Associate Degree

Accounting
Online Associate Degree Program

CLASSES START
May 6th

20 Mo.

Program Length

Credits

Online

Format

$515

Cost Per Credit

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Information

Associate Degree

Accounting
Online Associate Degree Program

Gain a career-focused college education

Accreditation	IACBE accredited,¹ Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer credit	Up to 48 approved credits
Certification	Prepare for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam from the American Payroll Association (APA)
Pathways	Degree pathways to continue advancing your career (BS in Accounting, MBA in Accounting & Finance)
QuickPaths	Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Accounting

Overview: Associate of Science in Accounting

The Associate of Science/Applied Science in Accounting is a 65-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a wide variety of potential career pathways in accounting.

The online associate degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in payroll accounting, microeconomics, taxation, business law, marketing, project management, and much more.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start May 6th

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Curriculum

Associate degree in accounting classes & curriculum details

Our associate degree curriculum combines core accounting classes as part of our diploma in bookkeeping and payroll accounting with additional business courses and general education requirements typical in undergraduate degree programs.

You will build a strong academic foundation in the principles of accounting and develop computer skills such as accounting software, spreadsheets and payroll systems. The curriculum prepares you for entry-level positions in accounting areas including payables, receivables, bookkeeping, payroll and taxation.

All classes are delivered online in a virtual learning environment with a required research project or internship (if allowed in your state).

Program	Monthsⁱ	Credits
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Accounting	20	65

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

Program availability varies by location

Required Business Core Courses

All courses, 36.00 semester credit hours, are required.

AC 107 - Accounting I 3.00

This introductory course in accounting provides the practical application of the principles of financial accounting for service and merchandising businesses. Topics include an introduction to the conceptual framework of accounting using GAAP rules established by FASB, analysis and recording of transactions in the general journal and posting to the general ledger, completion of the accounting cycle by preparing end-of-period adjusting and closing journal entries, financial statements and the post-closing trial balance, an introduction to internal controls, and the calculation of inventory and cost of goods sold using the FIFO, LIFO, and weighted average methods.

AC 110 - Payroll Accounting 3.00

This is a comprehensive payroll accounting course providing a practical application of the concepts and principles of payroll accounting. Payroll law topics include the Fair Labor Standards Act, FUTA and SUTA tax, and FICA, SECA, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Payroll accounting transaction topics include payroll recordkeeping, computing payroll, computing payroll taxes, social security taxes, self-employment, FUTA, and SUTA taxes, completing government forms (941), income tax withholding (employer and employee), and analyzing and journalizing payroll transactions. This course includes a comprehensive hands-on project to reinforce practical application of these concepts. It also provides a tutorial in industry software.

AC 212 - Taxation I 3.00

This course introduces income taxation as it applies to small business and individual taxpayers. Topics include an overview of the political, economic, and social forces influencing federal income taxation and the role of taxation in personal decisions. The course also examines individual income tax topics, including business and investment income, business and personal deductions, property transactions, and tax issues of employees.

AC 216 - Accounting II 3.00

This course in financial accounting provides the practical application of the principles of financial accounting for service and merchandising businesses with an emphasis on partnerships and corporations. Topics include accounting for corporate equity structure, partnership creation, dissolution and compensation, accounting for notes payable and receivable, accounting for uncollectible accounts receivable, accounting for investments in long-term assets, preparation and analysis of the statement of cash flows, and analysis and interpretation of financial statements.

AC 221 - Taxation II 3.00

This course analyzes the federal tax system as applied to entities other than individuals. It examines the tax aspects of formation, reorganization, and liquidation of non-individual tax entities. It also covers advanced business taxation topics such as corporate taxation (including accounting for income taxes), partnership taxation, and multi-jurisdictional taxation. Additional topics include S-corporations, corporations focusing on income inclusions and exclusions, reporting expenses (including depreciation), accounting for inventory, and basic tax planning and research.

AC 335 - Computerized Accounting 3.00

This course provides step-by-step instruction in advanced computerized accounting using industry standard software in both a service based sole proprietorship and a merchandising corporation. The accounting cycle is completed from the creation of the chart of accounts through the closing process. Company reports created serve as the tool for financial analysis of company performance. Topics include creating a company, establishing security roles, banking activities, customers, sales and invoicing, vendors, purchases and payments, inventory maintenance, payroll, and financial analysis.

BU 106 - Introduction to Business 3.00

This course introduces the environment of American business with an overview of various topics that serve as a foundation for further study of business. Topics include the environments in which businesses operate, the organizational structures of businesses, management functions in an enterprise, and the challenges of managing marketing, operations, information technology, finance, and human resources.

BU 204 - The Digital Firm and Business Communications 3.00

This course presents an overview of technology-based issues within a business environment. Topics include the concept of digital firms and ERP systems in the areas of marketing, operations, human resources, manufacturing, finance, social networking, and supply-chain management. Additional areas to be discussed are privacy issues, government regulations, and technology on a global scale.

BU 206 - Business Law I 3.00

This course provides a study of the American legal system and its effect on business and business organizations. Topics include an overview of the ethical issues that businesses encounter, the foundation of the American legal system, business ethics, torts, intellectual property, criminal law, cyber crimes, contracts, and sales and leases.

BU 220 - Principles of Marketing 3.00

This course provides an overview of the principles and applications of marketing in organizations. Topics include the marketing process and strategic planning, the global marketing environment, developing marketing opportunities and strategies, developing the marketing mix through product development, pricing strategies, distribution channels, promotion techniques, managing marketing through customer relationships, social responsibility, and marketing ethics.

BU 345 - Project Management 3.00

This course provides instruction in the principles and concepts of project management. Topics include project management concepts, needs identification techniques, proposed solutions preparation, the project life cycle, the project manager's responsibilities and skills, the composition of an effective project team, types of project organizations, project communication and documentation, project planning, scheduling, and control, resource planning, and cost planning and performance evaluation.

EC 111 - Principles of Microeconomics 3.00

This course provides an overview of economics and the economy from a microeconomics perspective. Topics include economic analysis, factors in the market system, market structure and pricing strategies, the availability of resource markets, supply and demand, and the impact of public policy on markets.

General Education Requirements

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Associate of Science in Accounting program is $515 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

Find scholarships and grants

Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits

Requirements

Associate degree program enrollment requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing Accounting associate degree program include:

Completed high school diploma, GED or equivalent
Meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
Complete an enrollment application

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

Classes Start May 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Info

Careers

What can I do with an associate degree in accounting?

An associate degree program in accounting equips you with the solid accounting background needed to thrive in entry-level roles in bookkeeping and accounting.

Possible jobs you may qualify for with an associate degree include:

Bookkeeper
Accounting Clerk
Accounts Payable Clerk
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Auditing Clerk
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk

How can I advance my career? Complete an associate degree and you can transfer credit into a bachelor’s degree in accounting program with Herzing University. After earning a bachelor's degree you may choose to continue a business and managerial-focused graduate degree path with an MBA in Accounting and Finance.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of accountants and auditors is expected to increase 4% from 2022-2032, higher than the estimate for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.*

Students looking to become an accountant or auditor can best qualify for those types of jobs by advancing their education with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes!

Earning an associate degree in accounting represents your foot in the door in a career path with upward mobility and potential employment opportunities in many types of businesses.

Yes! All of Herzing’s accounting programs can be completed online on your schedule, at your pace.

All acronyms represent different names for associate degrees. AA stands for Associate of Arts, AS stands for Associate of Science, and AAS stands for Associate of Applied Science.

The difference between Herzing’s associate degree options (AS, AAS) is in name only based on state requirements. There is no difference between curriculums – both are built to help you develop career-focused skills in accounting to prepare you for entry-level positions.

While you may not be required to hold a degree to qualify for jobs that include bookkeeping and accounting tasks, employers may prefer earning a degree if you plan to become an accountant and continue advancing your career in accounting and finance. It’s difficult to obtain senior-level roles in accounting without earning an accounting-specific undergraduate degree.

Many states require that you must have a bachelor’s degree plus additional credit hours to sit for the exam to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). State-specific requirements may vary.²

A key difference between a diploma and a degree in accounting is required coursework.

Typically, an accounting diploma takes 6-8 months, while a degree may take two or more years. In a diploma program, you'll take classes specific to the field of accounting with no general education courses.

It's a cost-effective way to get foundational knowledge in a subject and can help you qualify for an entry-level job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earn an average salary of $47,440 per year ($22.81 per hour).*

Pay can vary based on many factors, including the education you’ve earned, experience in the field, specific responsibilities of the job, and state of employment.

After earning an associate degree in accounting, you can typically look for entry-level work as a bookkeeper, accounting assistant, payroll clerk or tax preparer.

With Herzing University you can transfer credit earned from an associate degree into a bachelor’s degree program (up to 90 approved credits). Some students prefer to gain real-world work experience before later continuing on for their bachelor’s degree.

There are many different types of accountants with varying levels of required education. Herzing offers the following undergraduate accounting degree options:

Associate of Science in Accounting/Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
Bachelor of Science in Accounting

We also offer an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting and Finance.

Locations

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Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Degree Programs

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This accounting program provides students with a solid accounting background. The curriculum includes academic core courses, business courses, and education in computer skills related to accounting such as computerized accounting software, spreadsheets, and payroll systems. This program provides career opportunities in accounting areas such as payables, receivables, bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation.

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Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The Business Division at Herzing University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road, Suite 300, Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page.

Download the IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit	$515.00
Base Tuition	$33,475.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (48 x $515.00 )	(-$24,720.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*	$8,755.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee	$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee	$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee	$530.00
Estimated Total Fee*	$1,060.00

Total Credits
Required	Needed
65	17

Estimated Cost ²
Base Cost	Your Cost
$36,125.00	$9,815.00

Accounting
Online Associate Degree Program

Accounting
Online Associate Degree Program

Gain a career-focused college education

Satisfaction rate

Satisfaction rate