Best Accounting Degrees Online in California 2025

California employs the most accountants and auditors compared to other states. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state had 166,020 accountants and auditors in 2023. Most of these roles require some higher education, usually at least a bachelor's degree.

Online accounting degrees are a great option for those who cannot study on campus. Keep reading to discover the best online accounting degree programs in California.

Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in California

Several schools throughout the U.S. offer online bachelor's degrees in accounting, many of which are affordable online accounting degrees to help students reduce tuition costs. Within California, many schools offer these programs, and residents can use programs like the Cal Grant to help pay for their tuition.

Below, we've highlighted some of the best online accounting degree programs in California.

1. Azusa Pacific University

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

• accounting information systems
• business management
• financial accounting
• financial reporting

The program is designed for working professionals with at least 15 college credit hours. APU's School of Business and Management holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) and is a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

2. California Baptist University

At California Baptist University, you can earn an online Bachelor of Science in accounting. This program includes courses on auditing, cost accounting, tax preparation, and more.

This private school, often referred to as Cal Baptist, is located in Riverside, CA. Its school of business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the program prepares accounting students to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams.

3. California State University, East Bay

An online Bachelor of Science (BS) in accounting and analytics is available through California State University, East Bay. This is the Hayward, CA, campus of the public California State University system.

In this accounting major, students take core courses in advanced accounting and can choose a specialization in business analytics and reporting, tax compliance and planning, or information systems and controls. The AACSB-accredited program is designed to align with the CPA exam.

4. Mount Saint Mary's University

Mount Saint Mary's University offers an online BS in business administration with a concentration in accounting. The program explores accounting ethics, managerial accounting, and tax accounting, among others.

MSMU is a Catholic university in Los Angeles. All of its business programs hold accreditation through the ACBSP.

5. National University

National University is a private university in San Diego that primarily caters to adult and nontraditional learners. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in accounting that tackles topics such as:

• auditing
• managerial accounting
• nonprofit accounting
• tax accounting

The accounting courses in this curriculum are designed to prepare students for licensure exams, like the CMA and CPA exams. The IACBE-accredited program also prepares students for various career paths in the accounting field.

6. Touro University Worldwide

Students at Touro University Worldwide can earn a BS in business administration with a concentration in accounting online. This program includes courses on business law, business management, accounting information systems, and financial management.

Touro University is a private Jewish university based in New York, but its Worldwide campus is headquartered in Los Alamitos, CA. Its business programs are accredited by the ACBSP and prepare students for careers in several accounting and finance areas.

7. University of Massachusetts Global

An online BBA in accounting is available through the University of Massachusetts Global. UMass Global is a private affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts system and is based in Aliso Viejo, CA.

The accounting emphasis explores subjects like cost accounting, accounting information systems, financial accounting, and auditing. Online students learn the latest business developments while focusing on accounting principles, practices, and techniques.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs on this list, we focused our methodology on:

• Location: All schools listed are based in California.
• Type: We only included four-year public and nonprofit schools.
• Accreditation: All schools on this list have regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Additionally, nearly every program is accredited by the AACSB, ACBSP, or the IACBE.

What To Expect from Online Accounting Programs

Courses in online programs are usually offered in an asynchronous format, meaning that while you have due dates, you can log on to complete coursework at your own convenience. This provides much more freedom and flexibility than on-campus programs.

Bachelor's degrees usually require 120 credits and take about four years to complete. Your courses will help you develop your accounting skills, as well as soft skills like critical thinking and decision-making.

Most programs have core accounting courses that you must take, but many also offer electives so you can tailor your degree to your intended career path. Some accounting schools also include internships or capstone projects to give students hands-on experiences.

Admissions Requirements for Online Accounting Degree Programs

At the bachelor's level, the requirements for an online accounting degree are usually the same as the requirements to be accepted into the school. You'll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and you may also need:

• a minimum GPA
• minimum SAT/ACT scores
• personal essays
• letters of recommendation

Some programs may require you to complete your general education courses before you can start on the courses for your accounting major. Additionally, if you choose a degree completion program, you may need an associate degree or a certain number of transfer credits.

Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online accounting degree is worth it. These degrees allow them to pursue high-paying, in-demand roles in the accounting and finance fields. Whether an accounting degree is worth it will depend on your career goals.

How Much Does an Online Accounting Degree Cost?

All of the accounting degrees listed above are less than $550 per credit hour. However, the final cost of your degree can depend on many factors, including:

• what level of degree you're earning
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• if you study full-time or part-time
• what financial aid you qualify for

All programs above are from online colleges that accept financial aid. All students should fill out the U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows students to qualify for federal programs, like the Pell Grant, and state programs, like the Cal Grant.

Accounting Careers With an Online Bachelor's Degree

There are several careers that students can pursue with an online accounting degree. These include:

• bookkeeper
• financial advisor
• financial analyst
• forensic accountant
• internal auditor
• tax accountant

Note that some roles may require a master's degree or professional credentials, such as CPA or CMA credentials.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree and Enroll Today

Start your journey toward a career path in accounting today by exploring the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today to learn more about their online program options.