With changing financial laws and tougher scrutiny of company finances, faster-than-average job growth is expected in the areas of accounting and auditing through 2016, and most of those new jobs will require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.* Job prospects will be even better for applicants who are skilled in the use of the most current accounting software and for those who hold state and national certifications in accounting.*† As new businesses emerge, more accountants and auditors will be needed to set up books, prepare taxes, and provide management advice. At Kaplan University, you can earn your bachelor's degree online and attain the required job proficiencies and credentials for a successful career in accounting.

 Program Highlights 

Our Web-based curriculum is designed so you can attain your educational goals entirely online, day or night.You will work closely with faculty members who are experienced in the accounting field and are dedicated to helping you:

  • Acquire a solid background in economics, finance, management, law, information systems, quantitative methods, and taxation
  • Apply the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to business applications
  • Improve your skills in communication, teamwork, and decision making while gaining a strong professional ethic and great practical experience
  • Complete a capstone project in accounting to demonstrate your ability to apply theories and concepts learned online to real-world accounting practices.

 Emphasis Areas for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting 

Accounting is a diverse field that offers many career paths. This program allows you to customize your accounting degree program by focusing on an emphasis area that is best suited to your interests and career goals.
    Develop skills for handling auditing, tax, and consulting for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals. Focus on procedures required to conduct comparisons in financial accounting and gaining an understanding of basic cost accounting terminology and principles, cost classification, and manufacturing of inventories.
    Develop knowledge of how tax laws affect partnerships, S-corporations, C-corporations, and other business entities. Study tax laws applicable to not-for-profit entities, estates, trusts and multi-jurisdictional issues. Focus on tax reporting, tax planning, and tax research skills.
    Management accountants (also called cost, managerial, industrial, corporate, or private accountants) record and analyze financial information. Develop skills in strategic planning and budgeting, performance evaluation, and cost and asset management. Management accountants are also responsible for financial report preparation, financial analyses, and cost accounting.
    Develop the knowledge and skills required to detect, recognize, and prevent specific types of fraud committed against organizations and individuals. Combine your accounting and finance skills with law and investigative techniques, to judge whether or not an activity is illegal. Work with law enforcement or lawyers, potentially serving as an expert witness during trials.
    Explore the accounting principles and financial reporting techniques followed by state and local governments and the regulations involved in the Yellow Book. Examine the unique characteristics of accounting and financial reporting for both the governmental and nonprofit sectors of the U.S. economy.

 Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Elective 5
    Mathematics Elective 5
    Communication Elective 5
    Arts and Humanities Elective 6
    Physical Science Elective 6
    Social Science Elective 6
    Courses Credits
    Academic Strategies for the Business Professional 5
    Accounting I 5
    Accounting II 5
    Payroll Accounting 5
    Federal Tax 5
    Intermediate Accounting I 5
    Intermediate Accounting II 5
    Macroeconomics 5
    Business Math 5
    Business Law 5
    Major Elective 5
    Major Electives 24
    Open Electives 59
    Bachelor's Capstone in Management 6
    Courses Credits
    Auditing 6
    Cost Accounting 6
    Advanced Tax—Corporate 6
    Advanced Federal Tax 6
    Courses Credits
    Auditing 6
    Advanced Tax—Corporate 6
    Advanced Federal Tax 6
    Managerial Finance and Accounting 6
    Courses Credits
    Auditing 6
    Cost Accounting 6
    Statistics† 5
    Finance† 5
    Financial Statement Analysis 6
    Investments 6
    Courses Credits
    Auditing 6
    Cost Accounting 6
    Advanced Forensic Accounting 6
    Accounting Fraud Examination Concepts 6
    Courses Credits
    Auditing 6
    Cost Accounting 6
    Advanced Tax—Corporate 6
    Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting 6
    Total Program Requirements 180

 Already Have Credit or Experience? 

This online bachelor's program is designed to offer a broad core of knowledge in accountancy with the option to specialize in an area of accounting that suits your interests and career goals. If you have prior work experience or course credits, you may qualify for our Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Accounting and get a jump start on earning your bachelor's degree online at Kaplan University. Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.


Prepare for Certification

Certification is often a condition of employment for accounting jobs, and may help you stand out to employers in today's competitive job market. Successful completion of this online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program will put you on the way to meeting the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examinations.† 

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

Organizations in nearly every industry require employees, consultants, or independent practitioners with accounting knowledge and expertise. As a graduate of this program you may pursue opportunities with public or private organizations, such as accounting firms, corporate accounting or tax departments, not-for-profit organizations, large and small businesses, and governmental agencies.‡

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$353.00
Total program requirements180
Total cost of tuition$63,540.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, Accountants and Auditors, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm (accessed May 2008).
† Although certain programs at Kaplan University are designed to prepare students to take various certification or licensing exams, the University cannot guarantee the student will pass those exams.
‡ Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.