Guide to Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees
Key Takeaways
- An accelerated accounting degree program offers the same academic content as a traditional program but on a shortened timeline, sometimes as few as 12 months.
- Earning an accelerated accounting degree online may help you balance outside responsibilities and enter the workforce faster.
- Schools have different accelerated degree pathways, including generous transfer credit policies, dual-degree programs, and condensed course lengths.
An accelerated accounting degree program can help you launch your accounting career more quickly than a traditional master’s or bachelor’s in accounting, reducing the completion time to as few as 1-2 years. Despite the faster pace, these accelerated programs cover the same foundational knowledge necessary to prepare you for a new career.
Learn what to expect from pursuing an accelerated accounting degree online, and determine if an accelerated program is the right choice for you.
What Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s in Accounting?
An accelerated accounting bachelor’s degree generally takes 1-3 years to complete. Schools use a fast-paced schedule to achieve this, typically through condensed courses that last five to eight weeks, rather than the semester-long courses traditional programs require. Some colleges also offer classes for accelerated accounting programs year-round with multiple start dates and shorter breaks between terms.
To further reduce your time to completion, schools sometimes offer generous transfer credit policies that allow you to credit previous education and professional experience toward the degree.
Schools that offer accelerated online bachelor’s degrees in accounting:
- Regis University
- University of Holy Cross
- University of Minnesota Crookston
- Western Governors University
Accelerated Degree vs. Degree Completion Program
An accelerated bachelor’s degree is a full program that usually requires around 120 credits, which are completed on a shortened timeline. A bachelor’s degree completion program is designed for students who already have an associate degree or a significant number of college credits. A degree completion program allows you to earn the remaining credits needed for a bachelor’s degree in two or fewer years.
Other Types of Accelerated Accounting Degrees
Accelerated Bachelor’s + Master’s in Accounting
Accelerated dual degree accounting programs allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree through one program by taking undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. Schools commonly allow up to 12 shared credits, but this varies by program. Because several credits count toward both degrees, you can often shave about one year off a master’s degree through a dual program, earning both degrees in 4-5 years.
Schools that offer accelerated online dual degrees in accounting:
- Ball State University
- NC State University
- Texas Tech University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of North Dakota
- University of West Florida
Accelerated Master’s in Accounting
An accelerated master’s in accounting usually consists of 30-36 credits that build upon undergraduate accounting coursework and cover more complex concepts, such as accounting theory and advanced auditing.
These programs typically last about one year. An accelerated master’s could be ideal if you want to meet the educational requirements necessary to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam to become licensed and enter the workforce sooner. Schools make the quicker timeline possible through shortened course lengths, year-round scheduling, or credit for prior accounting coursework.
Schools that offer accelerated online master’s degrees in accounting:
- Emporia State University
- Syracuse University
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Western Governors University
Is an Accelerated Accounting Degree Right for Me?
The idea of completing an accounting degree sooner than usual might be enticing, but make sure it’s the right move for you. An accelerated accounting degree program demands strong time management skills and the ability to handle intensive coursework. Here’s what to consider.
Choose an accelerated accounting program if…
You want to enter the workforce or earn your CPA license faster.- You can commit to the program’s schedule while maintaining academic quality.
- You’re self-motivated and can stay organized under pressure and fast-paced work.
Avoid accelerated accounting programs if…
You prefer a more traditional college experience and timeline.- You don’t want to juggle multiple courses simultaneously or attend school year-round.
- You need more scheduling flexibility to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities.
