Online Associate Degree in Accounting

Associate Degree in Accounting

For many students, the path to finding success begins with an associate degree. If you’re a born number-cruncher, the Associate of Science degree in Accounting from CTU may be a good fit for you.

In this program, you can study the basics of entry-level accounting, the foundations of finance, and their respective places in business. And you can work to prepare to transition either into the workplace or to a bachelor’s degree program in accounting or finance.

Program Credits

5 Weeks

Course Length

Online Colorado Springs

Location

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Program Overview

Effective February 2023, this program is no longer available for future enrollments at the Aurora Campus.

An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and increased scrutiny of company finances will spur the job growth of accountants and auditors. Increasingly, accountants also are assuming the role of a personal financial advisor. In response to market demand, these financial specialists will offer more financial management and consulting services as they take on a greater advisory role.

The Associate of Science in Accounting degree program is designed to equip graduates with a variety of basic accounting skills that will be useful in an entry level accounting position. The ASACC program aligns to the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program.

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

Accounting courses at CTU align with the educational standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This program is not designed to prepare students for the CPA or CMA examination or any other certification exam, but covers the knowledge areas of the uniform CPA and CMA certification.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

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Courses

Courses: General Education		Credits
ECON210 This course addresses the dynamics of how our economy works (or does not work). The course explores the basic institutions, terminology, and theory of the main economic activities of production, distribution, and consumption, especially as they apply to the operation of our national economy. Topics include savings and investment, national output, expenditure and income, real versus potential GDP, aggregate demand and supply, and fiscal and monetary policy. Students explore the impact of the economy on different economic sectors that affect different career paths.	Principles of Macroeconomics	4.5
ECON212 This course examines the tools of economics as they apply to the operation of a market economy. It covers supply and demand analysis, consumer behavior, and the economic nature of production—including costs and profits. The behavior of firms in competitive and monopolistic environments is studied, as well as income distribution and the effects of government intervention on the free market system. Students have the opportunity to develop a new perspective and deeper understanding of the impact of current events on everyday problems and situations.	Principles of Microeconomics	4.5
ENGL104 ENGL104 is the first course in a sequence of two composition classes designed to empower students to develop their voice, build confidence in writing, and develop both their writing and critical thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to practice adapting their writing for different audiences, purposes, and platforms, and will be able to explore how the choices they make influence the meaning and success of their written communications. This course explores the use of the writing process to compose clear, organized writings that are appropriate for various audiences and purposes. This course introduces the importance of clear and persuasive writing in personal, professional, and academic contexts.	Introductory Written Communication	4.5
ENGL105 ENGL105 is the final course in the composition sequence and builds on the writing skills developed in ENGL104. In this course, students continue to practice writing for a variety of contexts, purposes, and audiences. Throughout the course, students incorporate research into their writing by using digital tools and resources to identify and cite credible sources following CTU APA guidelines.	Professional Written Communications	4.5

GOVT201 The decisions made by the government impact our lives every day. Learning about government empowers students to be active citizens who have a positive impact on their communities. This course provides the student with an overview of the framework and basic functions of the three branches of government, the role of political participation in American democracy, and the relationship between government and the rights of citizenship. Students will also explore the similarities and differences between national, state, and local governments.	American Government and Public Affairs	4.5
	or
HIST120 This course introduces students to the events, conflicts, key figures, and turning points in United States History from 1950 to the present. Emphasizing the relationship between history and peoples’ lived experiences, this course examines key events, social movements, and the changing roles of the United States in the world. Exploring how historians use evidence to better understand the past, this course will also examine how history is shaped by different contexts and perspectives. Throughout the course, connections will be made between issues and events of the past and those that we face today.	Intro to American History: 1950 to the Present	4.5
MATH102 Introduction to College Math familiarizes students with mathematical thinking and explores how a knowledge of mathematics can benefit them personally and professionally. The course is designed to give students the tools for making logical decisions and developing connections between mathematics and their fields of study and daily activities. Specifically, this course focuses on arithmetic operations, linear equations, and the use of rates, ratios, proportions, and percentages to describe relationships between given quantities.	Introduction to College Math	4.5
MATH106 This course is designed to provide students with a critical set of tools to help them develop solutions to problems. This course introduces students to fundamental concepts and skills needed to use mathematics in the professional world. Specifically, this course focuses on algebraic operations and methods with a broad emphasis on real-world applications.	Algebra for Business	4.5
PHIL101 This course is designed to provide students a basic understanding of moral and ethical theories and concepts. The activities and discussions encourage students to explore and solve ethical dilemmas by identifying and applying moral and ethical theories. Students will also be encouraged to explain their reasoning from cultural, professional, and personal standpoints. A variety of ethical issues and methodologies will be explored, as students evaluate moral dilemmas in an assortment of work and life scenarios.	Introduction to Ethics	4.5
PSYC102 Psychology is fundamental to every field in academic study. This course is designed to teach students a basic understanding of human behavior as well as emotional and cognitive development. Coursework incorporates terminology, principles, and foundational theories that comprise modern concepts of introductory psychology. This course is designed to teach students using practical, real-world application of course concepts within their professional, personal, and relational lives.	Introductory Psychology	4.5
SCI101 This course introduces students to the physical, life, and Earth sciences. Students have the opportunity to explore the principles of scientific critical thinking. Utilizing the Scientific Method, as well as other quantitative and qualitative approaches, students can draw meaningful conclusions about the real world.	Introduction to the Sciences	4.5
SCI103 This is a learning experience that complements the Introduction to the Sciences course. Since the course addresses how scientific thinking and the resultant technology has changed modern life, this lab will provide students with experiences in the scientific approaches of different sciences covered, such as: biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy. This lab will be constructed specifically to extend the learning from each unit of the Introduction to the Sciences course, designed to provide experiences which deepen students’ familiarity with the scientific method and way of asking questions and solving problems.	Science and Technology- Laboratory Course	1.5
SCI201 This course analyzes the interrelationships between the natural environment and human activities. In this course, students are taught about the preservation and conservation of natural resources and the resilience of the natural environment with respect to the carrying capacity of the earth. Furthermore, students will explore topics related to environmental ethics and apply principles of sustainability to issues impacting natural resources and biodiversity. Finally, this course will teach a holistic approach in learning about environmental problems and rehabilitation through individual and group behavioral changes and environmental regulations.	Environmental Science and Sustainability	4.5
SCI203 This course is designed to be a hands-on learning experience that complements the Environmental Science and Sustainability Course. Labs include both problem-based activities and critical-thinking projects and are designed to help students develop an understanding of and appreciation for the complex issues that comprise the field of Environmental Science and Sustainability.	Environmental Science and Sustainability - Laboratory Course	1.5

UNIV104 UNIV104 is designed to provide students with a foundation for success in CTU’s undergraduate academic environment. This course introduces effective academic strategies and resources integrating them with career planning methods that can be leveraged to pursue future academic and professional goals.	Academic and Career Success	4.5
	or
HUMNELE	Humanities Elective	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	57

Courses: Core		Credits
ACCT201 This course introduces accounting concepts. Emphasis is on understanding, summarizing, , and interpreting financial information. Upon successful completion, students should be able to recognize and use financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision‐making, and discuss ethical considerations specific to accounting.	Accounting I	4
ACCT202 This course covers accounting for balance sheet items for partnerships and corporate entities. In addition, students are exposed to accounting for the capital structure, inventory, long-term liabilities, payroll, investments and international operations of a firm.	Accounting II	4
ACCT210 The course provides an introduction to utilizing the computer in maintaining accounting records, making management decisions, and processing common business applications with primary emphasis on a general ledger package. Students will utilize an integrated general ledger software package, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventories, and payroll systems.	Computerized Accounting	4
ACCT226 This course introduces the principles of individual taxation, covering topics such as income determination, deductions, credits, and the preparation of tax returns. Students will be introduced to the structure of the tax code and its implications for individuals. The ethical implications of tax planning strategies and decisions will be explored.	Individual Tax	4
ACCT260 This course covers the basic financial statements with emphasis on the accounting principles related to accounts receivables, revenue and expense recognition, and inventory.	Intermediate Accounting I	4
BUS115 This course introduces students to the fundamentals of business and provides a framework for future business courses. Students explore the basic principles and practices of contemporary business such as basic business types, the impacts of business on society, entrepreneurship, and business career paths.	Introduction to Business	4
IT254 This course introduces students to spreadsheet applications. There is an emphasis on the design, format, functions, and formulas of spreadsheet operations in solving real-world problems. Special attention is paid to data literacy skills, including using spreadsheets to read, interpret, organize, and present data.	Spreadsheet Applications	4
MGMT237 This introductory business law course provides students with a foundational understanding of the legal principles and regulations that govern the business environment. The course covers key aspects of contract law, business ethics, and the legal framework surrounding business types. Through case studies, discussions, and practical applications, students will have the opportunity to develop analytical skills necessary to navigate legal issues within the business context.	Introduction to Business Law	4
MGMT256 This course introduces the learner to primary topics in management. This includes summarizing the role of managers in the performance of the organization, explaining what a manager does in the strategic decision-making process, demonstrating the management of human relations in a diverse culture, recognizing the characteristics of leadership, and identifying the effects of culture, technology, and innovation in managerial communication.	Management Fundamentals	4
	Total Credit Hours:	36

Total Credit Hours: 93

View Less

Learning Outcomes

ASACC Program Learning Outcomes:

Apply ethical principles to business decision-making.
Produce financial statements for businesses according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Demonstrate effective communication skills.
Employ accounting technology proficiently.
Compute individual tax forms.

Faculty

Catherine McBride, DBA

Executive Program Director

Dr. Catherine McBride has been at CTU since January 2021, serving as an Executive Program Director for the College of Business and Management. Catherine has been in higher education for 22 years, with 18 years of online education experience across a variety of institutions in varying capacities but always serving non-traditional learners.

Dr. David Gliddon

Executive Program Director

Dr. Gliddon is an Executive Program Director in the College of Business and Management. In previous roles at CTU, he was a Program Chair and Lead Faculty. He has taught over 20 courses in the undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral programs. He has provided service to the university on a number of committees and special projects.

For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Business and Management.

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FAQs

What is an Associate of Science in Accounting (ASA) degree?

CTU’s Associate of Science in Accounting (ASA) Degree Program is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities among the accounting workforce. This accounting degree program emphasizes the basics of entry-level accounting, the foundations of finance, and their respective places in business, so upon graduation you can prepare to transition into a career or go on to study for your bachelor’s degree.

What will I study in the ASA degree program?

As you work to complete your Associate of Science in Accounting, you will be immersed in courses where you will study these topics and much more: basic accounting concepts, essential business concepts, computerized accounting, and technical skills like debits, credits, and financial statement development and analysis.

When and where can I begin my accounting classes?

Courses for the Associate of Science in Accounting start approximately every five weeks online and on our Colorado Springs campus. Completion of the CTU admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the CTU online application process. You may complete the application process over the phone with an advisor or you may go online. Once you’ve completed the online application, you may hear from an advisor within the following 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to graduate from the ASA degree program?

The Associate of Science in Accounting degree program consists of 93 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. CTU Fast Track^™ exams also offer the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know allowing you to complete a degree up to 30% faster.¹

¹ The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast Track^™ exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.

Why should I pursue an ASA degree at CTU?

Accounting courses at CTU align with the educational standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Students who complete this degree have the skills to pursue entry level accounting positions.

Is this Associate of Science in Accounting degree program accredited?

The Associate of Science in Accounting degree program at CTU is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

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Associate of Science in Accounting