8 Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees in California 2025

Working as an accountant or financial manager typically requires some amount of higher education, especially if you're pursuing licensure. Students who can't make it to campus to learn can pursue accounting degrees online.

Most bachelor's degrees take four years to earn, but accelerated degree programs can help students finish faster. Keep reading to discover accelerated online accounting degrees available to students in California.

Accelerated Online Accounting Degree Programs in California

Accelerated online degree programs use methods like accepting a high number of transfer credits, accepting credit for exams or experience, offering multiple start dates a year, and offering summer semesters to help students finish their degrees faster.

Several colleges and universities in California offer accelerated online accounting degrees. We've highlighted these programs below.

1. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian research institution in Azusa, CA. It offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting that includes coursework on:

• accounting ethics
• accounting information systems
• data analytics
• financial statement analysis

This is a degree completion program, and students must have at least 15 transfer credits. Six start dates are available each year, allowing students to begin their online courses right away.

2. California Baptist University

At California Baptist University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in accounting online. The program offers accelerated, asynchronous courses on auditing, cost accounting, income tax accounting, and advanced accounting.

Cal Baptist, a private university, is based in Riverside, CA. Most students take about two years to complete this online program, but students can transfer in up to 100 credit hours. The university offers start dates every three weeks and courses during the summer semester.

3. California State University, Chico

An online Bachelor of Science in business administration (BSBA) with a specialization in corporate accounting, new for 2025, is available through California State University, Chico. Chico State is a public school in the California State University (CSU) system.

This degree completion program allows students to finish in as few as 16 months of full-time study. Students in this specialization will be prepared to pursue accounting careers including, internal auditor, forensic accountant, budget analyst, and accounts receivable/payable clerks.

4. California State University East Bay

CSU East Bay offers a BSBA with a concentration in accounting online. Online learners take core courses on financial accounting, accounting information systems, tax accounting, accounting ethics, and more.

This campus of the CSU system is located in Hayward, CA. The BSBA is a degree completion program, and students must have at least 60 credit hours already. The university has a database of pre-approved transfer credits from California community colleges, private schools, and out-of-state institutions.

5. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private school based in Columbia, MO, with campuses across the U.S., including one in Imperial, CA, and two in San Diego. It offers an online bachelor's degree in accounting that includes coursework on:

• auditing
• managerial accounting
• personal financial planning
• tax preparation

In addition to transfer credits, the college also awards credit for military experience, work experience, and exams like Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Proficiency Exams (CLEP).

6. National University

Students at National University can earn a Bachelor of Science in accounting online. This program explores topics like managerial accounting, data analytics, accounting ethics, and auditing.

National University, based in San Diego, is a private institution. It offers year-round admission and offers credit for military experience, CLEP and AP exams, and more, while accepting as many transfer credits as possible.

7. Touro University Worldwide

An online BSBA in accounting is available through Touro University Worldwide. The Touro University system is headquartered in New York City but its online campus is based in Los Alamitos, CA.

The degree includes accounting courses covering cash management, accounting information systems, and financial management. These courses are offered in accelerated, 8-week terms and students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours.

8. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global offers BBA in accounting online. This program includes core courses and electives on topics like auditing, accounting information systems, financial statement analysis, and income tax.

UMass Global, based in Aliso Viejo, CA, is a private affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts System. It offers an accelerated course schedule and credit for military training, work experience, and professional certifications.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs listed above, we focused on:

• Location: All schools listed are based in California or have an on-campus location in California.
• Accreditation: Every school listed above is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), with the exception of Columbia College, which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
• Type: We only included four-year public or nonprofit institutions.
• Accelerated options: The schools listed above all offer one or more methods for students to accelerate their online learning.

As an added bonus, all of the programs above are affordable online accounting degrees.

FAQs About Fast Accounting Programs and Enrollment

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about fast accounting programs.

What Can I Expect From an Accelerated Accounting Degree Program Online?

Accelerated online accounting degrees nearly always use asynchronous classes, which means that you complete your coursework on your own time with no set meeting times. Your coursework will cover topics like:

• accounting ethics
• accounting information systems
• auditing
• bookkeeping
• financial statements
• managerial accounting
• tax accounting

These programs generally are meant to prepare you for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing exams. The CPA exam often requires 150 college credits instead of the standard 120 in a bachelor's degree, so some students choose a minor or earn a master's degree in accounting.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Accelerated Online Accounting Degree Programs?

For many accelerated online accounting degree programs, the only admissions requirement is that you're admitted to the college or university. This requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and may also include:

• a minimum GPA
• a minimum SAT or ACT score
• letters of recommendation
• personal essays

Some programs may require you to have completed the school's general education requirements and prerequisites before you can start on the accounting major.

If you're pursuing a degree completion program, you'll need an associate degree or a sufficient number of transfer credits, which varies between colleges.

How Fast Can You Get a Degree in Accounting?

A typical bachelor's degree is about 120 credit hours, which usually takes four years to complete. However, you can speed this up in several ways, like:

• receiving credit for prior learning, such as previous college or work experience, military training, or standardized testing
• choosing a program with an accelerated course schedule
• taking classes in the summer terms

Find Online Bachelor's Degrees and Apply Today

A career path in financial services is waiting. Check out the accredited programs featured on Learn.org and reach out to individual schools to learn more about program options.