Accounting is one of the fastest growing professions today and online accounting courses are becoming ever more popular.
With more and more people starting their own businesses these days, inevitably many of these businesses need the services of accountants to do their bookkeeping and taxes. Thus accounting positions are expected to continue to rise over the next several years, and accountants, on average, take home more than the median household income in the U.S.
For anyone interested in entering this growing sector, there are several options available to gain an education, and an accounting degree. One way is to enrol in a local college or university, and attend classes in a traditional classroom setting.
The Benefits of Online Accounting Courses
While attending classes this way has its advantages, it may not always be the most convenient option for some people. Especially, for those already working full-time, or for those that have kids. Taking the time out to be in a particular classroom at a specific time can, for many, be the biggest hurdle in working towards the career of their choice. For such people, online accounting courses can be a great boon.
With technological advances making forums, chats and web conferences possible, the need for in-class interaction with fellow students or professors is slowly diminishing as well.
Online classes are becoming increasingly popular, and the number of people enrolling in online programs is increasing at a much faster rate than those opting for traditional classroom settings. The reasons are many fold. One of the biggest advantages of online classes is the flexibility to work according to one’s own schedule, and in the comfort of one’s own home, or in a place of their own choosing. Another big plus is not having to spend money, or time on transportation. The only requirement is a stable internet connection.
The Increase in Colleges Offering Online Accounting Courses
As colleges and universities are recognizing this trend, many have started adding the option of online accounting courses to their curriculum. Currently, more than one-third of the colleges and universities in the U.S have some form of online business programs, and the trend is rapidly growing.
Some of the popular physical universities offering reputable online accounting programs are the Oklahoma State University, University of Notre Dame, and North Carolina State University. MIT and University of California. Berkely are also known to offer free accounting courses online, although they don’t account for a degree. Additionally, University of Phoenix and Kaplan University are two of the biggest online universities.
Online accounting courses are not very different from their traditional campus based counterparts as far as the content of the coursework is concerned. Online instructors and professors are real people who work in accounting fields, or teach traditional accounting classes. Online courses not only introduce one to the fundamental concepts of accounting, using similar textbooks or curriculum as a traditional accounting class, but many also offer a variety of accounting degree programs – including the associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.
An associate’s degree in accounting typically takes 2 years to complete, and can enable one to take up an entry level position like a bookkeeper. A bachelor’s accounting degree may take 4 years or more, and provides more advanced career options e.g. accountant or internal auditor. A master’s degree in accounting can make one eligible to take more advanced accounting certification exams like the CPA.
One thing worth mentioning here is – online courses are not necessarily cheaper than their traditional counterparts; on average, it does cost around $12,000 or more per year, for a 2-year accounting degree online.
Gaining admission to an online undergraduate accounting course is relatively easy, with a high school diploma or equivalent being the most important requirement. But, getting admitted into online graduate programs is a bit tougher, with a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and at least a 2.5 GPA. Additionally, many universities may also require a GRE or GMAT exam, and some may even require work experience.
One thing to do before enrolling in online courses, however, is to ensure that the university offering the course is accredited by a recognized agency. This ensures that the degree being offered meets minimum educational standards, and prospective employers recognize it. A list of accredited universities and accrediting agencies can be found on the U.S Department of Education website. So, for self motivated individuals interested in an accounting career, online accounting courses offer a great choice.
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