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If you already lead a busy lifestyle as an accountant or business professional, then you may be wondering about an online Master of Accounting degree.
Earning a master’s degree can propel your existing career forward, give you the tools and information that you need to focus your career in a specific niche, or provide you with the requisite education needed to secure a position in a new firm. Certified professional accountants or CPAs must have a master’s degree in order to meet the minimum licensing requirements in most states.
While traditional master’s programs can take several years to complete on campus, you can earn an online degree at many top-rated institutions today in less time.
A Small Investment
Time can be an issue for many people, making it tough to decide whether to go for a master’s degree or continue to work. Think of earning a master’s degree in accounting as a small investment in your long-term career. Accountants with a master’s degree typically earn more, and they’re more likely to move ahead on the corporate chain than those who stick with a bachelor’s degree. Earning your degree won’t take much time in the grand scheme of your career.
Part-time vs. Full-time
The length of time you spend earning your online master’s degree in accounting depends on the school, the program, and whether you’re enrolled part time or full time. Full-time degree-seeking students can typically finish most online programs in about two years. Some schools offer accelerated programs that may take even less time depending on your background and prior experience. Part-time students will spend much longer earning the degree, but that may not be a bad thing. According to the American Institute of CPAs, “it’s almost a prerequisite to have a 5-year master’s degree in accounting to join a CPA firm” today. This is partly because accounting firms look for candidates with experience, something a fresh-from-college applicant isn’t likely to have.
That isn’t to say that full-time degree seekers are at a disadvantage. Finishing your degree earlier may appeal to some CPA firms because it shows that you’re committed to the task and can complete a rigorous academic course load while juggling a career. An online Master of Accounting degree program offers a way for students to take a full-time schedule while still working.
Choosing a Program
All online accounting programs are not created equal, so choose carefully. More firms are ready to hire people with an online degree today than they were 10 years ago, but the reputation of the program still matters. Look for degree programs that have been accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. The AACSB awards accreditation to business programs that have met a series of standards, which means that students who earn a degree from an AACSB-accredited school will be more likely to secure a job at a good firm.
Whether you enroll in a graduate program right out of college or you take some time to build experience, earning a master’s degree will help you meet the challenges facing the industry. Online programs allow greater flexibility and a shorter time investment. Finding an accredited online Master of Accounting degree program is the first step toward achieving long-term stability in today’s business world.