Posted on May 20th, 2025 in Blog, Business

How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 1.5 million professionals are working in accounting and auditing. These individuals most likely started their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Graduates of these programs can become certified public accountants (CPAs) or work in tax accounting, internal auditing, or other specialty areas.

Exactly how long does it take to get an accounting degree? It can take anywhere from two to six years, depending on the program format and the student’s schedule and availability. Individuals interested in this field should consider schools that offer different learning paths, including full-time, part-time, and online options.

What Does a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Accounting Entail?

Bachelor’s degree programs in accounting typically consist of general education, core accounting, and minor area courses. The major accounting classes make up the majority of the total credit hours required to graduate. Programs identify which courses require prerequisites, and the curriculum typically has several basic and advanced classes.

Students in these programs receive foundational accounting lessons in subjects such as accounting information systems, economics, and business policies. They also navigate specialized and advanced content, such as employment law, business taxation, and auditing. In addition to classroom learning, many programs offer internships, so students can apply their skills in real-world environments.

How Long Does a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Accounting Take?

How long it takes to get an accounting degree depends on various academic and personal factors. Schools typically define full-time enrollment as a minimum of 12 credit hours; the maximum may be 18 to 21 credit hours per term. Part-time enrollment is usually fewer than 12 credit hours per term.

For full-time students, the approximate length of a bachelor’s degree program in accounting is four years. This timeline is typically spread across several semesters or quarters. Since part-time students take fewer courses per semester or quarter, their studies could take five or six years.

Many colleges and universities also offer accelerated programs for incoming students who have completed a certain number of hours before applying to the program. In other words, their transfer credits count toward the incoming program’s requirements, so program length could be shortened to one to three years. Accelerated programs allow graduates to enter the workforce faster.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree Online?

Unlike traditional on-campus programs, online studies provide more flexibility for working students or those with busy schedules. Schools determine how long it takes to get an accounting degree online because their delivery formats vary. Some institutions have fully online programs, while others have hybrid options.

Similar to traditional programs, online programs may be full time or part time. Most online students can expect to complete their accounting degree within four years in a full-time program, five or six years in a part-time program, and one to three years in an accelerated online program. Some program elements can’t be completed online, such as internships.

Benefits of Earning an Accounting Degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting often meets the minimum requirements to enter the field. It can also help individuals qualify for higher career opportunities and salaries.

Helps Meet CPA Requirements

A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the Uniform CPA Examination. While requirements may vary by state (such as those for aspiring CPAs in Oregon), standard requirements include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 150 college credits. Generally, one to two years of relevant work experience under a licensed CPA is also expected. Continuing education is required to maintain the CPA license.

Strengthens Career Prospects

Professionals can do a lot with an accounting degree. The field is diverse, and having a bachelor’s degree can qualify individuals for various roles, including financial analyst, auditor, and personal financial advisor.

According to the BLS, accounting and auditing jobs are projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Accountants in these areas enjoy strong career prospects:

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services
Finance and insurance
Government
Self-employment

Expands Specialization Opportunities

Students in a bachelor’s degree program in accounting can begin developing a specialization, which can help make them more marketable. Some common options are tax planning and preparation; managerial accounting; and cost accounting, which focuses on a company’s operational costs. With societal and economic changes, accountants may use their talents in information systems, business administration, internal and external auditing, forensics, and investments.

Increases Earning Power

Professionals weighing the benefits of an accounting career versus how long it takes to get an accounting degree should take note of the possible earning potential. The median annual salary for accountants and auditors is $81,680, according to May 2024 data from the BLS. However, research shows that while the lowest 10% earned less than $52,780, the highest 10% earned more than $141,420. Education, experience, specialization, and certification can be key in determining salaries.

Advance Your Career With an Accounting Degree Program

Working professionals looking to advance their careers and develop skills in accounting as well as business and leadership may find that a bachelor’s degree can unlock a range of personal and professional benefits.

The accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Accounting program from Warner Pacific University Online is fully online and asynchronous, giving students the flexibility to integrate their studies with their work, family, and other commitments. The Christ-centered institution’s program helps students develop both hard and soft skills, such as financial decision-making, risk analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills. It also allows students to build their skills incrementally, offering one course every five or six weeks.

Learn more about how WPU Online can help prepare you for a career in accounting.

Sources:
Indeed, 11 Advantages of Being an Accountant
Indeed, FAQ: What Are the Requirements for an Accounting Career?
Indeed, How to Become a CPA Without an Accounting Degree
Miami Herald, “How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree?”
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, What Is the Uniform CPA Examination?
Oracle, “15 Types of Accountants & What They Do”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accountants and Auditors