5 Ways a WGU Accounting Degree Can Help Your Career

When James Hicks decided to go back to school at age 38, he was working a mid-level management job with no real path for advancement. He decided to enroll in WGU’s B.S. Accounting degree program, determined to level up his career. Midway through his degree program, Hicks was laid off—but instead of giving up, he completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting, landed a new role as a Revenue Tax Auditor with the Indiana Department of Revenue, and passed the CPA exam.

“I wanted to complete my undergrad degree to open doors that were previously closed to me,” Hicks says. And that’s exactly what it did.

His story is just one example of how WGU accounting degrees can boost earning potential and unlock new opportunities—not only in traditional accounting roles, but also in careers like financial analysis, auditing, compliance, investment banking, and more. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, here are five ways an accounting degree can make a difference.

1. CPA Preparation

The accounting degree WGU students earn is a strong step toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Earning a master's helps meet the 150 semester hours required to sit for the CPA exam in most states. A CPA license adds credibility, strengthens a résumé, and qualifies professionals for high-level positions in business and finance.

WGU student Carlos Carvajal had already passed the CPA exam but needed the required hours to become a certified public accountant. Earning his master’s degree in accounting from WGU fulfilled that requirement—and positioned him for success in a field known for its stability, growth, and earning potential.

“As long as there are businesses,” Carvajal says, “there will be a need for accountants.”

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% job growth in the accounting profession from 2023 to 2033. And the career field pays off, with an average annual salary of $81,680.

2. Flexibility

WGU graduate Alice Noel works with a federally recognized Indigenous tribe in Washington, handling the accounting for their gas stations and convenience stores. She earned her accounting degree while balancing a full-time job and raising children.

“I found the flexibility of WGU to be appealing,” she says. Unlike the traditional college experience, WGU allowed Noel to complete her coursework around her schedule. Having the power to manage her own time enabled her to grow professionally while gaining the knowledge and skills she needed for further advancement.

Since earning her bachelor’s degree, Noel has seen new career opportunities open up that were previously out of reach.

“There have been many jobs I’ve wanted to apply for that would not even look at my résumé because I didn’t have a bachelor’s degree,” she acknowledged. Thanks to her degree from WGU, she no longer faces that problem.

3. Affordability

Victoria Rodgers earned her bachelor’s in accounting in December 2020. Now, she prepares tax returns for people and corporations at a public accounting firm.

Rodgers credits her WGU accounting degree with helping her land her current role.

“Even with some experience under my belt, it was essential that I had knowledge of certain principles I was exposed to only through school.”

The biggest reason she chose WGU, however, was the cost. She’d previously attended a for-profit art college but couldn’t afford to finish—leaving without a degree and with more than $12,000 in student loans.

“I didn't want to go into debt again,” Rodgers says, “so I chose a school I could pay for out of pocket.” 

WGU’s flat-rate tuition allows students like Rodgers to take as many courses as they can master within a six-month term, potentially reducing overall costs by accelerating their degree completion.

4. Accelerated Pacing

Tara Howard enrolled in WGU's undergraduate accounting program, completing her degree in just six months—and she didn’t stop there. She went on to earn her master’s degree from WGU as well.

Howard credits WGU’s competency-based education model for helping her move quickly and confidently through her coursework.

“I liked that it was flexible and that I could speed up the learning,” she says. “I never liked having to just trod along in classes at a snail’s pace. I wanted to be able to move at my own pace. It was a great choice for me.”

5. Top-Notch Support

WGU connects every student with a Program Mentor who helps map their course load, answers questions, and regularly checks in on their progress. This personalized support, available from enrollment through graduation, helped Sibil Iglesias keep her academic progress on track while she pursued her bachelor's in accounting at WGU.

“My mentor was extremely helpful and encouraging,” Iglesias says. “All of the Course Instructors I worked with were also very helpful. I always felt that everyone I interacted with at WGU really cared about me and wanted to help me achieve my goals.”

Earning an accounting degree from WGU was the right call for these professionals. It gave them the flexibility, affordability, pacing, student communities, and support they needed to succeed—and prepared them for CPA licensing and well-paying careers.  

Start Your Accounting Career with WGU

An accounting degree from WGU’s School of Business is more than just a credential—it’s a smart investment in your future. You’ll build a strong foundation with essential accounting courses like financial reporting, auditing, and taxation. WGU’s master’s degree offers more advanced courses designed to deepen your expertise and prepare you for leadership roles. You can also boost your career with WGU’s Accounting Fundamentals Certificate, a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field.

With WGU’s flat-rate tuition model, the faster you move through your courses, the more you can save. In fact, WGU students typically earn their bachelor’s degree in just two and a half years*—making it possible to save both time and money. And it pays off, with WGU grads reporting an average income increase of $22,200 within two years of graduation.** 

Whether you're just starting out or ready to advance your career, WGU offers accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting that are designed with input from industry experts. WGU’s online accounting, finance, and business programs are built with working adults in mind—combining affordability, flexibility, and a supportive student experience that empowers you to succeed with confidence.