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Associate Degree

Accounting
Online Associate Degree Program

Calendar

CLASSES START
Jul 8th

20 Mo.

Program Length

65

Credits

Online

Format

$515

Cost Per Credit

Associate Degree

Accounting
Online Associate Degree Program

Gain a career-focused college education

AccreditationIACBE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 48 approved credits
CertificationPrepare for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam from the American Payroll Association (APA)
PathwaysDegree pathways to continue advancing your career (BS in Accounting, Master of Business Administration)
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Online Accounting Associate Degree Student Taking Classes on Laptop

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

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.

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Career-focused curriculum

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

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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.

SVG
Virtual services

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

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Lifelong support

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

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Rolling admissions

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

Classes Start July 8th

Learn More Today

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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).

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Accounting2065

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.

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.

Tuition & Cost

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.

Find my estimate

 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 July 8th

Waived Enrollment Fee
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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earn an average salary of $49,580 per year ($23.84 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.

Locations

Program Finder

Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Degree Programs

Showing 1 program for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

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.

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 2023 / 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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Ready to get started?

Contact us to request more information

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Herzing Tuition Wizard

When do you want to start classes?

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
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$545.00
Estimated Total Fee*$1,090.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
52
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
6517
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$36,200.00$9,845.00
Estimated Savings*
$26,355.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants who attended a college or university that closed within the last 12 months and were attending within 120 days of the school closure date

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a comparable program at Herzing University, submit a copy of an official transcript from the closed school, and complete the Closed School Discharge Disclosure

Who Can Apply

The Crisis Support Grant is an emergency grant for active students experiencing a financial crisis

Requirements

GPA requirements must be met. All applicants must be actively enrolled in a degree-seeking program, have a record of good conduct, and financial standing with the university

Who Can Apply

All Herzing University students are eligible to apply via the formal application process outlined below. Students must apply prior to the start of either semester in their last academic year before graduation. The application period is open during the summer semester.

Requirements

An application including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and examples of community service is required. In addition, the scholarship review committee may review GPA and unmet financial need as part of eligibility criteria.

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need and are unable to cover the cost of attendance with alternative resources in their final academic year

Requirements

Must submit an application and have used all financial resources in the final academic year resulting in a gap in financial resources

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Dean's List and President's list students

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an Associate or Bachelor program, on the Dean's or President's list, and submit an application.

Who Can Apply

Must be a Herzing graduate who has re-enrolled in a higher-level degree and remain enrolled in the desired program

Requirements

Must be enrolled at least half-time for the duration of the program

Who Can Apply

Must be an international student attending HU through an agreement with a school/agency in your home country

Requirements

Must either be attending a resident campus as F-1 student or enrolled in an online modality study through an established school partnership

Who Can Apply

Must be an eligible AmeriCorps Alumni who is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree seeking program

Requirements

Must submit a payment request for an eligible institution through their individual account in 'My AmeriCorps'

Who Can Apply

Yellow ribbon may be given to veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate for Post-911

Requirements

100% CH 33 eligible

Who Can Apply

Honorably discharged veterans, severely injured servicemembers, family members of Active Duty Servicemembers and Severely Injured Servicemembers, active duty servicemembers in graduate-level programs, dependents of deceased servicemembers, public safety and first responder personnel

Requirements

Proof of Veteran (DD-214), Active Duty, or injured status is required. 

Proof of active and current employment as public safety personnel or first responder

Who Can Apply

Active Duty Servicemembers in undergraduate programs and National Guard or Reserves activated or actively training and drilling in preparation for potential activation

Requirements

Proof of active duty status is required

Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program.

Requirements

Proof of active and current employment or association with partner organization

Who Can Apply

The E.C. Styberg Scholarship is awarded to recipients enrolled full-time pursuing their degree as a resident of Racine or Kenosha county.

Requirements

Must be Racine or Kenosha County residents pursuing a degree in business administration and management or other majors related to manufacturing. In addition, applicants must be full-time undergraduates in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need.

Who Can Apply

Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program for the Fall with a Herzing University campus located within Wisconsin.

Requirements

Applicant's background must reflect one or more of the components as determined by the UPS Foundation and CIC's First Opportunity Program: first generation student, low-income, minority; or new American student.

Who Can Apply

The program is designed to provide financial support for women that demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and excellent communication skills and are pursuing a career or have an interest in public service, government, and/or the political process.

Requirements

To be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must be actively enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student in good academic standing and plan to enroll in the Fall. In addition, an applicant must be a female resident of Wisconsin and have a financial need as determined by Herzing University based on eligibility for the Pell Grant.

Who Can Apply

Rath Distinguished Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, merit, and leadership.

Requirements

Must be an actively enrolled student in good standing. If an entering first year student, the scholarship applicants must have graduated among the top 25 percent of their high school class. If a sophomore, junior, or senior, applicants must have demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). In addition, scholarship recipients are to demonstrate strong campus and community leadership. Applicants must be enrolled through the Fall semester. Scholars must be U.S. citizens; Wisconsin residents preferred.


To Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Enrolled and active students

Click here: MyHU Advising Team

Prospective students

Call (866) 508-0748 option 2 or Email fa@herzing.edu

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.