Finance and Accounting Degree Programs at American University
American University appears in our ranking of the 50 Best Online Master of Finance Degree Programs.
American University provides students with the strong skills needed to work in the top financial institutions and accounting firms. The Kogod School of Business at the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Students learn how to file taxes for their clients and the basics of working with nonprofit organizations. They also develop skills that will assist them when taking graduate courses or the CPA exam. Some of the topics covered in this program include statistics, business operations, data analytics, and individual income taxation.
The university’s Bachelor of Science in Finance program asks students to complete a core of business courses and take at least 24 credits of advanced finance classes. Once they complete those requirements, students can sit for the two main finance certification exams to become financial analysts or financial planners. Some of the courses in the finance program address topics such as financial accounting, operations management, and marketing. Students majoring in either finance or accounting at American University must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and complete all degree requirements, including taking at least 120 credits of classes.
Graduate students can also choose from two different programs, the first of which is a Master of Science in Accounting program. Students enrolled full-time can finish the program in just one year, while part-time students can take two years or longer to work on their degrees. They’ll take business courses and electives as well as required accounting classes. Some of the required courses include Management Accounting, Introduction to Economic Theory and Tax Planning for Individuals. Students can also select from electives to learn about forensic accounting and other subjects. The university allows accounting majors to take up to 15 credits of electives.
A Master of Science in Finance (MSF) is also available from American University. Designed for those who want to work as charted analysts and in similar positions, it has a program that lets students learn more about the stock market. The university’s Student Managed Investment Fund manages more than $500,000 in funds every year. Students can earn up to three credits from that program, but they’ll need to complete 33 credits to earn their degrees. Those credits can come from required classes and electives, including Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Institutions Management, Fixed Income Analysis, and International Finance.
An online MBA with a concentration in finance is also offered.
About American University
Located in Washington, DC, American University is one of the top institutions of higher learning in the region. It is a private university established in 1893, which also makes it one of the area’s oldest schools. The early work of a bishop who belonged to the Methodist Church led to the start of the school and created a religious affiliation that is still around today. Though the university changed its name a few times, it settled on American University to show its commitment to the country.
American University owns and operates two campuses closely connected in the DC area. The two campuses work together to provide students with places to both live and work. It ranks within the top 100 of all American colleges, according to U.S. News and World Report but placed higher on other academic rankings. American University is one of the only colleges in the DC area to appear on multiple lists of the world’s best schools too, including the QS list.
American University Accreditation Details
Finance and accounting majors attending American University will find that their programs have full accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is one of the top accrediting agencies. This accreditation also applies to the business administration program and similar programs offered by the university. American University also obtained regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
American University Application Requirements
Those hoping to study finance or accounting at American University must submit transcripts that demonstrate that they have strong math skills. Though American does allow students to pick a major in accounting or finance as a freshman, those students must have a high school GPA of at least 2.75. The university has deadlines of November 15 for early decision students and January 15 for all other students. It accepts both the Coalition Application and the Common Application. Students will also need to pay the university’s $75 application fee.
Graduate students seeking American University scholarships have until January 15 to submit their applications. The university has a second deadline of March 15 and a third deadline of April 15. If the finance or accounting program still has available space, the university will accept applications through the beginning of July. American University expects students to create a profile and account that they will use to apply. They will pay a $100 application fee and then upload all required documents, including a GRE or GMAT score. This is optional for students applying to the accounting program and required for finance majors. The university also asks for a letter of recommendation and may require that the student interview with a faculty member too.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Any American University undergrad who takes up to 11.5 credits is a part-time student. Those students pay $1,635 per credit hour. Full-time undergrads pay $24,535 per semester to take up to 17.5 credits of classes, but those who go over this amount will pay some extra fees. Both accounting and finance majors enrolled in one of the university’s graduate programs will pay the same rate of $1,759 per credit hour. Students are responsible for paying all of their university fees and their personal expenses such as room and board too.
Payment plans are available for students who apply to the university and request help. Most plans ask that students pay an application fee to start the plan and that they divide their total cost into equal payments that they make at regular intervals during the semester. Roughly 10 to 15% of incoming freshmen qualify for one of the university’s merit scholarships, which provide them with up to $22,000 a year. Some scholarships also go to worthy graduate students who have strong academic backgrounds. Students can also get financial aid based on the needs they have. The finance and accounting degree programs offered by American University accept all types of federal aid.
