91ÖÆƬ³§

Getting an accounting degree is a smart career move. The accounting field boasts high salaries, job security, and career growth. But what is the time commitment needed to earn an accounting degree? It usually takes four years to earn an accounting degree at a traditional, in-person college or university. However, there are alternative routes that would allow you to complete your degree even faster.Ìý

91ÖÆƬ³§ offers a competency-based curriculum that allows students to move on from a course once they demonstrate mastery by passing assessments. That means if you’re a particularly ambitious student who can dedicate extra time to your studies, you can potentially earn your bachelor’s degree in under four years and your master’s in under two years. WGU’s programs are designed to empower students with the knowledge to make a real difference in organizations of all types.

Online vs. In-Person Accounting Degrees

There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether you want to attend an in-person or online college to earn your accounting degree.

91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s Bachelor’s and Master’s in AccountingÌý

91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration–Accounting degree is an excellent first step to becoming an accountant and preparing for the CPA exam. This program helps students stand out from the competition with their knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), ledgers, journal entries, and more. Due to the competency-based curriculum, 70% of WGU students finish their bachelor’s degree within 41 months (under four years).

91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s online Master of Science in Accounting degree will prepare students with the specialized skills and professional credentials to make a big difference in their careers. 70% of WGU students finish their master’s in 23 months (under two years). The pace you take entirely depends on how much time you are able to invest into the coursework.Ìý

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

The time it takes to become an accountant depends on the individual, but generally it takes between two and four years to complete a bachelor’s program and opting for a master’s degree adds additional time on top of that. In addition to earning an accounting degree, you must pass the CPA exam in your state. As a rule of thumb, you should sit for the CPA exam as soon as you can following graduation. Most states require 150 credit hours along with 1-2 years of relevant work experience to sit for the CPA exam.

Here is the step-by-step process for becoming an accountant:

H3: Step 1: Get your high school diploma or GED

To enroll in a bachelor’s accounting degree program, you must possess a diploma or a GED.

Step 2: Get a bachelor’s degree in accounting

This is the minimum requirement to hold most entry-level accounting positions. In your degree program, you’ll learn accounting fundamentals and get an idea of what area of accounting you may want to work in.

Step 3: Choose an accounting specialty

During your schooling or shortly thereafter you should form an idea of what area of accounting most interests you. Some options include:Ìý

• Financial accounting
• Cost accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Tax accounting
• Auditing
• Project accounting
• Fiduciary accounting
• Fund accounting
• Forensic accounting
• Political campaign accounting
• Government accounting
• International accounting

Step 4: Get a master’s degree (optional)

Accounting is a growing and competitive field, so professionals who want to advance their career should pursue a master’s degree to deepen their knowledge of the profession. WGU’s Master of Science in Accounting prepares students with everything they need to know to stand out against others in their field. Most states require 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam; an accelerated master’s is one common way to reach that total.

Step 5: Pass the CPA exam in your state

A certified public accountant (CPA) refers to the certification that designates qualified professional accountants. It’s possible to work as an accountant without holding a CPA certification, but you would be at a huge disadvantage in your job search if you choose to forgo it. CPAs are more skilled than accountants without a CPA and are therefore more valuable to employers and eligible to earn higher salaries.Ìý

Step 6: Seek advanced certifications

While all accountants should start their career by earning their CPA, those who want to enhance their professional ranking can seek other certifications.

Accounting Degree Requirements

91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s bachelor’s in accounting requires students to complete nine accounting-specific courses in addition to business core, business management, general education, human resources, and IT fundamentals classes.Ìý

Beyond the Degree: Professional Certifications (CPA and More)

Earning your accounting degree is a major milestone, but for most career paths in this field, your education journey doesn’t stop there. Professional certifications show employers you’ve gone the extra mile, and in many roles, they’re not optional.Ìý

CPA Exam Requirements and Timeline

The CPA is the gold standard in the profession. Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the exam covers four sections: auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and a discipline section of your choice.Ìý

To sit for the exam, most states require you to meet specific education requirements — typically 150 credit hours—along with one to two years of work experience under a licensed CPA before receiving full licensure. Here’s roughly how the CPA licensure timeline looks after graduation:

• Pass the exam: Most candidates complete all four sections within 12–18 months. WGU students who begin exam prep during their program may be able to compress this window.
• Complete work experience: Most states require one to two years of relevant experience before granting licensure.
• Apply for your license: Once you’ve satisfied the education requirements, passed all four sections, and fulfilled the experience component, you apply through your state board.

Because rules vary by state, it’s smart to check your state’s specific requirements early in your degree program.

Other Accounting Certifications to Consider

The CPA isn’t the only credential worth building toward. Depending on the direction your career takes, these certifications can be worthwhile:

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): A strong fit for corporate finance and strategic decision-making roles.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Well-regarded in investment management and financial analysis.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): The standard credential for auditing professionals.
• Enrolled Agent (EA): Ideal for those focused on tax who want to represent clients before the IRS.

Each credential has its own education requirements and experience components. WGU’s accounting program is designed to give you the academic foundation for whichever path you choose.

Gaining Practical Experience as an Accountant

Most CPA licensure pathways require documented work experience, and the earlier you start building it, the smoother your path to becoming licensed.

Here are some of the best ways to gain experience while you’re still in your accounting program or shortly after:

• Internships: Many firms offer internships for accounting students that count toward CPA experience hours in most states—and sometimes turn into full-time offers.
• Entry-level roles: Positions like staff accountant, accounts payable/receivable clerk, or junior auditor all provide the hands-on exposure needed to qualify.
• Volunteer tax preparation: The IRS’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program lets you put real skills to work while helping people in your community—and it looks great on a résumé.

91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s flexible degree program makes it possible to balance coursework alongside part-time work or an internship. Many WGU students are already working in the field while finishing their degree, which means they often reach their CPA experience requirement before graduation day even arrives.Ìý

Accounting Careers

There are many different careers you can pursue as a certified public accountant. Here’s an overview of some common roles.

Public Accountant

Public accountants help people and businesses with a variety of common financial tasks. Some of their main responsibilities include:

• Filing income taxes.
• Reviewing and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Staying up to date and compliant with fiscal regulations.
• Generating financial statements.
• Giving accounting and financial advice.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a wide salary range for public accountants, with a of $83,680 per year, as of May 2025.Ìý

Corporate Accountant

Corporate accountants track the income and expenditure of a corporate business’s financial accounts. They are responsible for:

• Monitoring and preparing financial records.
• Ensuring financial documentation is clear and up to date.
• Creating strategic financial plans.
• Making recommendations to increase the financial wellness of the business.
• Giving presentations on monthly and annual financial performance.

Glassdoor reports the median earnings of is $101,000 (including salary and bonuses) a year.

Internal Auditor

Internal auditors are responsible for independently and objectively evaluating a company’s financial operations. Their job duties include:

• Objectively assessing IT and business practices.
• Calculating risk in risk management efforts.
• Ensuring compliance with laws and statutes.
• Making recommendations for better internal control.
• Identifying gaps in company processes.
• Investigating fraud.

Internal auditors make a median annual salary of $110,000, according to recent data from .

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are in charge of tracking a business’s financial performance against predetermined plans and goals. Some of their duties include:

• Forecasting future revenues and expenditures.
• Analyzing current and past financial data.
• Creating reports on expenditures and revenues.
• Establishing plans to increase company profits.
• Identifying financial trends in the marketplace.

Financial analysts make an average of $70,852 per year, according to , as of July 2026.

These careers are just the tip of the iceberg. Accounting graduates can take many different paths with a bachelor’s or master’s in accounting, including administrative, auditing, and high-level roles.

What’s the Benefit of Earning an Accounting Degree?

There are numerous benefits to earning an accounting degree from WGU, such as:

• Accountants are in high demand in the job market, and that demand is expected to grow. The 5% growth among accountants and auditors, which is equal to almost 115,300 new jobs, from 2025 to 2035.
• The accounting degree from WGU is supportive and personalized, offering a flexible way to earn a degree online without losing customized, one-on-one attention.
• 91ÖÆƬ³§ measures learning, not hours, making our competency-based program tailored to your unique needs. That way, you can finish your degree quickly and efficiently.
• As a graduate of our university, you’ll have continued access to career support, networking, professional development, and more through apps, groups, and events.

Learn more and apply for WGU’s accredited bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in accounting.