Online Accounting Degree Programs

Yes! At DeVry, you can earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or graduate certificate in accounting – all 100% online. In addition, our graduate-level online accounting programs are designed to help you prepare for the CPA exam and explore the skills and knowledge needed to pursue your goals.

Graduates of our accounting degree programs at DeVry are prepared to explore careers in accounting across a variety of industries. Potential roles include accountant, budget analyst, financial analyst or controller. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 136,400 new accounting and auditing jobs will become available between 2021 and 2031.² This growth is projected on a national level and local growth will vary by location. This projection is not specific to DeVry University graduates, and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.

²https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm

The time required to complete online accounting programs depends on the degree level. For example, our Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting can be completed in as little as 2 years and 8 months*, or 4 years on a normal schedule**. Our Master’s Degree in Accounting can be completed in as few as 12 months*, or 1 year and 8 months** on a normal schedule. Or, our Graduate Certificate in Accounting can be completed in as little as 8 months*, or 12 months on a normal schedule**. Many of our programs can be completed even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.

*Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 3 semesters, enrollment in 12-17 credit hours per semester and continuous, full-time year-round enrollment with no breaks.
** Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 2 semesters and full-time enrollment in 12-17 credit hours per semester.

Most state boards of accountancy require candidates to have at least 150 credit hours of post-secondary education to sit for the CPA exam, however, the requirements may differ between states. Students interested in sitting for the CPA exam should check with their home state licensing board for specific requirements.³

We offer a range of accounting courses, from Essentials of Accounting to more advanced courses like Accounting Fraud Criminology and Ethics. For a list of courses available in our undergraduate and graduate accounting programs, visit our accounting courses page.

Our Master’s Degree in Accounting program requires students to have a bachelor’s degree. It is specifically designed for individuals who have earned a degree or concentration in accounting at the undergraduate level, and is a great option for those who wish to obtain additional credits required to meet the CPA licensure requirements in their states. It can also be a great fit for someone who has already earned their CPA credential and wants to advance their knowledge in accounting in order to pursue additional career goals. Please check with your state’s board of accountancy regarding its specific requirements for sitting for the CPA exam.³

No, while there are several specific requirements in the program, you can fulfill nine credit hours of electives in the accounting discipline that may best suit your needs. We recommend that you seek advisement to ensure that you select courses that will best fulfill your state’s requirements for sitting for the CPA Exam.³

No. In addition to earning your degree, you will need to pass the CPA Exam in its entirety, and meet the other requirements that are established in your state. Furthermore, you will need to complete the additional experience and credit-hour requirements as established by your state of residence.³ Each state’s requirements vary, so please check with your state licensing board for specific requirements.

After earning your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam Preparation Graduate Certificate, you may be able to sit for the CPA Exam. In addition to successfully passing the CPA Exam, you will need to satisfy the experience and credit-hour requirements that your state has established to become a licensed CPA³. Each state’s requirements vary, so please check with your state licensing board for specific requirements.

Some states will accept the CPA preparation courses as part of their credit-hour requirements, while other states will not. Please check with your state licensing board for specific requirements³.

We welcome students and professionals in all stages of their career path. If you wish to pursue an undergraduate accounting degree, you need to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a general educational development (GED) certificate or a post-secondary or professional degree.

If you want to enroll in a graduate degree program, you must first have earned a bachelor's degree in a related field. Other admissions requirements may apply, such as minimum GPA requirements, test score requirements and completion of an admissions interview. 

Yes! Our accounting programs are designed to fit your busy schedule, enabling you to balance work, family or other personal commitments. We offer the flexibility of 100% online accounting programs for those who wish to complete their degree remotely, or a hybrid learning environment for those that want to study both online and in-person.

The CPA and CMA are both notable accounting industry credentials. Here is an overview of these certifications and the differences to help you decide which one is right for you.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This credential is a well-respected certification in the accounting field. Typically, CPAs work with businesses and individuals by managing taxes, budgeting, planning and other accounting needs. The requirements to earn a CPA credential vary by state, but often require you to earn a bachelor’s degree or certain number of academic credit hours and successfully pass the four-part CPA exam³. Additionally, CPAs are required to maintain their state licensure via continuing professional education throughout their career.

Certified Management Account (CMA): This certification can be helpful for those that want to work with organizations to help them develop strategic management decisions based on business finances. Requirements include earning a bachelor’s degree, having two years of accounting experience and passing a two-part exam covering topics such as performance management, planning and budgeting, technology and analytics and financial statement analysis.