Online Accounting Degree
Academic title: Accounting, B.S.B.A.
120 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
Online accounting degree
Prepare for accounting and financial careers with an online program supported with both an AACSB accounting and business accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 2% of universities worldwide.
You’ll build skills in financial accounting, auditing, taxation and business strategy while learning from CMU faculty in a flexible online format. You can also explore pathways designed to support preparation for professional credentials, including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Online accounting degree overview
| Core credits | 30 |
|---|---|
| Elective credits | 9 |
| General education credits | 81 |
| Total credits to graduate | 120 |
How much does an online accounting degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards
What can you do with an online accounting degree?
Accounting opens the door to careers in nearly every industry. Businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations all rely on the skillset of accounting professionals.
Graduates of our online accounting degree program pursue careers as accountants, auditors, tax professionals, cost accountants, forensic accountants and certified public accountants (CPAs).
Preparation for the CPA, CMA and CIA exams are built into the curriculum. This means you'll graduate ready to earn professional certification!
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Financial Officer | $161,700 |
| Controller | $161,700 |
| Public Accountant | $81,680 |
| Forensic Accountant | $81,680 |
| Senior Financial Analyst | $101,910 |
| Budget Analyst | $87,930 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Additional online accounting pathways
Accelerated MBA Accounting
Earn an MBA and a bachelor's degree in just five years (150 credit hours) through this MBA concentration. If you're pursuing a CPA license, this program meets Michigan's educational requirements.
CMA Elite Track
Become a certified management accountant through the CMA Elite Track. This guided timeframe allows you to graduate with your CMA exam completed.
Admission requirements
Transfer Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
Applicants with a cumulative college GPA of 2.4 or higher are eligible for admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.4 may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.
Freshman Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official high school transcripts
Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 or higher are eligible for automatic admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 will be considered for admission and may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.
For CPA, CMA and CIA information, visit the following websites:
- For CPA licensing: www.michigan.gov/accountancy
- For the CMA certificate: https://www.imanet.org/IMA-Certifications
- For the CIA certificate: https://www.theiia.org/
From CMU to the Smithsonian
Accounting can take you far beyond traditional business roles. CMU accounting alumnus Chris Janczewski built a career as an IRS special agent investigating cryptocurrency theft, cybercrime and international financial crimes. His work was so impactful that his IRS-issued laptop is now featured in a Smithsonian exhibit on the history of money.
"Going to Central Michigan University was a pivotal point in my life," Janczewski said.
