Talk to an admissions advisor when it is convenient for you. Schedule Now

Online Accounting Degree

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Accounting often means more than just taxes in the business world. It can involve managing process auditing and overall financial health. The Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from CTU can help you prepare to enter this field, by exposing you to the theories and practical applications of accounting in areas including corporate accounting, taxation, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, and auditing.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting:

Has CTU Fast Track^™ exams available -a series of mini modules designed to test your knowledge of key course objectives, offering the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know
Is programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Is ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report for the seventh year in a row*

At CTU, students come first. Our flexible online course schedules are designed to help you to build a class schedule around your schedule. And with grants and scholarships available for those who qualify, a degree from CTU can be both achievable and affordable. Learn more below or fill out the form to speak with an admissions advisor.

* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Online Programs.

Relevant Institutional/Programmatic Accreditation
CTU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission www.hlcommission.org
This business degree program at CTU is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

CLASSES START

May 11, 2021
June 22, 2021
August 03, 2021

TOTAL CREDITS

183

PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

Online
Colorado Springs
Denver South

Program Details

Estimate Tuition and Grad Date

Total tuition for this degree program will vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.
Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date
Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting is a 183-credit-hour program that is offered online and at the Colorado campuses. It consists of 66 general education credit hours and 117 credit hours in the accounting core.

This degree program is designed to provide a variety of skills including corporate accounting, taxation, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, and auditing with a narrow focus on the practice of accounting in connection to the organization. The program aims to give students opportunities in the theory and application of accounting practices.

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.
The mission of the College of Business and Management is to offer professional, market-driven business degrees that build business competencies transferrable to all industries. The College of Business and Management accomplishes this mission by offering curriculum that aligns to industry standards, remains relevant, and builds practical skills applicable to the competitive global business environment.

Degree Requirements

Courses: General Education

Credits

Course Title	Course Description	Credit Hours
COMS105 This course explores the importance of effective interpersonal communication. This course covers: how interpersonal communication impacts an individual, how to recognize the different methods of communication and establishing and maintaining personal and professional relationships through effective communication.	Interpersonal Communications	4.5
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 equip students with writing skills for academic, professional, and personal situations requiring formal and informal writing. The workshop style course focuses on building confidence in writing as students progress through the process of choosing essay topics, developing introductory paragraphs and thesis statements, creating effective body paragraphs and topic sentences, and drafting conclusion paragraphs. Students will also study how to identify their audience and purpose in writing. The required composition sequence is designed to advance essential practices and habits for skilled writers and critical thinkers.	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 ENGL105, students continue practicing and developing writing skills for academic and professional situations in a workshop oriented course. Throughout the course, students will incorporate college-level research into their writing, which includes identifying credible research and using citations following CTU APA guidelines. Students will examine writing for a variety of contexts, purposes, and audiences.	Professional Written Communications	4.5

HIST101 This course focuses on the key people, social experiments, and technologies that continue to impact our lives. Particular attention is paid to the latter half of the 20th Century and the dawn of a new millennium in America – a time that, through the lens of history, both gives us pause and inspires hope for the future.	Modern American History: 1950 to the 21st Century	4.5
	or
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

LITR201 This course examines how literature can illuminate issues and themes and provide life lessons. Students will study how to read texts for the essential elements of expression: voice, form, theme and character and how to articulate an intelligent response to a piece of fiction, which includes short stories and poetry. Students will reflect on how reading can provide a means to understanding one’s self, others, our culture and the way diverse perspectives add to learning. Students will also explore how finding one’s authentic voice in fiction can be a profound expression of the experience of being human.	Literature: A Reflection of Life	4.5
	or
LITR225 This course introduces students to the concept of literacy-driven leadership and demonstrates the innovation inspired through reading. The concepts of leadership and innovation will be explored in terms of how the reading habits of moguls, innovators, and cultural heroes have impacted their critical engagement with the world around them. Students will work to mirror this process by developing their own methods of critical engagement, both personally and professionally, through the practice of active reading.	Innovation and Leadership In Literature

MATH102 This course is designed to teach students how to increase their mathematical knowledge for making logical decisions, and to begin to develop connections with mathematics in their related field of study and daily lives.	Introduction to College Math	4.5
MATH106 Business algebra is designed to provide students with a critical set of tools to help them develop solutions to problems in a business environment. This course introduces students to quantitative techniques necessary to better understand the mathematical principles important to success in the professional world. Specifically, this course focuses on applied mathematical methods with a broad emphasis on business applications.	Algebra for Business	4.5
MATH301 This course includes an elementary coverage of statistical techniques augmented at each step with the aid of technology for data processing and analysis in making inferences. Students study graphical presentation and statistical measures, followed by basic probability concepts leading to binomial and normal distributions. Hypothesis testing is applied to drawing inferences for one and two population parameters. A graphing calculator or equivalent technology is required.	Data Driven Statistics	4.5
SCI101 This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge in and foster an appreciation for the many dynamic disciplines –such as chemistry, physics, biology, and geology – within this robust field. This course is designed for students to explore the basic tenets of scientific thinking, including the Scientific Method, as well as other quantitative and qualitative approaches designed to enable them to draw meaningful conclusions about the world around them.	Introduction to the Sciences	4.5
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
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
SOCL202 There is an interconnection between gender, race, and class that not only forms our individual identities but also influences how we view the world and others. This course explores how our personal perspectives mold the lens through which we observe our interactions with others. This course focuses on taking the viewpoint of those unlike ourselves. Each individual experience will be different, but understanding the perspective of others promotes effective participation in a diverse environment.	Social Perspectives on Race, Gender, and Class	4.5

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:	66

Courses: Core

Credits

Course Title	Course Description	Credit Hours
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
ACCT203 This course is designed to provide practical application of technical skills aligned to the concepts from introductory accounting courses. The technical skills reviewed in this course include debits and credits, T account analysis, and financial statement development and analysis along with logic and critical thinking skills.	Accounting III	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
ACCT220 This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of managerial and cost accounting concepts. It discusses the determination and the study of financial data required by management for budgeting, reporting, and analyzing performance.	Introduction to Managerial & Cost Accounting	4
ACCT225 This course introduces students to basic tax concepts such as: tax rate structure, losses, tax credits, withholding, and computation of the personal and corporate income tax.	Introduction to Tax	4
ACCT300 This course covers basic financial statements with emphasis on accounting principles and procedures relating to current and long-term assets.	Intermediate Accounting I	4
ACCT305 This course focuses on the financing and investing activities of business enterprises, as well as special accounting topics, e.g., earnings per share, pensions, employee compensation, error corrections, and income taxes.	Intermediate Accounting II	4
ACCT325 This course is an introduction to the primary work of the certified public accountant. It covers examination of financial statements for the purpose of rendering an opinion on the fairness with which they present an entity’s financial position and the results of its operations.	Auditing	4
ACCT330 This lab represents a simulation of audit planning and implementation. Students will plan for and then audit various balance sheet and income statement accounts. The lab will conclude with the preparation of audited financial statements including audit opinion and appropriate footnotes.	Auditing Lab	1
ACCT340 This course covers special accounting problems related to the preparation of combined and consolidated financial statements for accounting entities with branch offices and subsidiaries, both domestic and foreign. This course also covers accounting for partnerships.	Advanced Accounting	4
ACCT351 This course focuses on accounting for costs in a manufacturing environment. The course covers various techniques for estimating and accounting for costs. Students will be involved in the budgeting and cost allocation processes.	Cost Accounting	4
ACCT410 This course provides an overview of the principles of taxation for various business entities based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and supporting authority. Students are taught a theoretical as well as practical understanding of the tax law as applied to U.S. business entities.	Advanced Tax	4
ACCT420 This course provides an overview of accounting for government and not-for-profit entities. It discusses accounting principles and practices used in not-for-profit organizations. Topics include accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing required of both government and not-for-profit organizations.	Government & Not for Profit Accounting	4
ACCT430 This course introduces students to the history of international accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the structure and standard setting process of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the differences between financial statements prepared on the basis of United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), requirements of IFRS 1 First-time adoption of IFRS, how to evaluate financial statements prepared under IFRS, and potential issues facing US companies adopting IFRS.	Introduction to International Financial Reporting Standards	4
ACCT460 This is an integrative capstone course designed for students to use the functional skills acquired from previous courses to formulate decisions within a business entity and analyze the accounting implications of those decisions. Individual and team participation are imperative for this course.	Accounting Capstone	4
ECON310 In this course students will apply the theory and tools of micro and macroeconomics and research to the formation of business decisions in the global environment.	Global Managerial Economics	4
FINC225 This course is a basic introduction to the concepts of finance. It presents an overview of financial statements and financial statement analysis Specific topics include ratio analysis, trend analysis, ethics, and financial proformas.	Financial Statement Analysis	4
FINC400 This course examines the process of budgeting. Students will examine the components of and develop budgets. Students will also utilize capital budgeting tools to evaluate investment opportunities.	Financial Management	4
HRMT215 This course examines the role and function of the Human Resource Department in the organization and provides an overview of human resource management activities covering the essential employment and managerial tasks required. Topics include, but are not limited to job analysis, performance management, staffing, career development, and diversity and labor relations.	Management of Human Resources	4
IT254 This course is designed to introduce the basic computer spreadsheet application skills, with an emphasis on essential design, format, functions, and formulas of spreadsheet operations in solving real-world problems. Electronic spreadsheets are used in a variety of business calculations to analyze, graph, and manage data. Applications of spreadsheets can be used to generate reports to maintain large amounts of data, make accurate calculations, and accelerate repetitive tasks.	Spreadsheet Applications	4
MGM255 This course introduces the student to business management structures. It covers how the structures can act as a competitive advantage. Emphasis is on how the organization's management structure and leadership styles can impact businesses and how an organization must adapt or respond to the changes.	Management Fundamentals	4
MGM316 This course is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of cultures, traditions, and value systems as they apply in international, multinational, and global business settings. Students explore topics such as language and other forms of communication, traditions, values, norms, cultural diversity, cultural influences on communication and the negotiation process, and ways to improve communications with people whose first language is something other than English.	International Business Communications	4
MGM335 In this course students examine individual and group behavior within the context of organizational design and culture. This course teaches theoretical and practical knowledge for understanding topics such as motivation, leadership, managerial decision-making, group processes, and conflict resolution.	Organizational Behavior Principles	4
MGM365 This course examines the nature of the legal system in which society functions, including business agreements, business entities, and government regulations. Using frameworks for ethical decision-making, students will explore the ethical issues that confront business organizations and individuals.	The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business	4
MGMT235 This course focuses on tools for understanding the principles underlying the legal environment of business. The course identifies the current legal rules and regulations affecting businesses and students will study new developments and trends that may greatly affect future transactions. This course also includes a component dealing with the legal aspects of intellectual property, especially as it relates to e‐business.	Business Law I	4
MGMT345 This course examines the principles and techniques of managing operations processes in manufacturing and service industries. Students will explore the interrelationships between operations concepts, such as forecasting, planning products, technologies, facilities, demand, inventory, productivity, quality, and reliability.	Operations Management	4
MGMT455 This course focuses on identifying external opportunities and determining the value-creating potential of a firm’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies to achieve a strategic competitive advantage.	Business Policies and Strategies	4
MKTG225 This course examines the basic concepts of marketing. Students explore various aspects of the analysis of the marketing process. This includes learning about creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers. Students examine the fundamentals of marketing, then progress to the application of those fundamentals within an organization and the contemporary market environment.	Introduction to Marketing	4
UNIV201 This course is designed to provide the knowledge and application of effective career management strategies for career development and transition; through student self-assessment and research into potential career fields. Students pursue the knowledge and skills to identify and communicate themselves as a brand.	Career Planning and Management	4
	Total Credit Hours:	117

Total Credit Hours: 183

Accreditations and Alignments

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

Accounting courses at CTU align with the educational standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The student who meets the unique content and hours requirements of the State Board of Accounting in their state’s Application for CPA Licensure is qualified to sit for the CPA exam. This program curriculum also integrates the competencies and body of knowledge in the Certified Managerial Accounting (CMA) exam. 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.
Related Areas of Study
Ways to Save
Next Steps

Program details are provided lower on the page.

Classes start May 11, 2021!

Request Information

Fill out this brief form and an admissions advisor will contact you within the next day.

By clicking the button below you agree to be contacted by CTU about education services (including through automated and/or pre-recorded means, e.g. dialing and text messaging) via telephone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS), and/or email, even if your telephone number or email address is on a corporate, state or the National Do Not Call Registry, and you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You understand that your consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or service.

Learn more below

Online Accounting Degree

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

CLASSES START

TOTAL CREDITS

PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

Program Details

Estimate Tuition and Grad Date

Program Overview

Degree Requirements

Courses: General Education

Courses: Core

Accreditations and Alignments

Related Areas of Study

Ways to Save

Next Steps

Where do I go from here?

Start the conversation

Contact Us

Classes start May 11, 2021!

Request Information