Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting
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.
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.
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 Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.
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.‡
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 Educational 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.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
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- Business Law
- Federal Tax
- Finance
- Managerial Accounting
- Microeconomics
- Organizational Behavior
Program Requirements
- Core Credits45
- Major Credits89
- Elective Credits46
- Total Credits180
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:
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Auditing and forensic accountancy
Gain the investigational skills and accounting knowledge to help you detect, recognize, and prevent specific types of fraud committed against organizations and individuals.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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
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



Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
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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.
*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.