BS in Accounting Online
Take Your Next Step in Accounting, 100 Percent Online
Online
2-4 Years
57 Credit Hours (Major)
$305 per Credit
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Unlock Advanced, In-Demand Opportunities in Accounting
Build strong problem-solving skills for an in-demand field with the online bachelor’s degree in accounting program from Southwest Minnesota State University. Through accounting courses that explore public, private, and government finances, you’ll become a skilled professional with a wealth of opportunities for advancement.
With the addition of a 30-credit accounting certificate, you will be prepared to sit for certification exams and pursue a graduate degree after graduation.
This BS in Accounting program is also offered on campus.
Program Details
- In-state tuition for all students
- HLC-accredited
- Highly skilled faculty
- 3 start dates per year
Accounting Courses that Match Your Ambitions
16-Week Terms
20 Courses
SMSU’s online bachelor’s degree in accounting program requires the completion of 20 accounting courses for 57 credit hours in the major, including electives that you can choose based on your professional goals. After completing all the necessary accounting courses and completing a total of 150 college credits, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam, the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam, and more.
Course Highlights
- ACCT 424: Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
- ECON 470: International Business and Economics
- FIN 360: Insurance and Risk Management
SMSU Admission Requirements
Start Date August 26, 2024 Fall Term 2024
Take the next step toward unlocking your professional potential by completing your application for the online bachelor’s in accounting degree today. Support is available from the SMSU enrollment team.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $20 waivable fee* |
| Official Transcripts | Send official high school transcripts. Transfer students must send transcripts from each institution attended |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 minimum, 3.0 recommended |
International Students
Additional information and requirements may be necessary for international students. Please contact our enrollment team to learn more.
It’s always the right time to invest in your education with SMSU. Contact an enrollment counselor by calling 1-800-201-2944 to get started today.
Admissions DetailsTuition and Aid: Online Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Calculate your cost for attending SMSU Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Whether you’re applying for a college degree for the first time or picking back up where you left off in your education, SMSU’s tuition and aid packages can assist you. With scholarships available and competitive tuition, we can help make your degree program affordable. Are you ready to invest in your future?
| Cost per Credit Hour | $305 |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 150 |
| Total Estimated Cost** | $45,750 |
| Other Costs | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors such as textbooks, supplies, or additional fees and expenses |
Military Benefits
SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students. We accept the GI Bill™ and VA education benefits. Learn more by contacting an enrollment counselor or by visiting our military benefits page.
Financial Aid Options & Support
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of solutions to help you invest in your education. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with a variety of financial services, including military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.
Take your next step in financing your education by completing your FAFSA today. Use SMSU’s school code: 002375
Tuition Details
Where Will Your Accounting Degree Lead You?
The need for skilled accountants is growing steadily. According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers will create more than 67,000 new accounting jobs from 2022 to 2032. Additionally, the median annual salary for accountants in 2022 was a competitive $78,000.1 Prepare to stand out in this fast-paced industry with the online BS in Accounting degree program from SMSU.
Jobs for Bachelor’s in Accounting Graduates
Accountant $78,000 per year1
Budget Analyst $82,260 per year2
Program Outcomes
Earning your accounting degree online with SMSU allows you to join a supportive community of diverse students and expert industry leaders. By graduation, you’ll be fully prepared to thrive in the growing and in-demand accounting industry with the option to pursue a master’s degree or sit for the professional certification exam of your choice.
What You’ll Learn
- Apply strong problem-solving, computer, and communication skills in diverse professional settings
- Promote awareness of the context and consequences of professional decision-making
- Sit for professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Financial Manager (CFM), and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Meet Our Faculty
SMSU employs a faculty of experts who are top-skilled in their fields. Our educators are fully committed to providing each student with personalized and thoughtful instruction to help you succeed academically and professionally.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Will Thomas
Dr. Will Thomas graduated with his BA in Accounting from Wofford College in 1980 before completing his Ph.D. in Business with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985.
Before becoming a faculty member at Southwest Minnesota State University, Thomas gained teaching experience as an assistant professor at George Washington University and Coastal Carolina University and as an associate professor at Gustavus Adolphus College. He served as the financial controller for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, and he was the controller, director of foundation operations, and senior writer for the Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust.
Thomas teaches several undergraduate courses, including Principles of Accounting I and II, Cost Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I and II, Accounting Information Systems, Advanced Accounting, Auditing, and Environmental Accounting, along with a capstone accounting course.
His graduate courses include Accounting for Managers and Financial Analysis. Additionally, he is an advisor for the SMSU Accounting Club.
Learn Online with Southwest Minnesota State University
Whether you’re enrolling in a degree program for the first time or completing a degree you previously started, learning online with SMSU provides the flexibility you need to be successful. Our online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum delivered on campus, plus the convenience of studying on your schedule from the location of your choice.
Discover SMSU OnlineSources and Disclaimers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Accountants and Auditors.” Retrieved Oct. 2, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Budget Analysts.” Retrieved Oct. 2, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm.
*Contact our enrollment team for more details!
**Tuition costs and fees will vary based on semesters of enrollment and number of transfer credits accepted. Contact our enrollment team to learn more.