Study Accounting in Pennsylvania

When you think of being an accountant, you likely think of preparing tax documents for individuals and businesses. While these are common tasks for many accountants, they aren’t the only things you can do with training in this field.

In fact, you can pursue dozens of different jobs after completing an online accounting degree from a Pennsylvania college or university. You can be an auditor, a forensic accountant, or a managerial accountant, to name a few.

The programs listed below are among the most popular online accounting options in the Quaker State. Whether you want a bachelor’s or master’s degree, these schools can help you attain your educational goals.

Best Accredited Online Accounting Degrees and Schools in Pennsylvania - Associate's, Bachelor's and Masters

Online Accounting Degrees in Pennsylvania

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

  • Temple University
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology
  • Penn State World Campus
  • York College of Pennsylvania
  • Seton Hill University
  • Purdue Global
  • Liberty University

Temple University

Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Temple University’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting is based on cutting-edge accounting concepts and theories. The curricular tasks you complete focus on interpreting and applying concepts that measure financial activities, reporting financial data, and help prepare you to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in Pennsylvania.

Temple’s program requires you to complete 124 credit hours over the course of four years. However, an accelerated three-year program is also available if you prefer to finish your degree faster and start your career sooner. In either case, you must complete several types of coursework to successfully graduate. This includes University Requirements, College Requirements, and Major Requirements.

The University Requirements at Temple refer to the general education courses that all students must complete, regardless of major. Essentially, these courses help you accomplish three important tasks:

  • Prepare you for college-level studies
  • Provide opportunities to learn about important topics, new ideas, and differing perspectives
  • Prepare you for success in your chosen career after graduation

To accomplish these tasks, you’ll take a wide variety of lower-division and upper-division courses in the humanities, natural sciences, math, and social sciences, among others. You’ll acquire skills relating to technology, quantitative reasoning, and analytical reading, too.

After that, you’ll begin working on the College Requirements as established by Temple’s Fox School of Business and Management. These requirements include three writing-intensive courses – two general writing classes and a third within your major. You must pass all three courses with a C- or better.

Likewise, you must complete 43 credits of business-related coursework, ranging from Microeconomics to Marketing Management to Business Communications. You’ll also take courses such as:

  • Leadership and Organizational Management
  • Legal and Ethical Reasoning in Business
  • Quantitative Methods for Business I and II
  • Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
  • Introduction to Risk Management

As you can surmise from the list above, the College Requirements are simultaneously broad and detailed. That is, you’ll take courses in various business fields, yet each course focuses on a highly specific topic.

There are 24 credits of Major Requirements within this program. These courses focus specifically on essential accounting topics such as Cost Accounting, Federal Taxes on Income, and Auditing. You’ll also complete two Intermediate Accounting Courses, a class on Accounting Information Systems, and a Strategic Financial Management Accounting class. Other required courses include:

  • Topics in Taxation
  • Accounting Analytics
  • Advanced Financial Accounting
  • Information Systems and Controls for Accounting Professionals

You can also access Temple’s Center for Student Professional Development for networking and internship opportunities. The Center’s staff will help you identify possible internship placements, prepare your application materials, and assist you in preparing for internship interviews, too. Temple also has a Business Communications Center offering one-on-one tutoring to improve your verbal and written communication skills, should you need that type of assistance.

Alumni of this program have gone on to work at some well-known companies, including Ernst & Young, KPMG, Mazars, and Baker Tilly, to name a few. By performing well in this program and utilizing the support services provided by Temple, you might be able to follow in the footsteps of students who came before you!

You must complete the following steps as part of the application process:

  • Apply using the Common Application and submit a $55 application fee.
  • Submit self-reported high school transcripts showing the successful completion of a holistic curriculum, including math, science, English, social studies, art, foreign languages, and college preparatory classes.
  • Submit SAT or ACT scores.
  • Submit a 250-word essay providing more detail about you than what your grades and test scores indicate.
  • Provide a list identifying and discussing your extracurricular activities, including your interests and hobbies.

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Pennsylvania College of Technology goes well beyond the typical accounting topics of taxes and auditing. Instead, this cutting-edge program explores modern accounting topics and techniques, like forensic accounting, financial security, and legal aspects of accounting as well.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and incorporates business and management studies alongside accounting coursework. All told, you must complete 122 credits to graduate, which takes most students four years of full-time study.

Initially, the program’s focus is on general education requirements. For example, one of the first classes you’ll take is the First Year Experience, which explores the strategies you need to master to be successful as a college student. You’ll also take core general classes like English Composition I and a lab science. Introductory accounting and business classes are part of your first year in the program, too. These courses include the following:

  • Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Business Math
  • Principles of Management
  • Principles of Banking

Furthermore, your first year includes classes in Computerized Accounting and Introduction to Managerial Accounting.

The program’s second year focuses more on intermediate accounting and business classes. You’ll take Business Statistics to learn how to use descriptive statistics, probability, confidence intervals, and other techniques to examine business data. You’ll take an Accounting Information Systems course as well. This class helps you master e-commerce, database management, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, to name a few.

Other second-year courses include the following:

  • Fundamentals of Financial Planning
  • Intermediate Accounting I and II
  • Income Taxation for Individuals
  • Business Computer Applications Using Spreadsheets
  • Technical and Professional Communication

As you continue advancing through the program, you begin taking higher-level classes that build on prior learning and explore niche topics in business and accounting. A good example of this is the required Advanced Financial Accounting Course. This class expands on the topics discussed in the first-year introductory course in financial accounting and examines processes like foreign currency transactions, not-for-profit accounting, and international accounting.

You’ll also take a class on Corporation, Partnership, Estate, and Trust Taxation. As its name indicates, this course specifically examines the specialized tax skills needed to work within unique financial structures. Additionally, you’ll take courses like:

  • Retirement and Insurance Planning
  • Finance
  • Investments
  • Business Law I
  • Principles of Marketing

The fourth and final year dives even deeper into business and accounting studies. On the one hand, you’ll take a dedicated course in Auditing and another in Business Policy and Strategy. On the other hand, a required course in Forensic Accounting introduces you to the tools and techniques used to track financial crimes.

In addition to top-notch courses, this program offers a number of benefits. For example, using Zoom, you can join live class discussions, even from a remote location. You can also participate in virtual labs where you can learn about SAS software, QuickBooks, and other programs that you’ll frequently use as an accountant.

Furthermore, Penn College charges online students an in-state tuition rate, which can help you save a lot of money over the course of your studies. And with dozens of industry partnerships, Penn College can help you find employment, often before you graduate from this program!

Applying as a first-year student requires you to complete the following steps:

  • Complete the Penn College Application or the Common App
  • Submit your current high school transcript, then submit your final transcript after you graduate, ensuring it notes your graduation date. If you have completed a GED program, submit your official GED transcript showing that you received a state diploma.
  • Meet all Penn College placement requirements. This can be done via placement testing, ACT or SAT testing, or transfer credits.

Penn State World Campus

Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus offers a 100 percent online Bachelor of Science in Accounting that you can complete without ever stepping foot on Penn State’s campus, let alone in Pennsylvania!

This AACSB-accredited program sets you on a pathway to becoming a CPA by providing 120 of the 150 educational credits needed to sit for the CPA exam. By the time you finish this program, you’ll have essential accounting skills related to conducting audits, working in an ethical and socially responsible manner, and assisting business leaders in making more effective business decisions.

The coursework for this program extends across several areas of study. First, you’ll complete Entrance-to-Major Requirements, which cover basic topics in accounting. This includes Introduction to Accounting, Introduction to Finance, and Economics 102, as just three examples. Introductory coursework in marketing, management, and math is also required.

The bulk of the program’s credits are Prescribed Courses or accounting and business-focused coursework. These courses not only introduce you to essential topics and themes in accounting and business, but they also include upper-division classes focusing on specific niches. For example, you’ll take lower-level courses in Cost Accounting, Auditing, and Federal Taxation. Classes in Financial and Managerial Accounting, Business Strategy, and Microeconomic Analysis and Policy are also required.

Upper-division courses dive into topics like Corporation Finance, Intermediate Financial Accounting, and Supply Chain Management. Other Prescribed Courses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Information Systems Management and Applications
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Basic Management Concepts
  • Business Writing
  • Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy

This program requires you to take 18 additional credits in accounting, business, math, and statistics. You’ll take Federal Taxation II and Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting to satisfy the additional accounting credit requirements. You’ll also take Elementary Statistics, a course on Social, Legal and Ethical Environment for Business, and either Techniques of Calculus I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry.

The 120-credit curriculum wraps up with six additional credits of coursework in your choice of the following areas: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, or Marketing, among others. Most students can complete all the requirements for graduation in four years or less. However, part-time studies are available if you wish to take fewer classes each semester.

Upon finishing this degree, you will have a pathway for pursuing any number of accounting certifications, including the following:

  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

You can also take advantage of the Penn State World Campus Career Services Center to bridge the gap between your undergraduate studies and employment. You can work with a career counselor or coach to help you identify your career goals, find internships, and connect with potential employers. The Career Services Center also has resources regarding occupation and salary information as well as resources for graduate school, should you choose to pursue a master’s degree.

To apply, you must complete the following steps:

  • Complete the application for admission
  • Show proof of graduating from high school or obtaining a GED
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended
  • Demonstrate English proficiency if it isn’t your native language

York College of Pennsylvania

Online Master of Accounting

If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to advance your knowledge in a master’s program, York College of Pennsylvania’s online Master of Accounting program is worth your consideration. This program is specifically designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting and relevant work experience in the accounting field. As such, you can enjoy small class sizes, personalized interaction with your professors, and a quick timeline to complete your degree.

In fact, this master’s program requires just 30 credits to complete. Most students finish the program in one year. Combined with a 120-credit bachelor’s program in accounting, this degree helps you meet the 150-credit threshold to sit for the CPA exam.

The 30 credits are dispersed between core courses and electives. The 24 credits of core courses address critical accounting topics like Accounting Theory, Advanced Auditing, and Corporate Finance. You’ll also take an Advanced Accounting class that offers high-level studies in accounting principles, theories, and practices. This class examines topics such as:

  • Preparing consolidated financial statements
  • Segment and interim reporting
  • Accounting for international transactions
  • Translating foreign business in U.S. dollars
  • Accounting for foreign currency hedges

Another interesting required class is Fraud and Forensics. This course zeroes in on the basics of forensic accounting, including essential auditing and investigative skills required to find fraudulence in financial statements. You’ll supplement these studies with other core coursework in Federal Tax Planning and Research, Advanced Managerial Accounting, and Accounting Information Systems.

The final six credits required to complete this program are elective courses. You must choose two courses among several choices, including Controllership Issues, Financial Statement Analysis, and Special Topics in Accounting. You can also take any MBA course or participate in a graduate accounting internship to meet part of the elective requirements.

An internship in this case is a wise choice. Not only does it offer you real-world experience working in a supervised accounting setting, but it also affords you excellent networking opportunities that could help you advance your career. If you choose to complete an internship, you must accumulate at least 120 hours of supervised work over the course of a semester.

Yet another benefit of this program is the expert faculty who teach your classes. Each member of the faculty has extensive professional and academic experience that enhances your learning. Each professor has their own area of expertise, ranging from not-for-profit and government work to managerial accounting to federal taxes and beyond.

York College’s graduate application for admission can be completed at any time. The admissions requirements are as follows:

  • Complete the free online application.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
  • Provide a copy of your current resume.
  • Identify two references who can speak to your academic and professional capabilities.
  • Submit an academic goals statement outlining why you wish to pursue this degree and how it will help you achieve your career goals.

Additional documentation might be required. York College encourages you to contact the Director of Graduate Admissions to get a detailed list of the materials you need to submit with your applications.

Is Taking Accounting Online a Good Idea?

Taking an accounting degree online can be a very good idea, depending on your personal circumstances, learning style, and career goals. Here are some factors to consider that can help determine if an online accounting program is a good fit for you:

  • Flexibility: Online programs typically offer more flexibility than traditional on-campus programs. If you have work commitments, family responsibilities, or other obligations, an online program can allow you to study on your own schedule.
  • Accessibility: Online education provides access to programs that you might not be able to attend in person due to geographic or logistical reasons. This can be particularly beneficial if you live far from a college or university that offers accredited accounting programs.
  • Learning Style: Online learning requires discipline, self-motivation, and strong time management skills. If you excel in an environment where you can study independently and manage your own time, online learning can be very effective.
  • Technology: Online courses rely heavily on technology for delivering lectures, assignments, and for communication between students and instructors. Comfort with technology and a reliable internet connection are crucial for online learning.
  • Accreditation and Quality: It’s important to choose an online program that is accredited and has a good reputation. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain educational standards, which is particularly important in fields like accounting where credentials are valued.
  • Career Goals: Consider how an online degree is viewed in your desired career field. In accounting, as long as the degree is from an accredited institution, employers typically recognize online degrees as equivalent to their on-campus counterparts.
  • Cost: Online programs can sometimes be more affordable than traditional ones, primarily due to savings on commuting and housing. However, it’s important to compare the true cost including all fees and consider the return on investment.

Ultimately, an online accounting degree can be a great choice if it aligns with your learning style, fits your life circumstances, and comes from an accredited institution. It can provide the necessary education and credentials needed to advance in the accounting profession.

What are the Requirements to Become a CPA in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, to become a CPA, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Your major does not limit your eligibility; however, specific courses are required.

You must complete at least 150 credits of college coursework to qualify for a CPA license in Pennsylvania. Some bachelor’s programs in accounting might offer a 150-credit pathway, rather than the standard 120 credits, to help you meet this requirement. You can also enroll in a master’s degree in accounting to complete the remaining credit.

For the CPA exam in Pennsylvania, you do not need to complete all 150 credits with your bachelor’s degree, but you must finish these credits before you can apply for your CPA license.

While no specific major is mandated, you need to meet credit requirements in key subject areas such as:

  • Accounting and auditing
  • Business law
  • Economics (either micro or macro)
  • Finance
  • Taxation

Specifically, you should have at least 24 credits in the subjects of accounting, auditing, business law, economics, finance, or taxation, approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy. You also need at least 12 credits in accounting, auditing, or taxation.

These credits can be earned through undergraduate or graduate studies and do not necessarily have to be part of a degree program.

Regarding work experience, you need at least one year (1,600 hours) of relevant professional experience, which should be gained within five years from your licensure application date. This experience should involve professional services or advice in:

  • Accounting
  • Attestation
  • Compilation
  • Consulting, financial advisory, or management advisory services
  • Taxation

Your work experience must be verified by a licensed CPA and can be in academia, government, private industry, or public practice.

For those who passed at least one part of the CPA exam before December 31, 2011, the requirements differ slightly. You need only 120 college credits to qualify for licensure, but your work experience requirements are increased to two years (3,200 hours), and must be accrued no more than ten years prior to your licensure application.

All candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which includes four parts:

  • Auditing and Attestation
  • Business Environment and Concepts
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting
  • Regulation

In Pennsylvania, you may apply for your CPA license after passing all four exam sections. You do not need to have completed all education and experience requirements at the time of application, but you must:

  • Complete the required work experience within five years of applying for your CPA license.
  • Complete any shortfall in the 150 required college credits before your license is granted.

Exam results expire within 18 months. If you do not apply for your CPA license within this period after passing any of the exam sections, you will need to retake those sections.

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