Advantages of an Online Associate’s in Accounting Degree
- Flexible 24/7 course availability
- More affordable tuition costs
- Enhanced online technology skills
- Accelerated career entry paths
- Connections to diverse peers/faculty
Starting your postsecondary career with a community college could provide you some benefits of completing an Associate in Accounting online. Associates are two-year degree options for high school grads or GED recipients to tackle the first 60-70 credits. Finishing an accountancy associate degree sets students up academically for gaining B-school admission into bachelor’s programs.
Although most students transfer to further their education, some entry-level financial services sector jobs accept Associate in Accounting grads for employment. Basic knowledge of fiscal reporting regulations would be sufficient for becoming a:
- bookkeeper
- accounts receivable clerk
- auditing clerk
- payroll clerk
- accounts payable clerk
- administrative assistant
- billing specialist
- revenue cycle analyst
The Robert Half 2018 Salary Guide considers these operational support jobs with average pay from $31,750 to $63,750. Let’s review some perks to making the Internet your classroom for associate-level accountant training online.
Related Resource: Top 50 Best Associates in Accounting Online 2018
1. Flexible 24/7 Course Availability
Online accountancy schools bring course materials conveniently to your desktop or mobile phone via interactive platforms like Blackboard Learn and Moodle. Most associate-level courses are asynchronous. This means you can log in anytime for:
- recorded lectures
- class discussions
- tests
- project submissions
Students can concentrate on financial reporting content from the comfort of home without wasting time for transportation.
2. More Affordable Tuition Costs
Budding accountants pursuing an associate online can save big bucks by slimming tuition bills. According to the College Board, public two-year colleges charged average in-district tuition of $3,440 during the 2016-17 year. That’s considerably less than the mean yearly bachelor’s price of $9,410 and $32,410 at public and private universities respectively. Studying online also lets you maintain a regular paycheck while saving on costs for:
- extra housing
- commuting
- childcare
3. Enhanced Online Technology Skills
Employers seek associate grads who display tangible 21st-century technology skills to utilize today’s leading accountancy software. Online learning helps you master:
- document processing
- spreadsheet making
- file storing
- emailing
- surfing the Internet
- running databases, and more
You will also develop these skills:
- self-discipline
- time management
- organizational
- logical thinking
4. Accelerated Career Entry Paths
One of the biggest benefits of an online Associate in Accounting program is you can more quickly join an exciting business profession poised for 10 percent job growth. Graduation could become even closer than 24 months since online colleges are increasingly offering accelerated five-, six-, and eight-week courses. Once you’ve earned your Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, you can transfer into 2+2 bachelor’s degree completion tracks online for quick baccalaureates too.
5. Connections to Diverse Peers/Professors
Online accountancy majors aren’t limited by geographic location to pick their community college or university. This means your virtual classroom could have more diversity. You’ll collaborate with colleagues and faculty from around the country and with experience in varying sectors. This will stimulate thought-provoking discussions from unique perspectives. Branching out your professional network might also help you score internships that turn into business job offers.
The Online Learning Consortium reported in 2016 that 5.8 million, or one out of four, U.S. college students took at least one Web-based course. Online higher education is a credible, fast-growing trend.
However, it’s important to protect yourself from scams. Carefully shop for online accountancy schools with regional and business accreditation from the AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. Always inquire about potential colleges’:
- student services
- faculty credentials
- graduation rates
- financial aid
- curriculum
Choosing the right online Associate in Accounting program for you can provide benefits for your time as a student and in your future career.
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