Study Accounting in Washington State

The need for accountants runs far and wide in a state like Washington. On the one hand, accountants are needed in large companies and organizations in urban areas like Seattle. On the other hand, small businesses and individuals in rural areas of the state need the services of qualified accountants.

You can get the necessary qualifications to become an accountant by enrolling in an online accounting program offered by one of Washington’s universities. The flexibility offered by these programs allows you to get the education you want with less of an impact on your schedule and pocketbook. The programs below are some of the most popular options in Washington. We’ve also included an out-of-state program to give you an additional choice!

Best Accredited Online Accounting Degrees and Schools in Washington State - Associates, Bachelor's and Master's

Online Accounting Degrees in Washington State

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

  • Washington State University
  • Central Washington University
  • Walden University
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Capella University
  • Purdue Global
  • Southern New Hampshire University

Washington State University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Accounting

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Accounting from Washington State University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It’s just one of seven accounting programs in the entire state to have this accreditation, making it a prestigious choice for completing your degree.

You’ll proceed through this degree by taking seven-week courses. This format allows you to take either two or four courses per 16-week semester. You can take traditional 16-week non-business courses at the same time to help move your studies along faster. The requirement to take summer courses also helps ensure you complete the program sooner rather than later.

The curriculum focuses on a variety of business and accounting-related topics, from management to finance to accounting information systems. The knowledge you gain in these and other areas prepares you for many different career paths in business and industry, including Fortune 500 companies, international accounting firms, and non-profit organizations.

You must fulfill various course requirements to complete this 120-credit program. This includes the University Common Requirements which explore foundational skills and principles in areas like creative and professional arts, communications, physical science, and quantitative reasoning, to name a few. All told, 35 credits are required in this category.

Once admitted to this program, you’ll complete College of Business Requirements. These courses examine topics ranging from Microeconomics to Business Calculus to Business Law. You’ll take a few accounting courses within this component of the program, too: Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting.

Other topics of study in the College of Business Requirements include the following:

  • Strategic Management
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management
  • International Business
  • Managing Information Technology

The sequence of Accounting Core Requirements dives deep into essential accounting theories and practices. You’ll study Cost Accounting and Auditing, as well as Accounting Systems. Coursework in Taxation and Intermediate Accounting are also required.

You’ll round out your accounting education with two electives of your choice. You can choose from any 300 or 400-level accounting class that isn’t already required to earn this degree.

A unique feature of this program is the Carson Career Amplifier. This experience blends your classroom learning with professional skills development in the field. You’ll learn valuable skills as you complete engaging, hands-on learning experiences that relate directly to business and accounting.

This program has three start dates each year, with one each in the spring, summer, and fall. Your application must be received by December 8th to be considered for spring admission. Summer admission requires you to submit your application by April 12th. July 19th is the cutoff for fall admission.

The following requirements must be met to be considered for admission as a first-year student:

  • Complete an application and pay a $70 application fee.
  • Submit your high school transcripts or GED certificate.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.

SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission.

Central Washington University

Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Central Washington’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting is another undergraduate option to consider for completing your degree online. This 126-credit program can lead to any number of careers, perhaps even with major accounting firms in Washington like KPMG and Deloitte.

What’s more, this degree prepares you for the next step in your career by preparing you for a variety of accounting certifications. For example, the credits you earn in this program apply toward meeting the minimal requirements to sit for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam, the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) exam, or the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) exam. You can also sit for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam.

If you dream of being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), though, you’ll need additional schooling. A master’s degree in accounting is an ideal option to complete this requirement.

This degree includes coursework in numerous areas. The general education requirements discussed earlier apply to this degree as well. As a first-year student, you’ll complete courses in this portion of the degree during your first two years in the program. During that time, you might take classes such as:

  • Public Speaking
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • American History Since 1877
  • Astronomy
  • English Composition

From there, you’ll begin working on foundational courses within the accounting major. You’ll take introductory classes like Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Business Computer Skills. You must also take a statistics course, Microeconomics, and Legal Environment of Business. You can choose to take Foundations for Business Analytics or Finite Mathematics as well. Another 5-credit math course is also required, which you can choose from Pre-Calculus, Intuitive Calculus, Calculus I, or Calculus II.

The core courses for this degree include studies in accounting economics, marketing, management, and other related fields. You must earn 38 credits to satisfy this portion of the graduation requirements which you can do in part by taking classes like:

  • Public Speaking for Business and Organizations
  • Introductory Financial Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Business Writing

You’ll also complete coursework in higher-level accounting areas. For example, you’ll take classes in Income Tax Accounting, Cost Accounting, and Auditing. You must also complete a three-course Intermediate Accounting sequence that explores accounting theory and practice in a wide range of business situations.

Another 10 credits of department-approved electives are required to graduate. This constitutes taking two classes of your choice from the following options:

  • Fraud Examination
  • Accounting Analytics
  • International Accounting
  • Computer Auditing
  • Advanced Cost Accounting
  • Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting

The benefit of the elective component of the program is that you can focus your learning on areas that align with your desired career. For example, if you want to become a forensic accountant, the Fraud Examination and Computer Auditing courses would be good electives to take.

The final part of your studies is a two-course capstone. You must take a class in Strategic Management, which helps you develop essential problem-solving and decision-making skills for business. You must also complete an AACSB Assessment course at the end of the program, which allows you to demonstrate what you’ve learned, reflect on your accomplishments, and prepare for a career after graduation.

Admission as a first-year student is dependent on meeting the following requirements:

  • Submit an application for admission and a $60 application fee
  • Submit high school transcripts or GED certificate
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit
  • Have a 3.0 high school GPA or higher for guaranteed admission

Walden University

Online Bachelor in Business Administration-Accounting

The Bachelor in Business Administration-Accounting from Walden University is available to students nationwide. The advantage of a program like this is that you can learn alongside a broader spectrum of students and from professors with experience working in various parts of the nation and the world.

As a business administration degree with an accounting major, you’ll take courses in business, management, finance, marketing, and accounting, among other areas. As a program accredited by the Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), you’ll learn essential knowledge and skills valued by businesses and industries in sectors far and wide.

Walden University operates on the quarter system, so you must complete 181 quarter credits to graduate. These credits are divided into numerous areas:

  • General education courses
  • Business courses
  • Concentration courses
  • Elective courses
  • Capstone course

The general education courses at Walden are essentially the same as those at any other school. The purpose of these classes is to give you a broad foundation in many liberal arts subjects and allow you opportunities to acquire widely applicable skills like improved reading, speaking, and writing abilities.

Alongside the 46 credits of general education courses, you’ll take 55 credits of business classes in foundational areas. For example, you’ll take Fundamentals of Accounting, Introduction to Management, and Business Law. You’ll also take Microeconomics, Business Statistics, and Data Science Essentials.

The lower-division courses listed above are supplemented with upper-division studies in niche areas of business. A good example of this is a required Human Resource Management course that explores the role of the mission and goals of an organization from a human resource perspective. Other upper-division business courses include the following:

  • Financial management
  • Information Systems in Enterprise
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management

An additional 15 credits of accounting coursework is required to graduate. Each course is five quarter credits and explores topics like Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Intermediate Accounting. In each case, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about applying accounting techniques in a variety of business and individual financial situations.

To complete your degree, you’ll take 60 credits of elective courses. You can choose classes from several different categories, including those from other bachelor’s degrees offered by Walden. Alternatively, you can pursue the Accelerate Into Master’s program, which allows you to take graduate credits that apply to both your bachelor’s degree and a future master’s degree. This is a great option if you want to complete a graduate degree in accounting.

Walden University has a generous transfer policy that allows you to transfer up to 135 of the 180 credits needed to graduate. You must complete at least 45 credits through Walden to be eligible for your degree. This allows you to maximize the value of the previous credits you’ve earned while also minimizing the time needed to graduate.

You must be a high school graduate (or have the equivalent of a high school diploma) to apply. Additionally, you must meet one of the following:

  • Be at least 21 years of age or older.
  • Be less than 21 but have completed 12 or more quarter college credits.
  • Be an active military member or a veteran.

Eastern Washington University

Online Master of Business Administration – Accounting

At Eastern Washington University, you can complete a Master of Business Administration with an accounting concentration completely online. This AACSB-accredited program requires just 44 quarter credits to graduate, which many students can complete in around one year. Depending on your educational background, you might be able to finish this program in as little as 10 months.

This graduate program serves several purposes for prospective accounting professionals:

  • Present critical accounting theories, techniques, competencies, and applications in preparation for an accounting career.
  • Explore various applications of accounting, including in the international and domestic business, government, and non-profit sectors.
  • Develop your ability to read, interpret, and analyze financial documents.
  • Emphasize ethical business practices in domestic and international business.
  • Develop essential leadership and communication skills to become a business leader.

You’ll gain these and other skills by completing a comprehensive curriculum that includes foundation courses, core business courses, accounting courses, and electives.

The foundation courses include 12 credits of studies in fields like Finance, Essentials of Accounting, and Quantitative Analysis in Business. These classes are necessary to help you acquire the skills needed to succeed in higher-level MBA coursework later in the program. However, you may not be required to take these classes if you already have a bachelor’s degree in business.

The largest chunk of classes – 28 credits – is the sequence of core business courses. Each course focuses on a specific area of business, like Corporate Finance, Marketing Management, and Advanced Accounting for Managers. Additionally, you’ll take classes in Essentials of Operations Management, Leadership and Ethics, and Data-Driven Decision Making. An MBA Capstone is also required, during which you’re presented with complex organizational issues that you must resolve using the knowledge and skills you’ve gained throughout the program.

The remaining four courses in this program include three accounting classes and one elective. The accounting courses examine specific applications of accounting, like Financial Statement Analysis, International Forensics Accounting, and Advanced Cost Accounting. As for the elective class, you can choose from nearly a dozen options that align best with your interests and goals.

For example, if you’re interested in business leadership, you might take available courses in Team Leadership, Organizational Theory and Culture, or Leading in an Intersectional World. Conversely, if your interests are in overseas business, you can either take International Investments or International Financial Management. Other elective options include the following:

  • U.S. Health Systems
  • Health Law and Human Resources
  • Health Systems Finance and Governance
  • Business Intelligence in Health Systems
  • Social and Emotional Dimensions of Leadership

You can apply to Eastern Washington’s graduate college online at any time. To do so, you should already have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. You must also have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. Additionally, you must submit a current resume and official transcripts from every institution you’ve attended.

If your GPA is lower than 3.0, you might still qualify for admission. For example, you can have a 2.5 GPA and be admitted if you have at least three years of relevant work experience. Likewise, a 2.5 GPA and an acceptable GMAT score might also be sufficient for admission on a case-by-case basis.

How Do I Become an Accountant in Washington State?

To become an accountant in Washington State, you need to fulfill these requirements:

  • Education: Earn a bachelor’s degree with 120 credits. Complete a total of 150 credits through additional coursework.
  • CPA Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
  • Work Experience: Gain one year (2,000 hours) of supervised professional accounting experience.
  • Licensure: Apply for CPA licensure, including proof of education, experience, and exam scores.

Education Requirements

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

Your degree should include a major or concentration in accounting. The requirements are:

  • 24 semester hours (or equivalent) in accounting courses, with at least 15 hours of upper- or graduate-level coursework.
  • 24 semester hours (or equivalent) in business administration.

Typically, a bachelor’s program includes 120 semester hours, so you need at least 30 additional credits. Although a master’s degree in accounting is not required, it can help you fulfill the 150-credit requirement and qualify for higher salaries and advanced roles.

CPA Washington State Experience Requirements

You need at least one year of relevant professional experience, covering at least 2,000 hours over a minimum of 12 months.

Both paid and unpaid employment are recognized, so internships or volunteering that develop the required competencies are valid. These competencies include:

  • Understanding accounting information systems and transaction streams.
  • Assessing economic and financial risks.
  • Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Determining if an organization has achieved its financial objectives.
  • Documenting and analyzing data.
  • Communicating accountancy-related findings and job scopes.

Experience can be gained in industry, government, or public accounting practice. Academic settings may also be acceptable if the roles develop the core accounting competencies.

CPA Exam and Requirements

All CPA candidates in Washington must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which has four sections testing advanced accounting knowledge.

Eligibility to Take the Exam

As mentioned above, you must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 120 semester hours. If your education is from the U.S., ensure the Washington State Board of Accountancy recognizes your institution. If educated abroad, your credentials must be evaluated by a Board-endorsed service.

Applying for and Scheduling the Exam

You can apply for the exam through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website. The application, approval, and scheduling processes are separate steps.

You’ll need to submit official academic transcripts specifying your degree to the Board. Transcripts can be sent electronically by your educational institution or as sealed, registrar-certified hard copies.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA, allowing you to select the exam section(s), location, date, and time.

You can apply for one or multiple sections at a time, including all four sections simultaneously. You must pass all sections within an 18-month period. Passing scores expire after 18 months.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting all other requirements, you may apply for your Washington CPA license. You must:

  • Complete a Code of Professional Conduct course through the AICPA.
  • Earn at least 90% on the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Exam.
  • Review the Board of Accountancy’s Washington CPA Essentials video.

There are no age, citizenship, or residency requirements, but you need a U.S. Social Security number.

If you passed the exam over four years ago, you must complete at least 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) courses. Additionally, you must attest to meeting Washington’s character requirements by answering questions in the license application packet.

Maintaining Licensure

Your CPA license in Washington expires every three years. Renew it between January 1 and April 30 in expiry years to maintain your credential. The renewal fee is $230, with a $100 late fee for applications submitted between May and June.

Include documentation of completed CPE with your renewal application. You need at least 120 hours of coursework per renewal cycle, with a minimum of 20 credits per year. Non-technical subjects can account for no more than 60 hours, and nano learning can account for no more than 12 hours per renewal period. You’ll also need to complete at least one Washington-specific CPA ethics course each cycle.

Is a CPA Better Than an Accountant?

A CPA generally offers significant advantages over a general accountant. As a licensed professional, a CPA has passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met additional state-specific education and experience requirements. This certification is highly regarded and signifies a high level of expertise and adherence to ethical standards.

Career opportunities for CPAs are more extensive and often come with higher earning potential. CPAs are eligible for senior roles such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), audit manager, and tax advisor. Additionally, CPAs have the legal authority to perform certain tasks that general accountants cannot, such as auditing publicly traded companies and representing clients before the IRS.

In terms of salary, CPAs typically earn more than non-CPA accountants. Non-CPA accountants, while still capable of pursuing various roles in bookkeeping, financial analysis, and internal auditing, often face limitations in career advancement and earning potential without further certification.

In short, while both CPAs and accountants play crucial roles in the financial sector, the CPA designation provides greater professional recognition, higher earning potential, and broader career opportunities.

How Much Does a CPA Make in Washington State?

The average salary for an accountant in Washington State 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 Washington State is $111,968 per year. More experienced CPAs in Washington State earn well over $300,000 per year.

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