Study Accounting in Arizona

Arizona offers the advantage of a robust higher education system with an extensive system of community colleges and four-year universities alike. But Arizona also has another ace up its sleeve for your education – plentiful online learning options in accounting.

Whether you want to get a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, study at a public university or a private one, you can find the accounting degree for you in Arizona. In fact, Arizona is home to some of the most widely recognized online universities, including Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University. Read on to learn more about popular online accounting programs available from these and other schools!

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

Online Accounting Degrees in Arizona

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

  • Arizona State University
  • University of Arizona
  • Grand Canyon University
  • Arizona State University
  • University of Massachusetts Global
  • University of Phoenix
  • University of Arizona Global Campus
  • Capella University
  • Southern New Hampshire University

Arizona State University

Online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Arizona State’s online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy is a 120-credit program offered by the world-renown W.P. Carey School of Business. During your time in the program, you’ll learn from faculty members with real-world accounting experience in all parts of the globe.

Furthermore, this program offers the ultimate flexibility to help you earn your degree. On the one hand, courses are just 7.5 weeks long, which allows you to take fewer classes at a time yet still complete the program in four years. On the other hand, the program offers multiple start dates throughout the year, which means you can enroll and begin your studies at virtually any time.

The curriculum includes a broad range of studies in accounting, business, and other related areas. You’ll take essential courses like Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Business Statistics. You’ll supplement these courses with higher-division classes such as:

  • External Reporting
  • Fundamentals of Finance
  • Data Analytics in Accounting
  • Business Law and Ethics for Managers
  • Global Supply Operations

This degree also focuses on niche applications of accounting. A good example of this is your choice of a course in Principles of Auditing or Taxes and Business Decisions. The auditing course explores standard procedures in auditing, including how to plan an audit, gather evidence, and report on your findings. Meanwhile, the tax course examines federal taxes for different types of businesses and individuals. In particular, you’ll learn how taxes can be used to make investment decisions.

This program further requires you to complete an upper-level elective and an international business course. Doing so gives you a broader understanding of how accounting applications can be used in domestic and international business settings. Likewise, the elective component enables you to gain skills in an area of accounting that interests you. Available electives (of which you must take two) include the following:

  • Internal Reporting
  • Taxes and Business Decisions
  • Principles of Auditing
  • Ethics for Professional Accountants
  • ESG Reporting
  • Business Database Systems Development

You can opt to complete an internship rather than an elective course. Doing so gives you hands-on experience in accounting that can prove highly beneficial as you start your career.

Additionally, you’re required to complete a capstone course in business. Specifically, you’ll learn how businesses and organizations create value through producing goods and services that customers want or need. You’ll learn how to analyze markets to make product and service decisions, how to manage relationships with key stakeholders, and how to conduct yourself in an ethical manner.

This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). As such, the curriculum is aligned with industry standards and emphasizes the development of key hard and soft skills required to practice competently in the accounting field. The knowledge and skills you gain in this program prepare you to sit for two different certification exams: Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.

It takes about 30 minutes to complete the process. Be sure you meet the following requirements before applying as a first-year student:

  • Graduate high school or complete the equivalency in which you complete the following Core Competency Requirements:
    • Four years of math
    • Four years of English
    • Three years of lab sciences
    • Two years of social sciences
    • Two years of the same world language
    • One year of fine arts or career and technical courses
  • Meet one of the following:
    • Be in the top 25 percent of your high school class
    • Have a 3.0 GPA or higher in competency courses
    • Score 22 or higher on the ACT or 1120 or higher on the SAT (Arizona residents); 24 or higher on the ACT or 1180 on the SAT (non-residents)

Earning higher ACT or SAT scores, being in the top 8 percent of your graduating class, or having a 3.4 high school GPA or higher can earn you direct admission to the W.P. Carey School of Business.

University of Arizona

Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

The Eller College of Management and the Dhaliwal-Reidy School of Accountancy at the University of Arizona offer a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that’s AACSB accredited. At 120 credits, it’s a typical four-year program but with the benefits of flexible online learning.

The first two years of the program are primarily spent completing general education requirements. These courses, like First Year Composition, Calculus, a foreign language, and Biology, examine topics far and wide. Likewise, you’re required to take courses in communications, social sciences, and the arts and humanities, to name a few.

You’ll also begin taking accounting courses during the first two years you’re enrolled. You’ll start with the basics, like Introduction to Financial Accounting and Introduction to Managerial Accounting, then move on to related introductory business topics such as:

  • Statistical Inference in Management
  • Basic Economic Issues
  • Career Management in Business
  • Fundamentals of Business Education
  • Analytical Methods for Business

As a result of these and other lower-division courses, you’ll be able to move to the third and fourth years of the program with a broad understanding of business topics. What’s more, you’ll have the foundational skills needed to take advanced accounting classes.

The program’s third year focuses heavily on accounting. You’ll take Intermediate Financial Accounting, Information and Quality Assurance, and Accounting Information Systems. Your education in business and related topics continues as well. For example, you’re required to take courses in Marketing, Organizational Behavior, and Management.

You’re required to take accounting-adjacent courses to better understand how accounting practices and principles can be applied in all areas of business. For example, the combination of accounting and organizational behavior concepts fosters an ability to use accounting data as a tool for improved management of an organization.

During your fourth year of studies, you’ll take more specific courses in accounting, economics, management, and related areas. This includes classes such as:

  • Principles of Federal Taxation
  • Macroeconomic and Global Institutions Policy
  • Analysis of Financial Statements
  • Cost and Managerial Accounting
  • Microeconomic Analysis for Business Decisions

You’ll also complete an ethics course that highlights best practices in accounting, professional issues, and standards of ethical behavior.

A final required course is a capstone experience. This course is completed during the final semester and focuses specifically on financial statement analysis.

As a result of your studies, you’ll emerge from this program with the technical knowledge required of entry-level accountants. Beyond the hard skills you gain, you’ll also have a robust set of soft skills necessary for success in business. These skills include, but are not limited to, critical thinking, effective written and verbal communication, teamwork, and competency using technology.

When applying as a first-year student, you must self-report your high school courses and grades (including completion of the Core Competency Requirements discussed earlier). You’re required to provide an official high school transcript or the equivalent at a later time.

If applying as a transfer student, you must have at least 12 college credits with a 2.0 GPA or higher to apply. You also need to submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.

Grand Canyon University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

The Colangelo College of Business at Grand Canyon University offers a Master of Science in Accounting degree that’s the ideal complement to your existing undergraduate degree in accounting. This program is 34 credits, which you can complete in just one year of full-time studies.

As an online master’s program, you’ll benefit from enhanced flexibility to complete your classes. You’ll do so within Grand Canyon’s state-of-the-art online campus, which utilizes interactive tools to help you collaborate and connect with your classmates and professors. For example, your courses include discussion forums where you can chat individually with your professors and work on projects with your classmates.

Grand Canyon offers a host of support resources, tools, and services to enhance your online learning experience. You can access online tutoring, electronic books, and round-the-clock technical support. Student services counselors are also available online to help guide your studies throughout the program.

As mentioned earlier, this program requires you to complete 34 credits to graduate. Most of the classes you’ll take are eight weeks long, or about half as long as traditional courses. Broadly speaking, you’ll learn essential accounting skills, including those relevant for auditing, financial research, managerial accounting, and compliance, to name a few.

The curriculum begins with an Introduction to Graduate Studies in the College of Business course. The purpose of this class is to prepare you for graduate-level learning. After that, each course focuses on different areas of accounting. For example, you’ll take Accounting Research, Advanced Data Analytics, and an Accounting and Data Analytics Core that explore how to conduct research, analyze accounting data, and report on your findings.

Other core coursework includes the following:

  • Advanced Accounting
  • Tax Core
  • Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
  • Advanced Managerial and Cost Accounting

A three-part capstone class is also required. As is common for capstone experiences, you’ll complete this course toward the end of the program. In this case, the capstone reviews common concepts in accounting, particularly those that will appear on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam Business Analytics and Reporting discipline.

The capstone review takes two forms. First, you’ll complete exam questions similar to those on the CPA exam. Secondly, you’ll participate in simulations of essential accounting tasks and procedures to codify the skills you’ve learned and help you understand how to apply those skills in accounting situations based on real-world conditions.

With this built-in exam prep, you’ll be ready to sit for the CPA exam while you’re still a student at GCU. This can be helpful in a variety of ways, not the least of which is that the accounting knowledge you’ll be tested on is fresh in your mind. Likewise, if you pass the test, you’ll have the credentials needed to pursue a career as a CPA right out of college.

You can apply to Grand Canyon university’s graduate school at any time. Unlike many institutions, there is no application fee. Moreover, Grand Canyon commits to evaluating your transcripts within 24 hours and providing you with a custom plan of study and graduation plan. To apply, you must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have a 2.8 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher
  • Submit transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended

Arizona State University

Online Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics

In addition to the undergraduate degree described earlier, Arizona State offers a Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics program that you can complete in just nine months. This STEM-designated program is one of a few such programs in the U.S. The focus on accounting and data analytics allows you to develop a unique set of skills for a wide range of careers.

To start this degree immediately, you must have already graduated from an undergraduate accounting program. If not, you’re required to complete four foundational accounting courses in ASU’s Pathway Program to catch up on the basics of accounting prior to beginning the high-level graduate studies in this program. Alternatively, you can complete a three-course MACC/MTax Bootcamp to satisfy the foundational requirements.

Once in the program, you’ll explore a range of accounting and data analytics topics. For example, you’ll take an Accounting Analytics course that examines the role of analytics in the accounting profession. You’ll learn about descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, and learn how to apply them in areas like forensics, strategic planning, auditing, and risk management.

Another sample course is Internal Controls and Audit Prevention and Detection. This class explores fraud, including what it is, how it’s committed, what you can do to detect it, and how to resolve fraud cases. You’ll also learn about the control frameworks for audits as well as the GAAS protocols for financial statement audits.

This program includes a Professional Accounting Research course that explores how to apply FASB and IASB regulations in financial reporting. Likewise, this class helps enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills through a variety of exercises, like case studies and presentations.

Other required coursework includes Advanced Auditing, Innovations With Auditing Technology, and Shareholder Value Creation and Financial Statement Analysis. Likewise, you’ll complete three Professional Responsibilities courses focusing on a broad scope of topics, including:

  • CPA Review
  • Ethical considerations for accountants
  • Study tips for the CPA exam
  • Testing strategies

This class is a crucial part of your ability to pass the CPA exam. Like other master’s-level programs, this one allows you to take the CPA exam while you’re still in school.

One of the unique features of this program is its esteemed faculty. Not only will you take classes from experienced accounting professors, but you’ll also have opportunities to learn from professionals in the field. This includes lecturers who formerly worked for one of the Big Four accounting agencies.

Another interesting feature is that this program has a very high job placement rate. In fact, 93 percent of graduates are employed within three months of completing the program. This success rate is due in large part to the individualized support and career resources provided to you throughout your time in the program.

You’ll need the following to apply:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended
  • A current resume
  • An admission essay that explains who you are, your background, and your goals.
  • Names of references and their contact information

GMAT or GRE scores can also be submitted, but doing so is not required.

University of Massachusetts Global

Online Bachelor of Business Administration

The online Bachelor of Business Administration offered by the University of Massachusetts Global, with a major in accounting, prepares you for careers in various accounting fields such as tax preparation, payroll services, and bookkeeping. It also provides a foundation for careers in insurance, real estate, retail, manufacturing, and more.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics in accounting, business, and related fields. You are required to complete general education courses, totaling 42 credits, which include writing, quantitative reasoning, communications, and humanities.

These general courses equip you with skills applicable to your accounting career and daily life. For instance, courses in Public Speaking and Oral Communications help you communicate clearly, listen actively, and interact confidently. Similarly, the three-course social sciences requirement broadens your understanding of the world and how you can contribute to it with the skills gained from this program.

Additionally, 42 core credits are required for this degree. Foundational courses such as Principles of Accounting I and II, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics provide essential business knowledge. Introductory courses like Computers and Data Processing and Introduction to Statistics further prepare you for success in the business field.

Upper-division core coursework delves into marketing, management, finance, and other areas. You’ll take courses such as:

  • Business Finance
  • Legal Environment of Business
  • Operations Management
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Strategic Management

You’ll enhance your education with 12 credits of accounting coursework, comprising four classes. Two required classes are Intermediate Accounting I and II, covering topics like financial statement analysis, accounts receivable, and income tax issues. You’ll choose two accounting electives from the following options:

  • Cost Analysis and Budgeting
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Advanced Accounting
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Income Taxation
  • Auditing

You can complete this degree through one of two options. The first option is 8-week accelerated courses, allowing you to take fewer classes at a time and still finish the program in four years of full-time study. The second option is self-paced learning, which fits your coursework around your work and life schedule on a part-time basis.

You can start your application to UMass Global at any time, year-round. Application requirements for first-year students with 11 or fewer college credits include:

  • Providing your high school diploma or GED certificate.
  • Submitting official high school transcripts.
  • Submitting official transcripts from every college or university you have attended.

If you are transferring with 12 or more college credits, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. 

How Do I Become an Accountant in Arizona?

Education Requirements

To sit for the CPA exam in Arizona, you must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 120 semester hours of coursework. However, to qualify for CPA licensure, you need at least 150 semester hours.

Your degree must include at least 24 accounting credits or similar relevant coursework, with at least 12 hours from upper-level accounting courses. Additionally, you must complete at least 18 credits in related areas such as statistics, business administration, law, economics, finance, management, marketing, computer science, data processing, information systems, advanced communications, or ethics.

You have several options for earning 30 additional credits, including graduate courses, certificate programs, and master’s accounting programs.

Arizona CPA Experience Requirements

You need 2,000 hours of work experience to qualify for a CPA license. This experience can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, including internships and volunteer work. It must involve direct work with professional accounting practices, applying detailed knowledge of financial information and accounting principles.

Qualifying tasks include preparing balance sheets, cash flow statements, income statements, tax returns, and communicating financial analyses.

CPA Exam Requirements

To qualify for the CPA exam in Arizona, you must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 120 college credits, including a bachelor’s degree
  • At least 24 credits in accounting coursework, including 12 upper-level hours
  • At least 18 credits in business or related subjects

You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have a Social Security number. Additionally, you must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam within two years of your CPA application.

Applying for and Scheduling the Exam

You can apply for the Uniform CPA Examination through the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. During the application phase, state officials verify that you meet exam requirements. Institutions submit transcripts on your behalf through the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Transcript Request Form.

After confirming eligibility, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) to choose your exam date, time, and location. Initial applicants pay a $100 fee, while re-examination applicants pay $50. Each section of the exam costs $238.15. You have 18 months from the date you pass your first section to pass the remaining parts.

After Passing the Exam

To obtain CPA licensure in Arizona, you must:

  • Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination
  • Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam
  • Complete at least 150 credits of college coursework, including at least 36 credits in accounting and 30 hours of upper-level accounting coursework
  • Complete at least 2,000 hours of qualifying professional experience

Initial licensure applications cost $100. The Arizona State Board of Accountancy will notify you about the status of your application within 30 days of receiving it. Incomplete applications must be corrected within 30 days.

Retaining CPA Licensure in Arizona

In Arizona, CPA licenses are renewed every two years during your birth month. If you fail to renew on time, your license is immediately suspended and will expire if not renewed within three months. You must complete at least 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each biennial period, including:

  • At least 40 hours in accounting, auditing, business law, consulting services, or taxation
  • At least 16 hours specifically in accounting, auditing, or taxation
  • At least 16 hours of classroom-based or synchronous online learning
  • Four hours of ethics training, including one hour of AICPA code of conduct standards and one hour of Arizona State Board of Accountancy rules and standards.

How Much Does a CPA Make in Arizona?

The average salary for an accountant in Arizona varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and specific roles within the field. As of June 2024, the average salary for a CPA in Arizona is $156,474 per year. More experienced CPAs in Arizona earn well over $250,000 per year.

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