Fast Facts: Accounting

Number of accountants employed in the U.S. in 2010: 1,072,490
Mean annual salary: $68,960
Highest-paying states for accountants: New York, District of Columbia, New Jersey
Most surprising employer: Land subdivision
Unexpected accounting degree holders: Musician Kenny G, former UFC champion Chuck "The Iceman" Lidell, actor Bob Newhart

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Accounting Degrees and Programs

In the wake of the financial crisis, increased government regulations for company finances are expected to create greater emphasis on financial transparency. Job opportunities for both internal and external auditors and accountants should grow as a result. Additionally, a globalizing business world requires trained accountants with skills in international trade, taxation and mergers.

Do the math on accounting degrees

Accounting degrees are available at all levels, from certificate to doctoral. The BLS says that most jobs in accounting require at least a bachelor's degree, and the best job opportunities are for certified public accountants (CPAs), who typically have some training beyond the bachelor's degree level. Accounting courses at the following levels include:

Certificate: Most accounting certificates are designed for professionals who already have a bachelor's degree. The CPA is probably the best-known accounting certificate. Coursework may include topics such as introduction to business law, taxation or financial statement analysis.
Associate degree: This basic two-year program prepares students for careers in bookkeeping, accounts payable or accounting clerk positions and includes coursework such as introduction to accounting systems and accounting theory and applications.
Bachelor's degree: This versatile four-year degree prepares students for a wide range of accounting positions, from forensic accountant to auditor. Courses cover a variety of accounting topics, including cost accounting, managerial accounting and taxation.
Master's degree: At the graduate level, students may pursue either a business degree with an accounting concentration or a dedicated accounting degree. Business degrees combine financial and business knowledge, while a master's degree in accounting focuses on accounting theory, advanced issues in taxation and managerial accounting, among other topics.

The evolving legal and commercial framework for businesses is expected to result in significant demand for accountants and auditors, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. In fact, the BLS projects demand for accountants and auditors should grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is significantly faster than the average.

Accounting Degrees and Programs

Online

Campus

Your Search: Accounting, Online

University of Phoenix

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

-  B.S. in Business/Accounting
-  B.S. in Accounting
-  A.A. in Accounting
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ECPI University - Online Degrees

Earn an accredited Business or Technology degree 100% online with ECPI.

With convenient class schedule options, 24/7 tech support, and graduate employment services, ECPI's Online Degrees offer the flexibility to get the education and skills you want - on your schedule.

Programs:

- Accounting - Bachelor

Keiser University

For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

- Accounting, AA (Online)

Strayer University

Earn a degree that fits your schedule at Strayer University.

Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.

Programs:

-  BS: Accounting
-  Exec Grad Cert: Acct: Accounting
-  Exec Grad Cert: Acct: Controllership
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Colorado Technical University Online

Earn your degree online in as little as 15 months. Contact Colorado Tech Online today. Learn more today.

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

-  Bachelor of Science in Accounting
-  Associate's Degree in Accounting (ASACC)
-  Master of Business Administration - Accounting
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Western Governors University

Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited.

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

Programs:

- B.S. Accounting

Everest University Online

Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.

Expand your career horizons with an online degree from Everest University Online. Balance work and family while you study for your Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree.

Programs:

-  Accounting (Bachelor)
-  Accounting (Associate's)
-  Business (Associate's)
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DeVry University

Five colleges of study. One clear focus: Your career success.
Earn the respect of employers with a degree you can earn on campus, online or both.

DeVry University provides quality education that employers respect, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org), the same organization that accredits many other well-known public and private schools.

Visit DeVry.edu

Programs:

-  Master's-Accounting and Financial Management
-  Graduate Certificate-Accounting
-  Associate - Accounting
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Virginia College

Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.

Virginia College continues the tradition of giving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement to students wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue a degree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Visit www.vconline.edu

Programs:

- AS - Accounting Specialist
- BS - Private Sector Accounting

Kaplan University

Advance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

-  BS in Accounting - Managerial Accountancy
-  BS in Accounting - Public Accountancy
-  MS in Accounting - Finance Specialization
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Fast Facts: Accounting

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Accounting Degrees and Programs

Accounting Degrees and Programs

University of Phoenix

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

ECPI University - Online Degrees

Earn an accredited Business or Technology degree 100% online with ECPI.

Keiser University

For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

Strayer University

Earn a degree that fits your schedule at Strayer University.

Colorado Technical University Online

Earn your degree online in as little as 15 months. Contact Colorado Tech Online today. Learn more today.

Western Governors University

Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited.

Everest University Online

Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.

DeVry University

Five colleges of study. One clear focus: Your career success.
Earn the respect of employers with a degree you can earn on campus, online or both.

Virginia College

Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.

Kaplan University

Advance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.

Accounting

Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University