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Financial and Accounting Degrees at Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University appears in our ranking of the Top 10 Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs.
Colorado Technical University has degree programs in accounting and in finance at three levels: associate, bachelor’s and master’s. All of the degree programs are available online and on campus and some programs may be pursued as hybrids.
The Associate of Science in Accounting is a 93-credit program containing 57 credits in general education areas such as written and verbal communication and social sciences. There are 36 hours in the core classes. While this program will not prepare individuals to take the CPA exam, it does cover the areas contained in the test.
The Associate of Science in Business Administration has 93 credits as well. It contains courses in accounting and in finance. Both associate degrees utilize the university Fast-Track program that awards credits for life experience and competencies already acquired.
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting has 183 credits. There are 66 credits in general education and 117 in the core. General education courses include Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, American Government and Public Affairs, a Humanities elective and other courses. The core classes include Accounting I, II and III, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Introduction to Managerial and Cost Accounting, Business Law and the Accounting Capstone among others. The accounting curriculum meets the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Although the program covers all areas of competency for the exams, students should check the education content and hours requisites for their state to see if they qualify to sit for the CPA or the CMA.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance Concentration is a 180-credit program. Colorado Technical University’s CTU Advanced Track is available, allowing students with necessary competencies to test out of some courses. There are 66 hours in general education and 86 hours in the core, plus 28 hours in concentration courses which are Financial Accounting, Money and Capital Markets, Investments, Risk Management, Financial Management, Corporate Finance, and International Finance. Like the BS in Accounting, while the course covers necessary competency areas, it does not necessarily qualify students to sit for the CPA or AMA exams.
The MBA in Finance is an online program that contains 48 credits. There are 32 hours in core classes and 16 hours in the concentration. The program is accessible by smartphone or on a tablet so that the program is portable. Classes begin every eight weeks and last for five-and-a-half weeks. Core classes are Leadership and Ethical Decision Making, Applied Managerial Marketing, Applied Managerial Finance, and others. The Finance Concentration includes Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Portfolio Management, Financial Management for Multinational Enterprises and the Management Capstone.
The program aligns with federal government core competencies for financial systems analysts. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in business. Those without a bachelor’s degree in business will need to complete several required courses or demonstrate competency in the areas of accounting, finance, economics, marketing, statistics, management, and several others.
The MBA in Accounting allows students to utilize the university “Intellipath” system to customize their programs to suit their levels of knowledge. The program is offered on campus, online or in a hybrid delivery. Classes begin every eight weeks and last five-and-a-half weeks. The 48 credits in this degree program include 32 core credits and 16 hours in the concentration. Accounting courses include Taxation and Business Decisions, Financial Reporting, Management Control and Auditing, and the MBA Capstone. As in the MBA in Finance, students without competencies in required areas must take those courses before entering the program.
About Colorado Technical University
This for-profit school began in 1965 as the Colorado Technical College. At that time, it existed primarily to provide degree programs to military personnel. Because of that emphasis on military students, Colorado Technical University receives 95 percent of its funding from the federal government, including $3 million from the Department of Defense and $30 million from the GI Bill. The institution has no affiliation with the state of Colorado.
Although there are campuses in Colorado Springs and Aurora, ninety-two percent of students study completely online. The university is comprised of six colleges and schools. The US News and World Report ranks CTU as #114-#150 in Best Online Graduate Business Program and as a tie at #187 for the Bes Online MBA.
Colorado Technical University Accreditation Details
- Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Colorado Technical University Application Requirements
The first step in applying to this school, for undergraduate or graduate students, is speaking to an Admissions Advisor. Students then complete an online application form, submit copies of transcripts, diploma copies, or other documentation proving high school graduation or equivalent education.
Graduate students apply online as well. They must submit an official transcript of all undergraduate work they have completed and fulfill any department requirements such as an essay. Students applying to a doctoral program must arrange to have an interview.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Colorado Technical University varies by program. In general, though, an online associate degree costs $30,225 plus fees, an online bachelor’s degree costs $55,492 and an online master’s degree costs $26,937. A doctoral degree is $57,408 to earn online. Incidentals like books and supplies and Internet service are not included in these figures.
Costs of attendance for those students who study at one of the campuses are somewhat higher. For example, excluding housing expenses, a traditional associate’s degree costs about $32,235.
For all students, the first step in getting financial assistance to pay for a degree program is completing the FAFSA form. After receiving the awards letter from this government program, students will have a better idea of their debt. The school also has a calculator that figures in financial aid and gives students an idea of what they will owe.
Colorado has some grants for higher education that are needs-based. There are also some prestigious grants like the Boettcher that provide full-ride scholarships based on academic merit and leadership. State grants and grants offered by Colorado Technical University are listed on the school website. Additionally, individuals, service organizations and even corporations fund scholarships that can be located through an Internet search.
Student loans can cover the gaps between “free” money that does not have to be repaid ( scholarships and grants) and student debt. Most of the programs at CTU are designed for adults who already work full-time. Another source of funding to pay for degrees, however, is taking a part-time job. In addition to providing money to pay student debt, this option can provide work experience that can flesh out a resume. There are several options to pay for a degree program at Colorado Technical University.
