OVERVIEW
An Online Accounting Degree That Sets You Apart
Every business relies on accountants to help them meet regulations, achieve financial security, and make money. This accounting degree ensures you will stand out from the competition with your knowledge of GAAP, ledgers, journal entries, and more. A knack for numbers and a passion for financial performance can help you get into a career where you're sure to thrive and make a difference. This online accounting degree empowers you to help organizations meet standards and obey laws, benefiting individuals, companies, and entire communities.
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting is also the first step toward your CPA certification. Continuing on to earn your Master of Accounting (also known as Master of Accountancy) from an online college for accounting will help you meet the 150 semester hours required to sit for the CPA exam in most states. The CPA license gives you additional experience and credentials, boosting your résumé and qualifying you for elite positions in finance and business. View requirements for CPA licensure by state.
Compare this degree: Also considering the B.S. Finance degree program? This article can help you understand the differences.
70% of graduates finish within
42 Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$3,755
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their business management degree. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$15,053*
B.S. business management graduates report an impressive average salary increase after completing their degree at Western Governors University.
*WGU Internal Data
COURSES
Accounting Courses
Program consists of 41 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
The WGU B.S. Accounting degree program is an affordable, online way to prepare for a rewarding career in accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping, or as a CPA. Once you earn your accounting degree, you'll be ready to complete your accounting certification. Learn to evaluate and manage business performance and develop the financial skills needed to keep companies running smoothly. You will learn auditing, financial recording, taxes, payroll, financial planning, and other essential accounting principles while preparing for the CPA or other licensing exams.
To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and skills sought by today’s employers, our online bachelor of science in accounting degree was developed with significant input from experts and business leaders who serve on the Western Governors University Business Program Council.
41 Courses
Program consists of 41 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Accounting Success
Join Our Growing Alumni
The WGU undergraduate accounting program was founded in 2002 and has over 7,400 graduates.
“I got this job because I was a graduate with my bachelor's in accounting from WGU. My new degree got me my new job.”
—Raymond Baker
B.S. Accounting
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
A degree can dramatically impact your earning potential. After graduation WGU accounting students report earning $15,053* more per year.
*WGU Internal Data
Entirely Online
Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education.
Ready For Your Next Step
Graduates of this program are ready to progress toward a MAcc program, CPA examination, or a specific job. WGU's accounting bachelor's program is a crucial step in eligibility to sit for the accounting certification exam, and prepares you for success in the field.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
How Much Does it Cost to Get an Accounting Degree Online?
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
Need help paying for college? Be sure to check with the AICPA and your state CPA society for scholarship opportunities! Both are a great resource for students and can provide a pathway to industry professionals. In addition to scholarship opportunities, many state societies also offer free student memberships and networking events.
An Accounting Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for. You can also learn more about the CMA scholarship nomination process here.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
“Now that I'm doing full-cycle accounting, I understand the scope. I understand where you start and where you're supposed to wind up. It just makes a lot more sense. Earning my degree has really helped me fill in the blanks and take my job satisfaction to a higher level because I actually understand why I'm doing what I'm doing now.”
—Kate Leger
B.S. Accounting
CAREER OUTLOOK
Your Accounting Degree Can Be One of Your Greatest Assets
Taxes. Audits. Payroll. Financial planning. Businesses need professionals who can help manage their finances and help everything run smoothly with budgets and taxes. This online degree from WGU prepares you for a lucrative and successful career as an accountant in whatever field or specialty you're passionate about. You can also be prepared to sit for the accounting certification exam and become a certified public accountant.
As long as there is money, there will be a need for qualified accountants. When you have completed your B.S. Accounting degree, your skills will be in high demand because every business, no matter the size or industry, has to balance its books and comply with government regulations.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
6%
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. The national average salary for an accountant and auditor as of 2021 is $72,550.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU Accounting Grads Are Thriving in Rewarding Careers
Our 2,600-plus B.S. Business Administration Accounting alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:
Job Titles
- Accounting manager
- Financial director
- Vice president of finance and operations
- Controller
- Chief financial officer
- Forensic accountant
Diverse Industries
- Business and corporations
- Tax preparation
- U.S. military
- Government
- Colleges and universities
Major Employers
- State of Nevada
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
- Wyndham
- Northrop Grumman
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
ADMISSIONS & TRANSFERS
Admissions Requirements - Accounting
For undergraduate business programs, there are currently no additional admission requirements beyond the general admission requirements.
NOTE: Students will not have the option or ability to waive or remove transfer credit in order to earn a certificate. Their coursework is counted towards their degree, but they will not earn the certificate if they have brought in more than 50% of the transfer credit for that intended certificate.
NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
MORE DETAILS
WGU Certificates in Accounting
Each of WGU’s Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree programs begin with the same 4 terms of core classes, covering business basics and including valuable certificates. For the accounting degree, you'll earn the accounting, strategic thinking and innovation, and leadership certificates. After finishing these core courses, you move forward to courses in your chosen major of Accounting, Business Management, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, or IT Management.
FAQs about Accounting Programs
- General Accounting Program Questions
- Online Accounting Program Questions
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?