Find answers to the most common questions about finance courses, certifications, and career paths.
accounting degree online how long
The duration of an online accounting degree varies significantly based on the degree level, your study pace, and any prior academic credits.
- Associate's Degree: An online Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting typically takes about two years of full-time study, requiring approximately 60 credit hours. Part-time enrollment usually extends this to three to four years.
- Bachelor's Degree: An online Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting generally requires four years of full-time commitment, encompassing 120-130 credit hours. Students with existing college credits can often shorten this to three years or less. Part-time study will significantly extend this timeline, potentially to five to eight years.
- Master's Degree: An online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or an MBA with an accounting specialization typically takes one to two years of full-time study (30-60 credit hours) after completing a bachelor's degree. Some accelerated programs may allow completion in as little as 12-18 months.
Factors like transferring existing college credits, enrolling in accelerated programs, or studying part-time will directly impact your completion time. For aspiring Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), remember that most states require 150 semester hours of education, which often necessitates a master's degree or a combined bachelor's/master's program beyond the standard 120-credit bachelor's.