for corporate training programs.

Employee Savings and Benefits
Grants

Determine Your Eligibility for Federal Grants

Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available to Purdue Global students.

Federal and State Grants
Prior Military Experience

Graduate Sooner With Your Military Experience

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

Credit for Military Training
Financial Aid

Learn How to Apply For and Receive Financial Aid

Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs. Get answers to common financial aid questions, learn about federal student aid, and get the facts about military Shopping Sheets.

Financial Aid FAQ
International Tuition Reduction

We’re Committed to Providing an Affordable Path to Your Degree

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

International Tuition and Benefits
Transfer Credits

Finish What You Started

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

Save Time and Money on Your Degree
Prior Work Experience

Leverage Your Skills to Earn Your Degree Faster

Discover pathways to earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

Your Experience Counts

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98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees

48% Faculty members who hold a doctorate

264 Faculty publications in 2019–2020

More Than 45,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2019–2020

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2020. 2019–2020 academic year.

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.

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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.

^‡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 elsewhere. Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state. You should review your state's educational requirements by visiting 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. Refer to Licensure.PurdueGlobal.edu for additional information on licensure and state authorizations.