8 Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees in Tennessee 2025
Tennessee students can earn an online accounting degree in less time by applying to schools with self-paced courses, year-round enrollment, and shorter terms.
Earning an online accounting degree prepares students for career opportunities including financial analyst, investment banker, and certified public accountant (CPA) roles. If you're like many learners, you want to begin working as quickly as possible. Fortunately, fast online accounting degrees are available for students eager to jumpstart their careers.
In Tennessee, schools like King University and the University of Memphis offer generous transfer credit policies, flexible online options, self-paced courses, or shorter terms to help students graduate sooner. Below, we'll highlight top online accounting degrees with accelerated paths and answer frequently asked questions about these programs.
Accelerated Online Accounting Degree Programs in Tennessee
Accelerated degree programs can help students complete their accounting studies in less time than traditional programs. Explore the schools below to find reputable fast-track degrees in Tennessee.
1. University of Memphis
The University of Memphis is home to the Fogelman College of Business & Economics, which has earned Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. Students interested in business accounting programs that lead to CPA licensure can choose from two accelerated online degrees.
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting explores taxation, auditing, and financial accounting and accepts prior learning credits to speed up degree completion. The Master of Science (MS) in accounting explores forensic accounting, ethics, and quantitative analysis and can be completed in 12 months.
2. King University
King University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in accounting is a transfer program that explores coursework in business law, taxation, and advanced accounting principles. Enrollees take five- or 15-week courses and can transfer up to 76 credits helping them graduate in as few as 16 months.
Applicants should have a minimum 2.2 high school GPA and complete prerequisite courses. This program costs $305 per credit hour.
3. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a 100% online degree that prepares students for the CPA exam and an accounting career. This AACSB-accredited program also helps learners become qualified in forensic data analytics.
UTC offers an accelerated Integrated MAcc Program (I-MACC) option for UTC accounting undergraduates. Enrollees can earn a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting in as few as five years.
4. Tennessee Wesleyan University
Tennessee Wesleyan University offers an online BS in management with an emphasis in accounting for students seeking flexible schedules. This program provides an asynchronous format and lets learners start classes whenever they choose.
Applicants must be at least 23 years old and have three or more years of work experience, along with an associate degree or 60 semester hours. Learners pay an affordable tuition rate of $360 per credit hour and graduate in about 16 months.
5. Middle Tennessee State University
The Master of Accountancy program at Middle Tennessee State University is an AACSB-accredited degree students can complete on campus, online, or both. Courses explore advanced accounting techniques and industry tools such as Tableau, Alteryx, and Excel.
Enrollees can add a tax specialization and take advantage of an optional CPA review for degree credit. Faculty and staff enhance student success by helping to customize personal degree plans. Learners who study full-time can complete this program in one year.
6. South College
South College offers a Master of Science in accounting that teaches taxation, managerial accounting, and accounting information systems. Enrollees also build problem-solving, compliance, and accounting ethics skills.
Enrollment requires completing a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and finishing six accounting courses with a B- or better. This program can be completed in as little as 10 months.
7. Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University's bachelor's degree in accounting can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format in as little as 12 months. Students learn to prepare tax returns and audit cases and can participate in internships for real-world experience.
Accounting majors can extend their coursework to accumulate the 150 credit hours needed to sit for the CPA exam. Eligible enrollees could also take a master's level course in the university's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
8. Union University
The MAcc at Union University is a fully online master's degree for students interested in professional CPA certification. Enrollees can enjoy flexible course schedules and assistance from faculty advisors who help navigate the program.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, a resume, and two references. This degree helps students boost their accounting career in one year.
Other Accelerated Online Accounting Programs
Do you want to explore additional accelerated online accounting programs? Review degrees available at schools outside of Tennessee.
1. Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University offers an AACSB-accredited BS in accounting that students can complete online at their own pace. Learners are prepared to sit for the CPA exam and pursue various accounting roles.
The program offers a three-credit internship course and the Extern Program for students interested in gaining professional experience. Students can take two eight-week courses at a time (four per semester) to finish their degree in 18 to 24 months.
2. Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University's 100% online BS in accounting teaches skills for careers as financial managers, audit associates, and tax managers. Learners are also prepared for the CPA exam — their pass rate is about 15% higher than the state average.
This accelerated program offers multiple start dates each year to accommodate working students. Enrollees can transfer up to 78 credits to graduate in less time.
Our Selection Criteria
Our team selected the schools in the rank list above using a thorough vetting process. Each institution has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:
- Accredited: The colleges and universities have received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, which guarantees recognized academic standards.
- Reputable: We verified that the institutions in this list are respected, considering factors such as acceptance rates, graduation rates, and student outcomes.
- Path to Degree Completion: The schools above offer an accelerated degree path through generous transfer credit policies, flexible online options, and self-paced courses.
FAQs About Fast Online Accounting Programs
Are you ready to enroll in an accelerated online accounting program? Before taking the next step, explore the FAQs below.
How Can I Get an Accounting Degree Fast?
Online schools offer numerous pathways to accelerate degree completion. Some institutions provide shorter course terms (five to eight weeks) with fast and intense study. Self-paced formats and year-round enrollment help students begin or end their studies when they choose.
You can also speed up degree completion at schools offering credits for exams (e.g., CLEP), work experience, and previously earned college credits.
What Is the Cost of Tuition for an Online Accounting Degree?
An online bachelor's degree in accounting typically costs upwards of $36,000. If you're searching for affordable accounting degrees online, consider schools that accept credits for prior learning and offer lower tuition.
You can also look for institutions that accept financial aid. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), full-time, first-time undergraduate students received an average of $12,997 in grant or scholarship aid in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Are There Prerequisites for Enrolling in an Online Accounting Program?
Online accounting programs often require students to complete prerequisite courses before applying for admission. Bachelor's prerequisites might include managerial and financial accounting courses plus general education classes in English, math, science, and history.
Graduate students also often need to complete accounting-related prerequisites. These could include courses in financial accounting, auditing, and federal income tax.
Discover Accredited Online Degree Programs Today
If you're eager to begin your journey in the accounting field, explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn more about their programs and how they can help you reach your career goals.