Associate’s degree in accounting program information

Strong math skills, attention to detail, and an interest in how the financial world works. If this sounds like you, perhaps the your ideal career path is the field of accounting.

The current economic situation, globalization, and a complex business environment have led to an increase in demand for accounting professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for accountants and auditors are projected to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030.

The most common route into the accounting field is to earn a degree. If the cost and time commitment of a bachelor’s is a concern, other options are available. An associate’s in accounting takes just 2 years to complete, and can greatly improve your chances of entering this stable and well-compensated field.

Associate’s in accountancy program basics

An associate’s in accountancy provides a foundation in accounting, math and business principles. It not only demonstrates to employers that you are committed to the field, but also equips graduates with the skills required for many entry-level positions. Better still, it is usually possible to transfer the credits earned on this program to a bachelor’s degree.

What can you do with an associate’s in accountancy?

With an associate’s degree in accounting you can qualify for entry-level roles, like bookkeeper, payroll administrator, or accounting clerk. Starting in these positions and working your way up may involve further education. Typically, progressing up the ranks requires on-the-job training, as well as building on your knowledge with a bachelor’s program in accountancy.

Should you get an associate’s in accounting?

Accountancy may not be the most glamorous of professions, but it is the perfect position for detail-orientated individuals blessed with an investigative nature. If you enjoy solving puzzles, math, and evaluating information, an associate’s in accounting can be an excellent career choice.

Generally speaking, accounting jobs tend to provide a stable source of income. Below is a short-term comparison between the entire bachelor’s degree market and an associate’s in accountancy degree. It is based on earnings 2 years after graduation.

In terms of earnings, the short-term picture is quite positive. The median earnings are in line with the market average. Note that an associate degree qualifies candidates for entry-level positions, and that earnings may go up significantly after the first 2 years, due to further training and qualifications. For comparison, 2 years after graduation a holder of a bachelor’s degree in accountancy can expect to earn $47,520. These numbers may help you to make a decision in terms of what degree level to take.

How to pick an associate’s degree in accountancy

An important factor is whether the program and school is accredited, because this ensures the degree meets national academic standards. Most programs display the accreditation on their website. If you are unsure, you can always ask. Official bodies include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Employers like to know potential staff have graduated from an accredited program, because it ensures they have the necessary skills and training. Choosing an unaccredited associate’s may lead to issues if you decide to transfer to a bachelor’s program.

Another factor to consider is the coursework. Most reputable programs include courses in general education, business, economics and math, as well as accounting.

If your dream is to proceed to a bachelor’s program and then become a Certified Public Account, it is advisable to check how much of the associate program is focused on this track.

Can I get my associate’s in accountancy online?

If you are already working full time, attending daily classes on campus can be a challenge. Fortunately, many institutions offer online or hybrid associate degree programs. Hybrid courses include both face-to-face and online classes.

Choosing an online accounting program is a good alternative if your schedule does not allow you to attend courses on campus regularly. You can study remotely and receive academic support via email, phone, or web portals.

An associate’s in accountancy is offered online, on average, more frequently than the market-wide average.

This is a good degree to get online as classes tend to be theoretical. Once students know the theory they do not need classmates to practice it. Most accounting activities can be completed alone, and this applies to practicing these skills, too. The statistics show that 2 years after the degree, graduates of online programs earn slightly more ($32,547) than those who studied on campus ($29,642).

The cost of an associate’s at a private institution is more than double that of a for-profit, and over 4 times as expensive as a public college. The payback period for private colleges is also high. There is not a huge difference in conferral rates at the different types of institutions. The median conferral rate at public colleges is 11, at private 4, and for-profit 5.

Financial aid and scholarships for accountancy majors

Although an associate’s is less expensive than a 4-year degree, the cost can still be daunting. That’s why it is so important to research available funding options. The most common route to financial aid is completing the FAFSA form on the Federal Student Aid website. They then inform you of the type of federal aid you are eligible for.

There are a number of scholarships available to support your accounting education. Examples include:

• AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award
• AWSCPA Scholarship Award
• NSHSS Foundation Stem Scholarship

As well as external scholarships, be sure to research any scholarships offered by the schools you apply to.

What to expect from an associate’s in accountancy program

An associate’s in accountancy aims to present enough knowledge for graduates to enter the accounting field. Some programs require students to participate in an internship. This can be an extremely useful experience, both to get a better understanding of what working in the accountancy field involves, and to create a network.

What are the admission requirements for an associate’s in accountancy?

Most institutions require a high school diploma and/or a successful General Educational Development (GED) test result with a minimum GPA score of 2.0. Some organizations may ask applicants to prove their math knowledge and writing skills before courses start.

How long does it take to get an associate’s in accountancy?

A typical program takes 2 years (4 semesters), or a total of 60 credit hours. Note that those numbers can vary depending on the chosen institution.

Transferring to a bachelor’s degree

Most institutions offering 4-year bachelor’s degree programs allow candidates to enroll using the number of credit hours earned in their associate’s degree. This means they only need to study for a further 2 years to complete a bachelor’s program. Just be sure the associate’s you choose is accredited and transferrable.

What type of courses are there in an associate’s of accounting?

The majority of programs include foundational courses that cover areas such as financial analysis, record keeping, auditing and taxation practices, and business management skills.
Courses on offer tend to include:

What type of associate degrees are there in accountancy?

There are 3 main types of associate’s degree in accounting. Which you choose is usually determined by what you want the focus of your studies to be and your career goals.

Associate’s of Arts in accountancy (A.A.)

Courses in this program typically center around general studies, with a focus on social sciences and a wider choice of electives. Credits can be transferred to a bachelor’s course.

Associate’s of Sciences in accountancy (A.S.)

This type of program focuses more on mathematics and science, rather than general courses. Credits can be transferred to a bachelor’s course.

Associate’s of Applied Sciences in accountancy (A.A.S.)

This program only includes courses on accounting topics, such as bookkeeping training, or spreadsheet data processing. The course is more vocational, and in most cases you cannot transfer credits earned towards a B.A. in accounting.

What careers can I enter with an associate’s in accountancy?

After earning an associate’s degree, many students proceed to a bachelor’s in accounting because they want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The CPA is the certification employers tend to request most often when they hire accountants. The CPA exam requires 150 credit hours to complete, 90 more than an associate’s degree, and around 30 more than most bachelor’s programs. That’s why a high number of people choose to earn a master’s in accounting, which is widely considered to be the highest level of education in the field.

Associate of accountancy graduates are eligible for numerous entry-level positions. These include, but are not limited to:

Conclusion

An associate’s in accountancy is a great opportunity to dip your toe into the accountancy field. Graduates are eligible for a number of entry-level positions. They can also choose to progress to further degrees, allowing them to step into more advanced accountancy positions, such as auditor, financial analyst, forensic accountant, or certified public accountant.