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Online Bachelor's in Accounting

Gain the accounting skills that today’s organizations need. CSU Global’s fully online B.S. in Accounting teaches you accounting fundamentals and gives you practical experience with AI, automation, business intelligence, and data analytics. You’ll be ready for accounting jobs, the CMA exam, and a continued path toward CPA eligibility.

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By submitting this form, I consent to receive calls, texts, and emails from CSU Global and its authorized partners about educational opportunities. My information will only be maintained by CSU Global and not shared with unaffiliated third parties. Consent is not required for enrollment, and I can opt out at any time.

Total credits

120 Transfer up to 90 credits, including military service and career experience.

Cost per credit

$385 No out of state tuition. No fees. No tuition increases. Guaranteed.

Delivery

Online Our 8-week courses are 100% online, asynchronous, and fully flexible.

Starts per year

12 CSU Global offers start dates every month.

Tanae Acolatse, Ph.D.

Welcome to CSU Global’s B.S. in Accounting Program

Accounting is changing quickly, and our program is designed to help students build the foundation, judgment, and technical confidence needed for the future of the field.

Today’s accountants aren’t being replaced by technology; they’re learning how to work with it. That’s why AI is integrated across every course, with applications in analysis, reporting, auditing, taxation, business intelligence, and ethical decision-making. Students complete financial and tax analyses in professional software, then use AI prompts and audit the results against authoritative standards to identify errors and apply human judgment. They also build skills in Power BI, data-informed insights, communication, and professional judgment.

Whether you are starting your accounting career or building on existing experience, CSU Global’s online B.S. in Accounting can help you prepare for the next era of accounting—with humans firmly in the loop.

Tanae W. Acolatse, Ph.D., CFE, Program Director

Program Details

What sets CSU Global’s accounting degree apart?

Accounting is evolving, and your degree should reflect that. At CSU Global, you’ll learn the core skills employers look for and get experience with technology used in the accounting field.

  • Get hands-on experience with today’s accounting tools. You’ll use AI, automation, business intelligence, and data analytics while also learning key skills in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, cost analysis, and more.
  • Prepare for professional credentials. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take the CMA exam, while your coursework can also help you continue working toward the educational requirements for CPA exam eligibility.
  • Start your master’s sooner. If you qualify, you can join the Accelerated Master’s Program and take six graduate-level accounting credits during your bachelor’s, creating a 144-credit path from bachelor’s to master’s that saves you time and money toward your Master of Professional Accounting and CPA exam eligibility.
  • Customize your degree to fit your goals. You can add a specialization in areas like Certified Management Accountant (CMA), financial analytics, AI, data analytics, project management, and more.

Who is this accounting degree for?

This accounting degree is great for:

  • Aspiring accountants looking for a clear path into the field and professional credentials.
  • Accounting professionals ready to move beyond bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, or AP/AR into higher-level roles.
  • Career changers looking for a stable field with opportunities across industries.

CSU Global’s B.S. in Accounting is endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), which recognizes that the program meets high educational standards and enables students to pursue and earn the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) credential.

What skills will I gain with a bachelor’s degree in accounting?

  • Apply accounting principles, standards, and practices to analyze data in an environment of artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Collaborate using automation, business intelligence, and data analytics to perform business functions, communicate information, and facilitate workplace solutions.
  • Analyze relevant ethical and regulatory trends affecting domestic and international accounting in the global business environment.
  • Evaluate accounting processes, systems, and financial data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement of business processes and application of business intelligence (BI).
  • Demonstrate accounting and leadership skills using automation, business intelligence, and data analytics.

CSU Global’s Bachelor of Science accounting program is tailored for students starting their careers or considering a career change.

 

In addition to the comprehensive knowledge that you’ll earn through a degree, industry certifications are an excellent way to demonstrate your proficiency in a specific area. As you complete your bachelor’s degree in accounting, you’ll be prepared to take several industry-recognized exams:



Affordable Tuition

As a not-for-profit public university, our goal at CSU Global is to make your online tuition cost as affordable as possible. We offer low-cost online degree tuition rates without taking anything away from the quality of the education you receive. We also lock in that low tuition rate with our tuition guarantee, and we provide additional discounted tuition rates for members of the armed forces and employees of our corporate affiliate partners.

 

 

Learn more about tuition

Learn more about CSU Global tuition rates, and explore financial aid options available that can help cover the cost of your education.

Tuition cost Financial aid


Stephanie Jenkins

From bookkeeping to CFO: Stephanie’s story

Stephanie Jenkins grew up around accounting, helping her mom with the books for her family’s business while still in high school. But pursuing a bachelor’s degree wasn’t on her radar. “I didn’t really want to focus on school,” she said. “I was super hungry to just learn in real life.”

A layoff later prompted her to reconsider her future.

Stephanie transferred credits to CSU Global and earned her B.S. in Accounting in just 18 months. She later became chief financial officer of a nonprofit serving children and families.

“I get to see children come and go from their therapy sessions and witness how they light up after receiving our services,” she said. “While I’m not directly serving them, I know that every dollar I can allocate differently will go back to them.”

Accounting Courses

CSU Global’s online accounting degree is accredited by ACBSP and endorsed by the IMA. The curriculum starts with core principles in financial reporting and managerial accounting, then moves on to advanced topics like cost accounting, tax, government and nonprofit accounting, information systems, audit, forensic accounting, and advanced accounting. With this solid foundation, you’ll apply AI, automation, and data analytics to real-world business scenarios, using the professional skepticism and Human-in-the-Loop oversight needed to validate AI outputs.

Core Degree Courses

51 Credits

General Education Courses

31 Credits

CSU Global’s General Education Courses are more than a bachelor’s degree requirement. They are designed to help you develop and strengthen valuable skills demanded in the workplace.

Already taken some courses? Up to 90 total credits (and 64 from community colleges) can be transferred into a bachelor’s degree at CSU Global. Request a Transcript Evaluation Summary to see how close you already are to graduation!

Learn more about general education

Degree Specialization

Optional - 15 Credits

When you earn your bachelor’s degree through CSU Global, you can choose to customize it with an undergraduate specialization in a subject that matches your professional goals or personal interests.

Learn more about our specializations and explore all the options available to you. Not all specializations are available for every degree program.

Elective Courses

Remaining credits to reach 120 total credits

The remainder of your degree is comprised of courses of your choice that support your educational goals and needs. Including a specialization reduces the number of elective credits you’ll need to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Dual Enrollment Option: Accelerated Master’s Program in Accounting

Qualified accounting students can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees through a single 144-credit pathway. The program helps students prepare for accounting careers while completing additional graduate-level coursework that may count toward CPA education requirements and other professional credentials. Requirements vary by state and credential.

Don’t take our word for it

Empowering futures-just ask our students

Trustpilot

Career Outlook for Accounting

This Career Outlook combines extensive labor market data to help you evaluate the careers that match your strengths and interests, and where those careers are thriving. Please explore the national and state data, as you compare the careers related to this program.

Filter Jobs by State

Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area.

You are currently viewing employment projections for: United States (National)

Accountants and Auditors
Median Salary$81,794
5-Yr Growth4.0%

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

Employment Projection - National

From 2026 to 2031, Accountants and Auditors are expected to grow by 4.0% at the national level.

Earnings Potential

Entry Level
10%
$50,932
25%
$63,495
Mid Level
50%
$81,794
75%
$111,060
Senior Level
90%
$153,408

Annual Job Openings

130,473

5-Year Growth

4.0%

Top Specialized Skills

AccountingAuditingFinancial StatementsFinanceGenerally Accepted Accounting PrinciplesGeneral LedgerInternal ControlsMonth-End ClosingAccounts PayableAccounts Receivable

Top Common & Soft Skills

CommunicationDetail OrientedManagementMicrosoft ExcelOperationsProblem SolvingLeadershipBudgetingMicrosoft OfficeOrganizational Skills
06/30/2026 12:16 PM | 06/30/2026 12:16 PM
Brokerage Clerks
Median Salary$62,893
5-Yr Growth-1.6%

Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.

Employment Projection - National

From 2026 to 2031, Brokerage Clerks are expected to shrink by 1.6% at the national level.

Earnings Potential

Entry Level
10%
$47,655
25%
$53,805
Mid Level
50%
$62,893
75%
$77,394
Senior Level
90%
$91,742

Annual Job Openings

5,473

5-Year Growth

-1.6%

Top Specialized Skills

BrokerageMarketingFinancial ServicesInvestmentsFinanceReal EstateAdministrative SupportSecurities (Finance)Regulatory ComplianceFinancial Industry Regulatory Authorities

Top Common & Soft Skills

CommunicationDetail OrientedMicrosoft ExcelManagementCustomer ServiceOperationsSalesMicrosoft OfficeResearchMicrosoft PowerPoint
06/30/2026 12:16 PM | 06/30/2026 12:16 PM
Budget Analysts
Median Salary$87,922
5-Yr Growth2.7%

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

Employment Projection - National

From 2026 to 2031, Budget Analysts are expected to grow by 2.7% at the national level.

Earnings Potential

Entry Level
10%
$60,507
25%
$72,238
Mid Level
50%
$87,922
75%
$110,386
Senior Level
90%
$134,638

Annual Job Openings

3,574

5-Year Growth

2.7%

Top Specialized Skills

FinanceAccountingBudget AnalysisFinancial AnalysisFinancial StatementsFinancial ManagementAuditingFinancial DataFinancial SystemsData Analysis

Top Common & Soft Skills

BudgetingManagementCommunicationPlanningOperationsForecastingMicrosoft ExcelResearchLeadershipDetail Oriented
06/30/2026 12:16 PM | 06/30/2026 12:16 PM
Credit Analysts
Median Salary$80,974
5-Yr Growth-0.3%

Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.

Employment Projection - National

From 2026 to 2031, Credit Analysts are expected to shrink by 0.3% at the national level.

Earnings Potential

Entry Level
10%
$52,936
25%
$63,856
Mid Level
50%
$80,974
75%
$113,859
Senior Level
90%
$168,834

Annual Job Openings

4,789

5-Year Growth

-0.3%

Top Specialized Skills

FinanceLoansAccountingUnderwritingFinancial StatementsCredit RiskCredit AnalysisFinancial AnalysisPortfolio ManagementCollections

Top Common & Soft Skills

CommunicationManagementCustomer ServiceLeadershipSalesDetail OrientedOperationsMicrosoft ExcelProblem SolvingMicrosoft Office
06/30/2026 12:16 PM | 06/30/2026 12:16 PM
Financial and Investment Analysts
Median Salary$100,931
5-Yr Growth4.9%

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

Employment Projection - National

From 2026 to 2031, Financial and Investment Analysts are expected to grow by 4.9% at the national level.

Earnings Potential

Entry Level
10%
$60,818
25%
$77,119
Mid Level
50%
$100,931
75%
$135,451
Senior Level
90%
$187,325

Annual Job Openings

26,382

5-Year Growth

4.9%

Top Specialized Skills

FinanceAccountingFinancial AnalysisFinancial StatementsFinancial ModelingEconomicsData AnalysisAuditingMarketingProcess Improvement

Top Common & Soft Skills

CommunicationLeadershipManagementOperationsMicrosoft ExcelForecastingDetail OrientedProblem SolvingSalesBudgeting
06/30/2026 12:16 PM | 06/30/2026 12:16 PM
Data Source: Industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth data are supplied by Lightcast. Economic and workforce information adjusts based on the selected geographic region and may include estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is not available. Colorado State University Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Program Accreditations and Rankings

ACBSP Accredited Program

Your Bachelor's in Accounting from CSU Global is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

IMA Program Endorsed Badge

CSU Global’s accounting program has earned endorsement by IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), one of the most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.

U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs - Bachelor's 2026

Top 20 Best Online Bachelor's Programs

U.S. News & World Report ranks CSU Global among the Top 20 Online Bachelor's Programs for 2026.

#2

Great Business Schools

ranked CSU Global's Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree #2, showcasing its superior curriculum and success in preparing students for the accounting profession.

CMA vs. CPA: What’s the difference?

CMA | Certified Management Accountant

A professional certification for accountants working in areas such as financial analysis, budgeting, cost accounting, and business decision-making.

What this degree provides: The B.S. in Accounting satisfies the CMA bachelor’s degree requirement and prepares you to sit for the CMA exam. Additional experience and other certification requirements apply.

CPA | Certified Public Accountant

A state-issued license for accountants who meet specific education, examination, and professional experience requirements.

What this degree provides: The 120-credit B.S. in Accounting provides accounting coursework and a bachelor’s degree that can put you on the path toward CPA eligibility. Each state has different requirements, so you might need extra credits, graduate study, and work experience before you can get licensed.

Ready to learn more about how to move forward with CSU Global? Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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By submitting this form, I consent to receive calls, texts, and emails from CSU Global and its authorized partners about educational opportunities. My information will only be maintained by CSU Global and not shared with unaffiliated third parties. Consent is not required for enrollment, and I can opt out at any time.

About the Accounting Program

Accounting Careers and Skills

Earning Your Accounting Degree Online

More About Accounting Degrees

Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) means your degree comes from a top-quality, trusted university.

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