Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting

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Program at a Glance
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for accountants and auditors to grow faster than average through 2026; 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.†
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 180
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

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.

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

Admissions Requirements

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.

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.

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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

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 (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.

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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.‡

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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
See All Accounting Courses

Choose from four accounting concentrations:

  • Auditing/forensic accountancy
  • Managerial accountancy
  • Public accountancy
  • Tax accountancy
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits 33
  • Major Credits99
  • Elective Credits48
  • Total Credits180

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 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. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. 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.