What are the Benefits of an Online Accounting Degree?
If you’re considering learning to be an accountant in an online degree program, you have a variety of benefits to look forward to.
Obviously, online learning has the primary benefit of offering you greater flexibility to learn. Instead of having to travel to campus and attend class at a specific time, you can work on your online studies according to your schedule – even if that means studying early in the morning or very late at night.
In some cases, online learning is also less expensive. For example, some colleges and universities charge out-of-state tuition for on-campus students, but not for online students. This can be a significant savings!
Another benefit of an online accounting degree is that it will be viewed as equal to a degree earned on campus – provided the online school is accredited. Online degrees were looked down on in the past, but today, studying online has not only lost that stigma, but it’s the preferred method of study for millions of students.
There are many other benefits of studying accounting online, too. You can take courses from colleges from around the country, have 24/7 access to course materials, and you can collaborate with students near and far. It’s a great way to get an education and learn about accounting!
Best Accounting Colleges & Universities in Texas
To find out how we rank colleges and universities, please click here.
Rank No. 1 – Texas A&M University – College Station
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 54,942
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 90%
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 23
- Average Annual Cost: $18,919
- Median Earnings: $66,566
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 94%
- Average Debt: $18,265
- Default Rate: 2%
Rank No. 2 – The University of Texas at Austin
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 39,624
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 94%
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 23
- Average Annual Cost: $18,350
- Median Earnings: $67,839
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 96%
- Average Debt: $20,250
- Default Rate: 2%
Rank No. 3 – Texas Christian University
- Institute Type: Private – Nonprofit
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 9,689
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 97%
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 12
- Average Annual Cost: $39,942
- Median Earnings: $61,325
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 91%
- Average Debt: $21,150
- Default Rate: 4%
Rank No. 4 – The University of Texas at Dallas
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 21,186
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 25 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 85%
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 26
- Average Annual Cost: $15,526
- Median Earnings: $60,595
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 89%
- Average Debt: $18,700
- Default Rate: 4%
Rank No. 5 – Texas Tech University
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 32,412
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 89%
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 24
- Average Annual Cost: $16,194
- Median Earnings: $58,435
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 87%
- Average Debt: $22,000
- Default Rate: 6%
Rank No. 6 – Baylor University
- Institute Type: Private – Nonprofit
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 14,329
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 98%
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 16
- Average Annual Cost: $37,309
- Median Earnings: $60,512
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 89%
- Average Debt: $23,550
- Default Rate: 3%
Rank No. 7 – University of Huston
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 38,116
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 23 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 75%
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 44
- Average Annual Cost: $13,721
- Median Earnings: $56,763
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 85%
- Average Debt: $18,500
- Default Rate: 3%
Rank No. 8 – Saint Edward’s University
- Institute Type: Private – Nonprofit
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 3,009
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 94%
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 41
- Average Annual Cost: $26,110
- Median Earnings: $53,186
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 76%
- Average Debt: $25,000
- Default Rate: 4%
Rank No. 9 – St. Marry’s University
- Institute Type: Private – Nonprofit
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 2,125
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 96%
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 46
- Average Annual Cost: $18,658
- Median Earnings: $52,285
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 74%
- Average Debt: $25,466
- Default Rate: 6%
Rank No. 10 – Texas State University
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 33,193
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 22 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 80%
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 41
- Average Annual Cost: $14,887
- Median Earnings: $50,671
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 76%
- Average Debt: $21,218
- Default Rate: 6%
Rank No. 11 – University of North Texas
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 32,814
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 26 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 80%
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 40
- Average Annual Cost: $14,122
- Median Earnings: $51,232
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 82%
- Average Debt: $19,200
- Default Rate: 6%
Rank No. 12 – Texas Women’s University
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 9,297
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 74%
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 52
- Average Annual Cost: $9,684
- Median Earnings: $49,724
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 75%
- Average Debt: $19,845
- Default Rate: 6%
Rank No. 13 – Houston Baptist University
- Institute Type: Private – Nonprofit
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 2,727
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 79%
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 56
- Average Annual Cost: $18,932
- Median Earnings: $51,555
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 71%
- Average Debt: $23,421
- Default Rate: 0%
Rank No. 14 – The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 29,169
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 27 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 78%
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 46
- Average Annual Cost: $10,549
- Median Earnings: $50,810
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 75%
- Average Debt: $21,208
- Default Rate: 6%
Rank No. 15 – Sam Houston State University
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Large
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 28,811
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 21 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 80%
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 45
- Average Annual Cost: $15,035
- Median Earnings: $50,125
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 77%
- Average Debt: $22,020
- Default Rate: 5%
Rank No. 16 – Midwestern State University
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 5,056
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 76%
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 53
- Average Annual Cost: $10,307
- Median Earnings: $50,396
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 67%
- Average Debt: $22,067
- Default Rate: 7%
Rank No. 17 – The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 3,646
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 55%
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 44
- Average Annual Cost: $10,591
- Median Earnings: $50,006
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 64%
- Average Debt: $16,206
- Default Rate: 6%
Rank No. 18 – West Texas A&M University
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 7,326
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 77%
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 41
- Average Annual Cost: $15,033
- Median Earnings: $45,739
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 75%
- Average Debt: $19,500
- Default Rate: 7%
Rank No. 19 – Lamar University
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 8,220
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 57%
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 49
- Average Annual Cost: $11,739
- Median Earnings: $44,159
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 67%
- Average Debt: $21,119
- Default Rate: 7%
Rank No. 20 – Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Institute Type: Public
- Institute Size: Medium
- No. of Undergraduate Students: 8,290
- Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 21 to 1
- Full-Time Students: 74%
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Socio-Economic Diversity: 55
- Average Annual Cost: $13,515
- Median Earnings: $44,369
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate After 1st Year: 60%
- Average Debt: $20,500
- Default Rate: 12%
To find out how we rank colleges and universities, please click here.
What are the Career Opportunities in Accounting?
So, you’re thinking about getting a degree in accounting? That’s a great choice for many reasons! Not only is accounting a well-paid field, but accountants are always in demand. Additionally, there are many career opportunities in this field – even if you have just a bachelor’s degree.
In this guide, you’ll learn about just a few of the jobs you might pursue with an accounting degree. While the list below isn’t a complete rundown of every job you might pursue, it will give you a good idea of what jobs might be available.
Accountant
This is the most obvious career in accounting. There are many different types of accountants, but the common thread between them is that accountants are responsible for keeping financial records, interpreting those records, and generating financial reports. Accountants must be ethical, do honest work, and are obligated to adhere to all applicable rules, regulations, and laws.
Some of the most common types of accountants include:
- Forensic accountant – Forensic accountants investigate fraud, look for financial errors and omissions, and track money to see where it’s coming from and where it’s going.
- Cost accountant – A cost accountant primarily focuses on things like materials expenses, labor costs, and other supply chain expenses. They seek ways to reduce these expenses to ensure cost-efficiency.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – CPAs handle taxes for individuals, businesses, and organizations. They also often conduct audits, provide financial advice, and might specialize in a specific field, like forensic accounting.
- Management Accountant – A management accountant usually works for a business and is responsible for the financials of the business. They handle tasks like budgeting, profit analyses, financial reporting, and risk management.
Bookkeeper
Many people use the terms “accountant” and “bookkeeper” interchangeably because bookkeepers also keep financial records. However, there are distinct differences between the two.
For example, accountants have at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have passed the CPA exam and are licensed. Bookkeepers usually have an associate’s degree and are not licensed.
Controller
A controller is a management-level position in a company. Controllers oversee many different finance-related activities, including audits, risk management, and even bookkeeping. They manage payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable as well.
Controllers are also responsible for examining financial records and turning what they learn into actionable details that the company can use to improve its operation. In other words, controllers help businesses make strategic decisions that can have a significant impact on the company’s bottom line.
Financial Analyst
With a background in accounting, you might be able to find a job as a financial analyst. These financial experts use big data to predict financial futures, like stock prices, expectations for growth, and levels of competition between companies. Financial analysts work with individuals as well as companies to help them make important decisions about their finances.
Auditor
Auditors provide an objective analysis of individual or business financial accounts. While most people think of auditors as investigating wrongdoing, auditors do much more. For example, an internal auditor (someone that’s hired directly by a company) might examine the company’s financials to find inefficiencies that can be eliminated to improve the company’s profit margin.
Tax Manager
As the job title states, a tax manager specializes in tax management. They might work for a business as part of the management team, and oversee the accounting department. Tax managers might also work for tax preparation companies and provide services to individuals.
As a tax manager, you must stay up-to-date on current tax laws and regulations. This goes for local, state, and federal laws that might change from one year to the next.
Tax managers are also often asked to incorporate methods for saving a company money on its taxes. These strategies must follow the letter of the law, of course, and can often take weeks or months to develop and implement.
Personal Financial Advisor
Another career option you might consider is being a personal financial advisor. These accounting professionals work with individual investors to help them maximize their investment portfolios.
In some cases, personal financial advisors limit their role to advising their clients about financial decision-making. In other cases, financial advisors are much more hands-on and actually manage their clients’ finances on their behalf.
Personal financial advisors also often provide their clients with information about tax laws, insurance, short-term investments, and long-term investment opportunities.
What Courses Do You Learn in an Accounting Degree?
A typical undergraduate degree in accounting has about 60 semester credits of accounting courses. Some of these courses are lower-level, introductory classes that help you get a basic understanding of accounting principles. An example of this would be Introduction to Accounting.
There are also higher-level accounting courses that go into much greater detail about a specific accounting topic, like Federal Tax Accounting.
Below is a partial list of courses you might expect to take in an accounting degree program.
- Introduction to Financial Accounting – This foundational course introduces you to the different types of accounting records. You’ll learn the purpose of each type of record, how to use them, and discover the value of keeping accurate records. You’ll also learn different types of accounting procedures. For example, you’ll learn how to record assets and liabilities, and how to calculate equity.
- Introduction to Managerial Accounting – This is another basic course that helps you understand the essential functions of accounting in a business setting. You’ll learn how to maintain business records, control costs, and make informed financial decisions. You’ll also learn how changes in business performance affect accounting.
- Cost Accounting – A course in cost accounting looks at the role of accounting in cost control and decision-making processes in a business. Some of the topics you’ll explore might include budgeting, capital investments, financial statements, and financial decision-making.
- Accounting Ethics – This course identifies the central ethical considerations of practicing as an accountant. You’ll explore the theoretical bases of ethics and ethical decision-making. You’ll also learn how to recognize ethics problems, how to apply ethical concepts, and examine the many ethical responsibilities you must hold as an accountant.
- Federal Tax Accounting – In many accounting programs, this is a two-part course. The first part explores the basics of federal income taxes. You’ll study tax theory, tax law, and use independent research as a means of better understanding how tax accounting works. The second part of the course usually focuses more on business accounting. Specifically, you’ll learn about the tax considerations for businesses that are corporations or partnerships.
- Accounting Information Systems – Coursework in accounting information systems will help familiarize you with different accounting programs. You’ll learn about the information required for input, the process of transactions, and how to integrate accounting systems into the decision-making process. These classes often explore the design of accounting systems as well.
- Advanced Accounting – As you progress in your accounting program, you might have the opportunity to take advanced accounting. This course delves into much more specific accounting topics. For example, you might learn about the unique accounting procedures that are needed for foreign transactions. You might also learn how to manage the finances of non-profit groups, government agencies, or healthcare companies.
- Auditing – Auditing classes focus on topics related to the professional responsibilities of auditors. You’ll learn about audit reporting, risk management, and other important auditing principles. You’ll also learn about the important roles of audits in personal and corporate finances.
What are the Benefits of an Accounting Degree?
As noted in the introduction, working in the field of accounting offers many benefits. Your services will always be in demand. You don’t have to go to school for a long time to find a job. Accountants also have many different job paths they can pursue.
Let’s explore some of the biggest benefits of getting a degree in accounting.
You can work in just about any industry
Accountants don’t just work for individuals or businesses. Instead, accountants work for governments, private equity firms, and school districts. You might work for a non-profit agency, a casino, or a car dealership. Accountants are needed in every corner of the economy in every industry. This allows you to pursue your accounting career goals in as broad or specific an area as you like.
Accountants are needed everywhere
Not only can you work in any industry, but you can also work anywhere you like. Accountants are important for people in urban and rural areas and here in the U.S. and abroad. If you want to settle down in one place, you can do that as an accountant. But if you want to see the world, you can use your expertise to find employment in most corners of the globe.
You can specialize
Developing expertise in accounting means that you can specialize in areas that are of particular interest to you. For example, if you enjoy problem-solving, you might specialize in forensic accounting. If you enjoy streamlining costs, you might become a cost accountant. Another example is that you can pursue your CPA if you like, that way you can offer a wide range of services to your clients.
You can work for yourself
Many accountants work for businesses and organizations. But, if you want to be your own boss, being an accountant is a great way to do so. You can use your training to open a tax preparation service, a financial advising service, or a forensic accounting consultancy. The sky’s the limit when it comes to the different pursuits you can undertake in this field.
There’s tremendous upside for job advancement
If you work for a business or organization, you might start out as a staff accountant – an entry-level role that requires a lot of grunt work. However, as you gain experience and expand your education or qualifications (e.g., becoming a CPA), you can pursue accounting jobs with more responsibilities and higher pay. For example, you might become an accounting manager or a controller, both of which have much more responsibility than working as a staff accountant.
Good job security
As the saying goes, only two things are certain in life – death and taxes. As long as there’s taxes, accountants will be needed. That’s good job security for you! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accounting jobs are predicted to grow at an eight percent rate through 2030, which represents solid growth for the coming years.
Solid pay
Working as an accountant can also be financially lucrative. The BLS reports that the average median yearly salary for accountants is $77,250. But, with additional education, training, and experience, the top 10 percent of accountants earn nearly $130,000 per year.
Predictable schedule
For most of the year, many accountants have a very predictable schedule of working Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00. Some accountants enjoy this type of schedule year-round while others have a very chaotic schedule during tax season. But, by and large, accountants enjoy reasonable days of work with evenings, weekends, and holidays off.