Ranked a Top 10 Online Accounting School for Bachelor’s Degrees by Accounting Degree Review
Accounting is more than just numbers. It's solving business challenges by helping organizations manage their finances and cash flow. In the online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program, you'll gain a deep knowledge of accounting practices, supplemented by the broader, business-specific skills employers look for. The online accounting degree focuses on developing business and accounting expertise. You'll build a foundation in financial analysis, general accounting principles, auditing, taxation and more.
The benefits to earning your online accounting degree at UMS include:
- A focus on business and accounting basics, foundations in financial analysis, general accounting principles, auditing and taxation.
- 10% job growth for accountants and auditors through 2026*
- Median annual salary of $68,150 for accountants and auditors*
- Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program
- One of the lowest tuition rates in the nation
Follow the general accounting track or choose a concentration in forensic accounting and fraud examination to further focus your bachelor's in accounting.
See Yourself Succeed in Accounting
UMS's online accounting degree can provide you with in-depth accounting skills, plus the critical-thinking skills and essential business knowledge on which to build a successful career.
In the online bachelor's in accounting program, you'll learn how to:
- Analyze and apply the rules and regulations for financial accounting and reporting and how they're established in a global economy
- Generate financial records and statements for internal and external users in accordance with rules and regulations
- Plan and prepare tax returns using knowledge of tax laws and regulations
- Analyze, interpret and communicate accounting information to internal and external stakeholders
- Audit financial information and controls employing effective techniques in accordance with professional standards
- Apply professional ethics to guide conduct and decision-making in the field of accounting
As a private, nonprofit university, UMS has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning your online accounting degree at UMS include:
- Affordability. Take advantage of some of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation
- Convenience. Attend class when it's convenient for you - online education means 24/7 access
- Efficiency and flexibility. Complete your undergraduate degree at your own pace, over six 8-week terms per year
- Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience
- Networking. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni for internship and career opportunities
- Simple application process. Just fill out an online undergraduate application, and we'll retrieve U.S. transcripts from your previous institutions and automatically complete an official credit evaluation. Plus, there's no application fee
- Student support. Count on the ongoing support of dedicated academic and career advisors specialized in your area of study
- Transfer-friendly enrollment. Transfer up to 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree
Career Outlook
UMS's online accounting degree will prepare you to pursue a variety of accounting and accounting-related careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in accounting and auditing is expected to grow 10% by 2026.*
A bachelor's in accounting will prepare you for careers in a variety of industries and organizations including:
- Public accounting
- Private industry
- Government agencies
- Hospitals
- Social-service agencies
- Education systems
- International industries
The online bachelor's in accounting degree, along with additional master's-level coursework, can help prepare you for professional certification exams, like the CPA. Students cannot earn CPA certification through UMS, therefore if you wish to follow the traditional CPA track, you should verify that you'll meet the necessary requirements to sit for the exam.
The content of our programs aligns with the Content and Skill Specification Outlines (CSOs/SSOs) set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Learners who are interested in licensure may also pursue an MS in Accounting degree to help them meet educational requirements. Completion of the BS in Accounting degree alone does not adequately prepare learners to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam or to become licensed certified public accountants.
Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state. Students are encouraged to review their state specific requirements. State-by-state educational requirements can be found on the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), while state-by-state CPA licensing requirements can be found through the Accounting Licensing Library, powered by the NASBA.
Curriculum
The online accounting curriculum will give you a solid foundation in essential accounting principles and practices. Courses are taught by instructors with professional credentials and experience in accounting, taxation and fraud examination.
Accelerated BS-to-MS Pathway Option: Earn your MS in Accounting - faster. If you're interested in earning both degrees, have a discussion with your academic advisor. You also must meet the following academic requirements:
- Hold a GPA of 2.75 or greater
- Have a minimum of 90 credits
- Complete all major requirements/coursework, including capstone
- Meet the waiver requirements for the associated graduate courses
Courses To Prepare You For Your Career
UMS's bachelor's in accounting program includes:
- General education
- Business core
- Degree-specific courses
General Education Program
Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and insights you need to move forward. In recent years, employers have stressed the need for graduates with higher order skills - the skills that go beyond technical knowledge - such as:
- Writing
- Communication
- Analysis
- Problem solving
All undergraduate students are required to take general education classes. Through foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
Business Core Program
Programs in the School of Business require learners to complete the business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
Courses May Include
Program Outcomes
- Analyze and apply the rules and regulations for financial accounting and reporting and how they are established in a global economy
- Generate financial records and financial statements for internal and external users in accordance with applicable governing rules and regulations
- Plan and prepare tax returns using knowledge of tax laws and regulations
- Analyze, interpret and communicate accounting information to various internal and external stakeholders
- Audit financial information and controls employing effective techniques and in accordance with professional standards
- Apply professional ethics to guide conduct and decision-making in the field of accounting
