BS in Accounting Online

SMSU’s BS in Accounting requires 150 total credit hours, which full-time students typically complete in about 4-5 years; part-time students might take longer depending on course load and life circumstances. All courses run in 16-week terms, and you can accelerate your timeline by transferring in prior college credits or by using CLEP exams to satisfy certain requirements. Because the program is fully asynchronous, many students make steady progress while working full-time.

Yes — every course in the BS in Accounting program is delivered 100% online and asynchronously, meaning no set class times and no campus visits required. You study on your schedule from wherever you are. SMSU is HLC-accredited, and you’ll engage with faculty and fellow students through online discussions, group projects, and virtual office hours throughout the program. Learn more about the online student experience.

SMSU offers three start dates per year, so you’re never far from your next enrollment opportunity. You can apply at any time through the Minnesota State application portal — the $20 application fee is waivable, and a Student Engagement Specialist can help you plan around your target start date. Call 1-800-201-2944 to get started.

The program’s 20 accounting courses cover financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, taxation, and forensic accounting, spanning public, private, and government finance contexts. Standout courses include ACCT 424: Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, ECON 470: International Business and Economics, and FIN 360: Insurance and Risk Management. Faculty bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, and the curriculum is designed to build the problem-solving, communication, and technical skills employers look for — as well as the knowledge base needed for professional certification exams.

Graduates work across a wide range of roles including accountant, audit manager, tax specialist, financial controller, budget analyst, and forensic examiner — in public accounting firms, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Your degree also positions you for professional certifications that can accelerate advancement into senior and specialized roles.

SMSU requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission, with 3.0 recommended. Admissions are reviewed holistically, so a GPA that falls closer to the minimum doesn’t automatically disqualify you — your full application is considered. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from every college attended; first-time college students submit their high school transcripts. Contact a Student Engagement Specialist to discuss your specific situation before applying.

Yes, SMSU accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. If you’ve already completed an associate degree in accounting or a related field, many of those courses may apply directly toward the 150-credit requirement, significantly reducing your remaining coursework and tuition. Credit evaluations are conducted during the application process. Submit your transcripts and an academic advisor will assess equivalency. Talking to a Student Engagement Specialist before you apply is the best way to map out exactly how your prior credits will count. Call 1-800-201-2944 to get a head start on your transfer evaluation.

The total estimated cost is $52,443, based on SMSU’s rate of $349.62 per credit hour across 150 credits. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of where you live. Transfer credits reduce both your total credits and your cost — every credit waived saves $349.62, and students who enter with significant prior coursework can meaningfully lower their total investment. Textbooks, supplies, and additional fees are not included in the tuition estimate. Use the tuition calculator to get a personalized cost estimate based on your transfer credits and expected aid.

Yes. Upon completing SMSU’s 150-credit program, you meet the education requirement to sit for the CPA exam, as well as the CMA, CIA, CFM, and CGFM exams. That said, CPA requirements vary by state — some states require an ethics course, a specific number of accounting credit hours above and beyond the 150, or documented work experience before licensure. It’s worth checking with your state board of accountancy before you graduate to confirm any additional requirements that apply to you.

Apply online through the Minnesota State application portal. You’ll need official transcripts (high school for first-time students; all prior college transcripts for transfer students) and a $20 application fee, which is waivable. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks, and you’ll receive an admission decision by email. The SMSU enrollment team is available to guide you through every step — call 1-800-201-2944 or visit the admissions page to get started.

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. In addition to the standard admissions requirements, you’ll need to provide English proficiency verification (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) and may need an I-20 form for visa purposes. International students pay the same in-state tuition rate as domestic students.

SMSU offers federal financial aid through FAFSA (school code: 002375), institutional scholarships for qualifying students, and military benefits including the GI Bill® and VA education benefits. To explore your federal aid eligibility, complete the FAFSA. Scholarships are available on both merit and need bases. Explore all tuition and aid options.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.