8 Fastest Online Accounting Degree Programs 2025
These top online accounting degrees are accredited and accelerated, providing some of the fastest pathways for starting a career in the accounting field.
Accelerated online accounting degree programs provide a way for online students to complete their education quickly and efficiently. Accelerated programs have pros and cons, with the main benefits including condensed accounting courses, self-paced options, and opportunities to apply college credits or work experience toward degree completion.
Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or transitioning careers, these programs provide the tools to launch an accounting career faster than traditional four-year paths.
Many online accounting degree programs prepare students for certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), along with roles in areas, such as forensic accounting, bookkeeping, and business administration. These credentials open doors to diverse opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, and the nonprofit sector.
Accelerated Online Accounting Programs
Below are some of the top accelerated accounting programs for 2025. These include schools with strong accreditation, flexible schedules, and options for earning credit through CLEP exams, prior learning assessments, and transfer credits.
1. Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) offers a fast-paced Bachelor of Science in accounting with accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Using a competency-based education model, this online accounting degree program allows students to progress at their own pace, with most completing it in two years or less.
WGU accepts up to 90 transfer credits, recognizes work experience, and awards credit for prior learning. Coursework includes managerial accounting, financial reporting, and accounting information systems, preparing students for the CPA exam and other certifications.
2. Liberty University
Liberty University's bachelor's program in accounting offers a concentration in data analytics, blending core accounting principles with advanced decision-making tools. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the program features eight-week terms and an accelerated 3+1 path to a master's degree.
Students can transfer up to 75% of required credit hours, earning additional credit for CLEP exams, DSST, and military training. Key courses include financial statements, cost accounting, and auditing, making it ideal for students pursuing corporate or nonprofit accounting roles.
3. Capella University
Capella University offers a flexible online bachelor's degree in accounting through two learning formats: GuidedPath and FlexPath. GuidedPath provides structure with set schedules, while FlexPath is self-paced, allowing students to finish faster.
The program, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), accepts up to 135 quarter credits (90 semester credits) in transfer credits and awards credit for prior learning assessments. Core courses in financial management, business administration, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) prepare students for the CPA certification.
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) Bachelor of Science in accounting, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), is tailored to full-time and part-time students. The program features eight-week terms and accepts up to 90 transfer credits, reducing the time to degree completion.
The curriculum covers areas, such as financial accounting, bookkeeping, and decision-making, with options for students to specialize in finance accounting or forensic accounting. SNHU also provides comprehensive financial aid options and flexible start dates, making it accessible to diverse learners.
5. Franklin University
Franklin University's accelerated accounting degree program, accredited by the HLC, offers six- and 12-week course options, allowing students to balance their studies with other responsibilities.
Students can transfer up to 76% of the degree program, with additional credit for CLEP exams and prior learning assessments. The program focuses on key topics, such as financial statements, accounting information systems, and auditing, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers in public or corporate accounting.
6. University of Holy Cross
The accelerated bachelor's degree in accounting at the University of Holy Cross is accredited by SACSCOC. With live, synchronous classes for online students, the program can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Students can transfer up to 66 credits and earn credit for prior learning through assessments. Coursework includes cost accounting, financial management, and licensure preparation, positioning graduates for success in diverse accounting fields.
7. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus provides a reputable and accelerated Bachelor of Science in accounting that is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The program offers multiple start dates and accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
Students gain practical skills in accounting courses like managerial accounting, financial reporting, and accounting information systems, with pathways to prepare for the CPA exam or other certifications.
8. Illinois College
Illinois College's accelerated online accounting degree, accredited by the HLC, can be completed in as little as 15 months. This self-paced program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, with additional credit for CLEP exams and prior learning.
Core courses in financial accounting, decision-making, and business administration equip students for roles in public, corporate, and governmental accounting.
Our Selection Criteria
Our team selected these programs based on rigorous standards to ensure they meet the needs of students seeking a high-quality, accelerated education:
- Accreditation: Programs are accredited by recognized organizations such as NECHE, SACSCOC, and HLC.
- Reputation: Schools were evaluated for positive student reviews, strong rankings, and high graduation rates.
- Accelerated learning: Programs offer condensed courses, fast-track options, and flexible schedules.
- Credit transfer policies: Institutions accept up to 90 credits or more, including CLEP, DSST, and prior learning.
- Recognition of experience: Credit is awarded for work experience, military training, and prior learning, enabling faster graduation.
FAQs About Accelerated Accounting Degrees
These are some answers to questions prospective students often have about the difficulty and timeline of accelerated online accounting degrees.
What Can I Expect from an Accelerated Accounting Degree Program Online?
Students can expect condensed courses and electives covering topics like financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing. Graduates are prepared for certifications like the CPA or CMA, positioning them for roles in various accounting sectors.
How Difficult Is an Online Accounting Degree?
While sometimes considered difficult, an online accounting degree program is manageable with proper time management. Courses such as cost accounting and financial management are challenging topics but provide valuable skills for careers in accounting.
How Fast Can I Get My Accounting Degree Online?
Accelerated programs allow accounting majors to earn bachelor's degrees in as little as two years by transferring credits and utilizing self-paced learning. Programs that recognize work experience and military training for college credits can further shorten the timeline.
Online courses are typically faster than on-campus or in-person courses due to accelerated and self-paced learning formats.
Explore Online Accounting Degrees Today
If you're ready to fast-track your accounting career, explore these online accounting programs and others on Learn.org. Find the one that fits your needs. Visit the school websites for details on enrollment, tuition rates, and financial aid options to take the next step in your career path.
To find an accelerated accounting program online in your state, use the list below.