Study Accounting in Ohio

Ohio is a large state with a high population and an expansive higher education system. As a prospective accounting student, this works in your favor because so many Ohio colleges and universities offer accounting degrees. A good number of them also offer these degrees online.

As an online student in Ohio, you can pursue your educational and career goals by enrolling in an online bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Though there are many options to choose from, we’ve narrowed the list to some of the popular options that might be the right fit for your future. Check out the list below!

Best Accredited Online Accounting Degrees and Schools in Ohio - Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's

Online Accounting Degrees in Ohio

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online accounting degrees in Ohio:

  • Walsh University
  • Shawnee State University
  • Ohio Christian University
  • Ohio University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • Kent State University
  • Hiram College

Walsh University

Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Walsh University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting prepares you for a future career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Managerial/Corporate Accountant. In fact, the program’s curriculum includes financial and managerial accounting coursework, the combination of which helps you work toward certification as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in Ohio.

This 120-credit program can be completed in four years of full-time study. However, there are ways to finish the degree faster if you choose. On the one hand, Walsh University allows the transfer of up to 88 approved credits, meaning you can get a degree from the university after completing just 32 credits or a year’s worth of classes.

On the other hand, by taking an extra class each fall or spring, you can reduce the time needed to graduate by more than a semester. If you add a few summer classes here and there, you can finish this program in three years.

The options for finishing the program more quickly aren’t the only features that make it a flexible way to earn your degree. There are six intakes per year, which allows you to start the program at a time that works best for you without having to wait several months to start your studies. Of course, the fact that this is a 100-percent online program also helps in the flexibility department!

The curriculum begins with a recommended Global Learning Experience. The purpose of this course is to help you acquire leadership service skills with an international perspective. You’ll participate in service projects around the world and achieve a higher level of understanding of different people, cultures, and customs. You’ll also have opportunities to learn a new language.

You must also complete general education requirements. These courses, which are introductory and broad in nature, expose you to many different academic pursuits. You’ll take classes in natural sciences and math, the arts and humanities, social sciences, and more. For example, you might take courses in the following:

  • Principles of Biology
  • World Literature
  • History of the U.S. Since 1877
  • Moral Philosophy
  • History of Art

In addition to the general education requirements, you will take 48 credits of business core courses. These classes focus primarily on business, economics, and accounting. For example, you’ll take Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting, as well as Operations Management and Principles of Marketing. Likewise, you’re required to take Management Information Systems, Global Microeconomics, and Introduction to Excel, to name a few more.

The final 30 credits focus solely on accounting. These courses are at the 300 and 400 level and are more detailed and in-depth than earlier accounting courses in the curriculum. For example, you’ll take Intermediate Accounting I and II, Federal Tax I and II, and Auditing. Courses in Cost Accounting, Accounting and Data Analytics, and Advanced Accounting I and II are also required.

You can begin the application process online. To do so, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Submit official high school transcripts
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit
  • Provide scores from the ACT, SAT, or CLT

Shawnee State University

Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting at Shawnee State University is another popular online option for accounting studies in Ohio. The program offers the flexibility of online learning for a wide range of students, whether you are a first-time college student, an accounting professional who wants to advance your career, or an adult learner who wants to switch careers from a non-accounting job.

Whatever the case, you can learn from anywhere with an internet connection. You’ll gain skills and competencies in accounting thanks to a faculty with expertise in this field and real-world experience to back up that expertise. As a member of the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Shawnee State’s accounting program is aligned with industry standards as well. That means you’ll graduate with well-rounded skills that can lead to certification as a CPA.

As is typical of undergraduate degrees, you must complete a general education curriculum as part of your studies. In this case, 80 hours of undergraduate studies in general topics are required. For example, you must fulfill credit requirements in areas such as:

  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Communications

To satisfy some of these requirements, you might take courses like College Algebra, Chemistry, Psychology, Philosophy, and Interpersonal Communications. These are just a few possibilities, though. Shawnee State offers dozens of courses that can meet general education requirements.

The remaining 40 credits of coursework focus specifically on business and accounting. For example, the Business Core Courses include studies in Computer Applications, Professional Communications, and Business Statistics. These general business courses are supplemented by more specific classes, such as Management Principles, Macroeconomics, and Management Finance.

This program also has numerous required classes in accounting. This includes common accounting topics like Cost Accounting, Taxation, and Spreadsheet Applications. You must also take Intermediate Accounting I and II as well as a Business Policy and Strategy course that familiarizes you with essential principles of running a business.

You have the opportunity to take a number of accounting electives, too. These electives must be chosen from more than half a dozen options that focus on varying aspects of this field:

  • Advanced Cost Concepts
  • Governmental/Institutional Accounting
  • Systems Accounting
  • Special Problems in Financial Accounting
  • Advanced Accounting
  • Auditing and Professional Ethics
  • Special Topics in Accounting

The final component of this program is a course in Production and Operations Management, which focuses on the day-to-day concerns of running a business. Having a broad understanding of business principles – along with your expertise in accounting – will make you all the more attractive to potential employers.

This program has a unique course format – each course is seven weeks long, and you take one or two courses at a time. This contrasts with a traditional curriculum in which it’s common to take four to six classes for sixteen weeks.

You must meet the following requirements to apply as a first-year student:

  • Submit a completed application.
  • Provide high school transcripts showing you’ve graduated from high school or achieved the equivalent (e.g., a GED).
  • Submit transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.
  • Submit official ACT scores showing you’ve scored 18 or higher on the Reading, English, and Math subtests. You may be required to complete developmental coursework if your ACT scores don’t meet the required threshold.

Ohio Christian University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting

The Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Ohio Christian University is a 120-credit program that blends an accounting education with Christian teachings. This unique perspective allows you to apply essential accounting concepts in typical business and individual situations, such as preparing financial and tax documents.

You’ll also learn how to establish the financial condition of a business or another entity while plotting a course to correct any problems. Additionally, you will understand accounting issues from a Christian perspective.

Each course in this program is five weeks long. This accelerated format allows you to focus on one course at a time and eliminate the stress of taking multiple courses. What’s more, the coursework is extremely flexible. While there are weekly assignment deadlines, there are no set class meeting times. Instead, you’ll interact with your peers and professors in online forum discussions. This format is ideal if you need to work during the day and attend to your coursework at night.

In fact, this program is especially for busy adults. As such, it’s recommended that you already have an associate’s degree. If not, you should have an equivalent number of applicable credits. For example, you should have already completed 36 credits of general education courses and 24 credits of accounting-related courses in an accounting associate’s program. Alternatively, you might have 45 credits of general education courses to apply toward this bachelor’s program.

Whatever the case, you’ll need to complete business major core coursework and accounting-specific coursework as well. Thirty-nine hours of business classes are needed (some of which you might have already taken). These courses, which are common for business and accounting bachelor’s degrees, include studies in the following:

  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Business Ethics
  • Introduction to Management
  • Introduction to Marketing

You’ll also take upper-division classes in Investment Management Strategy, International Business, and Financial Management, to name a few. An Applied Math course is also required, as is a Statistics course.

The accounting coursework is 33 credits and includes introductory classes like Accounting I, Individual Income Taxation, and Accounting Software Applications. Most of the required accounting classes are upper-division, though. For example, you’ll take the following 3000 and 4000-level accounting courses:

  • Accounting II
  • Intermediate Accounting I and II
  • Introductory Auditing
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Business Tax Accounting

One of the final courses you’ll take is an Accounting Capstone. This is a fairly unique class among undergraduate accounting programs. You’ll integrate what you’ve learned in various accounting courses and apply that learning in an examination of real-world accounting cases. The purpose of this course is to help you apply what you’ve learned and gain a better understanding of critical accounting topics as you exit the program in preparation for an accounting career or graduate school.

You can apply to Ohio Christian online at any time. The following requirements must be met before you will be admitted to this program:

  • Earn 30 credits or more from an accredited college or university.
  • Have a 2.5 undergraduate GPA or higher (you might be granted probational admission with a 2.0-2.49 GPA).
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.

Ohio University

Online Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting or another field and want to acquire higher-level skills necessary for career advancement, Ohio University’s Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics might be the program for you.

This 30-credit program is offered by Ohio University’s College of Business and School of Accountancy, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). That being the case, the curriculum is based on real-world accounting applications. In fact, you’ll examine actual accounting cases to help you apply what you learn in class to scenarios you’re likely to encounter as an accountant.

Each course in this program is seven weeks long. Though the obvious focus is on accounting, Ohio University has integrated data analytics applications throughout the curriculum. Not only will you gain hard skills associated with accounting and data analytics, but you’ll also acquire essential soft skills necessary to be an effective accountant: an ability to work as part of a team, effective communication skills, and high-level problem-solving skills among them.

You can choose from three pathways, each of which is designed for students with different backgrounds:

  • The Accounting Pathway is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting.
  • The Business Pathway is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in a non-accounting business major.
  • The Non-Business Pathway is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in a non-accounting and non-business field.

Regardless of your undergraduate background, you must take seven core courses focusing on fundamental accounting principles. For example, you’ll take an Advanced Managerial Decision-Making class that dives deep into the study of management accounting techniques. You’ll also take an Advanced Auditing and Assurance Services course that explores contemporary auditing techniques and concerns, including fraud detection, scope of services issues, and attestation engagements, to name a few.

The remaining five required core courses include the following:

  • Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
  • Accounting Theory and Practice
  • Advanced Tax Planning and Strategy
  • Professional Ethics and Communication

A capstone course – Contemporary Topics in Accounting – is also required. You’ll apply key skills, such as financial accounting and reporting, to examine accounting cases and problems. Furthermore, you’ll be evaluated on your mastery of the material presented throughout the program. In that regard, the capstone is a summative assessment meant to ensure you have mastered the required accounting skills before you graduate.

You must also complete numerous data analytics courses. Ohio University offers nearly a dozen classes to fulfill this nine-credit requirement. The options are quite varied: Prescriptive Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Strategic Use of Analytics are just three options.

Depending on your undergraduate education, you might be required to complete accounting bridge courses and/or general business courses to complete this degree. For example, two business courses are required if you do not have an undergraduate degree in business or accounting: Managerial Finance and Operations Management.

You must meet the following admissions requirements to apply:

  • Pay a $50 application fee.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher.
  • Provide official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
  • Submit a resume.
  • Provide two letters of recommendation.
  • Write and submit a 2-4 page personal statement in which you discuss your career goals and how this program will help you achieve those goals.

Ohio University does not require you to submit GMAT or GRE scores as part of the application process.

How Do I Become an Accountant in Ohio?

To become an accountant in Ohio, follow these steps:

  • Education: Complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Ensure you have 150 semester hours of college education, including 24 hours in accounting courses and 24 hours in business courses.
  • CPA Exam Eligibility: Submit an Evaluation Application to confirm you meet the education requirements for the CPA Exam.
  • Pass the CPA Exam: Apply for and pass all four sections of the CPA Exam within 18 months.
  • Gain Experience: Acquire at least one year of verified accounting experience.
  • Ethics Course: Complete a course in professional standards and responsibilities.
  • Apply for Licensure: Submit your application, including proof of education, experience, and passing exam scores, along with a criminal records check.

Education Requirements

To sit for the CPA Exam, you need to complete 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours) of college education. Although holding a bachelor’s degree is not mandatory at the time of the exam, your education must include:

  • 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of business courses, which can cover subjects such as finance, management, economics, and marketing.
  • 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of accounting courses, which must include financial accounting, cost or managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation.

If you have post-graduate education, 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) of graduate-level accounting courses can replace the 24 hours (36 quarter hours) of undergraduate accounting credit. This substitution is not applicable to business credits, and you must have at least 24 semester hours in business courses.

While you only need 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours) to sit for the CPA Exam, you need 150 semester credits (225 quarter hours) to apply for certification as an Ohio CPA. This includes:

  • 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of accounting courses
  • 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of business courses

You an complete 30 additional credits after the CPA exam by completing a master’s degree in accounting or standalone courses.

Applying for and Scheduling the Exam

Before applying for an exam section, you must first be deemed eligible for the CPA Exam. Your Evaluation Application will assess whether you meet the education requirements necessary to take the CPA Exam.

For CPA licensure, accountants need to take the Uniform CPA Examination offered by the CPA Examination Services (CPAES).

When applying to take the exam, determine how many of the four sections you plan to take at once. Apply only for the sections you are prepared to complete within the next six months.

Next, request that your schools send transcripts listing your required courses. You should expect your Ohio CPA application to be approved or rejected within 2-4 weeks. If you need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form.

After receiving approval to take the exam, you may complete the four required sections individually and in any order. You must pass all four sections (with 75% correct or more) within 18 months to become an Ohio CPA. Exam credit expires after 18 months if you have not passed one or more sections.

If you do not pass one or more sections, you can apply for re-examination by submitting registration and examination fees. However, if you were a college student during your first application, you may not be considered a re-examination candidate.

Experience Requirements

Ohio requires at least one year of experience (2,000 hours) in performing one or more accounting services within a public accounting firm, government agency, business, or academia. This experience must be verified by a CPA or a comparably qualified accountant from another country.

Ethics Requirements

Before obtaining your license, complete a course approved by the Accountancy Board of Ohio in professional standards and responsibilities (PSR) that aligns with the state’s accountancy laws and Board rules.

Residency Requirements

You must have either a permanent Ohio residence or work full-time in the state. Additionally, you must have a Social Security number, though full U.S. citizenship is not required.

After Passing the Exam

Once you pass the exam, you can apply for CPA licensure in Ohio by submitting the following materials to the Accountancy Board of Ohio:

  • Application
  • Criminal records check sent to the Board from an approved vendor
  • A passing grade report from CPAES
  • Proof of 150 college credits, provided by CPAES
  • Record of Experience Form (on the application form)
  • Statement of Verifying CPA (on the application form)
  • A course in professional standards and responsibilities focused on accountancy law and rules in Ohio, taken within the last year

Maintaining Licensure

After receiving approval, complete 40 credits of continuing education in the initial two-year reporting period. This period starts on Jan. 1 of the year you obtain certification and ends on Dec. 31 of the following year. There are no specific credit or course requirements during this initial period.

Throughout your career, you’ll need to complete 120 continuing education credits every three years, with at least 20 credits each year by Dec. 31. Failure to complete continuing education annually will result in a fine of $10 per missing credit.

Do You Need a Master’s to be a CPA in Ohio?

No, you do not need a master’s degree to become a CPA in Ohio. However, you must complete 150 semester hours of college education, which typically exceeds the credits required for a bachelor’s degree. Many candidates choose to pursue a master’s degree to meet this requirement, but it is not mandatory as long as you have the necessary credit hours and coursework.

Related Reading