What is the Time Frame for Completing an Online Accounting Degree?

Are you ready to earn your accounting degree online? If you are finally ready to take the leap and enroll in an accredited distance education program, it is time to learn about average completion time frames. Learning about completion time frames can help you map out the plan you plan on taking while you are in school, even while you are attending online. Contrary to popular belief, online degree programs majoring in accounting require a major time commitment. The only difference between studying online and studying on-campus is that you can read text and study in your own home rather than commuting to a remote location. Time frames to complete an accounting program from start to finish can range based on the school, the type of program, and your enrollment status. Read on, and learn more about average time frames to become a degree holder.

Time Frame to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

If you would like to pursue an entry-level position in accounting, the first step is earning your Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. A Bachelor’s degree, which is also called an all-purpose degree, is an undergraduate degree that will prepare you to work in a variety of different positions. Possessing a BAcc will also show employers that, in addition to having a solid foundation of skills, you are a committed individual who can complete a long-term project. Long-term can mean different time frames to different people.

A Bachelor’s degree is comprised of 120 credit units, and most students will complete 12 to 15 credits each semester on a full-time basis. Based on this information, it will take an online student who is enrolled in school full-time 4 years to graduate. If you cannot study online on a full-time basis, there is also the option to study part-time. This may extend the time frame it takes to earn a degree to 5 to 6 years. If you have already earned an Associate’s prior to enrolling in a BAcc program, it may only take you 2 years to complete your program.

Time Frame to Earning a Graduate-level Degree

Once you earn a BA or a BS degree, the next step will be earning your Master’s or MBA with a concentration in Accounting. Both programs come in the distance learning and the traditional variety. A Master’s degree will help you become an expert on the technical side of accounting, and a MBA will help you learn how to become an expert leader.

There are accelerated and traditional length distance education graduate programs to choose from. If you take an accelerated program on a full-time basis, you may be able to graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months. If you take a traditional program, you must complete 60 credits which will take about 2 years in total. Some executive programs for professionals who are employed full-time will take longer to complete.

You should take the time to learn about all of the options that are available to you before you enroll in any specific program. Once you compare programs, you can choose the program type and then prepare for your professional future.