Online Accounting (BS)

Program Availability

The online accounting program is open to eligible students in the U.S. (including the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories). The program also is open to students in Canada (all provinces). The program is closed to students residing in countries other than the U.S. and Canada except for U.S. military and State Department personnel and their family members with APO/FPO addresses.

Note: To be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, Indiana residents must complete the accounting major plus an additional 30 credits, also offered online at Indiana State University. Coursework in the forensic accounting minor, finance minor, and insurance and risk management minor can be used to partially satisfy this requirement. Each student works with an academic advisor to build a program of study based on the student's professional goals. Out-of-state students should contact their state board of accountancy to verify requirements. Students also may contact the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy to determine their state’s requirements. Out-of-state students must read this Licensure or Certification Information.

Why Earn an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at Indiana State?

As an online accounting major at Indiana State University, you will understand why accountants are critical to the success of all businesses. You will study for a variety of accounting-related certifications, including the certified public accountant (CPA), certified management accountant (CMA), chartered global management accountant (CGMA), certified fraud examiner (CFE), or a certified financial planner (CFP). By completing the program, you will enhance your understanding of accounting principles and theories related to all areas of accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial and management accounting. The program can be completed in four years (full-time) of online study, but students also have the option of part-time study.

Understand the Language of Business

In the online accounting program, your education will focus on the “language of business.” This includes an emphasis on fiscal reporting, taxes, and audits. By completing elective courses in Indiana State’s Foundational Studies Program, you will develop a strong knowledge in critical thinking, leadership, and interpersonal and communication skills.

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

Many professors in the Scott College of Business are practicing CPAs or have worked as CPAs earlier in their careers. They incorporate their professional experience into class discussions and projects.

Our small online class sizes ensure instructors can provide personalized feedback and one-on-one mentorship throughout the program.

What You'll Learn in the Online Accounting Program

The online BS in accounting includes 120 credits consisting of a course of accounting and business courses, including the principles of accounting, business statistics, business finance, macroeconomics, microeconomics, financial accounting, cost accounting, accounting systems, data analytics in accounting, federal income taxation, auditing theory and practice, and other courses.

Online students also complete Indiana State’s Foundational Studies Program and other elective courses. This program prepares students to successfully pass the Certified Public Accountant Examination.

Online students may also earn a minor in areas such as forensic accounting, finance, and insurance and risk management. You should consult with your academic advisor to plan a program of study.

The online accounting program concludes with a senior business experience – a capstone course in the Scott College of Business. In this experience, students select and apply a theory in accounting to demonstrate their skills in the functional areas of business.

View required courses.

Transfer Credit

Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States. Credit also may be granted for military training and experience. Previously earned college credit can be applied toward completion of the program per [Indiana State's transfer guidelines].

Career Possibilities for Online Accounting Majors

Graduates from the online Accounting BS program are prepared for careers as CPAs or for other careers in accounting. These careers are available in all sectors from business and industry to government or nonprofit organizations. Many graduates serve as auditors, budget officers, controllers, cost accountants, systems analysts, and tax accountants. Others work for governmental agencies, including the FBI, the IRS, and state departments of revenue and auditing agencies.

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, all programs in the Scott College of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). https://www.aacsb.edu/.