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Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Classes Start October 11th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo FALL21).
Bachelor’s in Accounting CPA program highlights
Aligned with industry standards
We partner with employers, key professional organizations, and an external advisory council to design programs that align with industry standards.
92% of our bachelor in business alumni would recommend Capella to friends, family, and colleagues.
Source: Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2019-2020
Gen ed courses included
Capella students receive access to ACE® Credit-recommended courses for college-level credit from our affiliate, Sophia Learning.*
Reduce your tuition by $15,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree.
Target your studies
Concentrate your studies in areas like accounting, finance, health care management, leadership, marketing, and project management.
Full access to WSJ
We’ve teamed with The Wall Street Journal to give business students full digital access to timely, relevant business news.
*All transfer and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however you learn.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$18,495–$45,255*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$357 per 1000-2000 level credit $411 per 3000-4000 level credit,
180 total quarter credits,
135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.
$15K toward your bachelor's
Apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Bachelor's in Accounting CPA sample courses
The online BS in Business, Accounting CPA curriculum will give you a foundation in accounting-related services, including budget analysis, financial and investment planning, and financial statement and internal control auditing.
| BUS4110 * |
Forensic Accounting
In this course, learners examine the field and practice of forensic accounting and expose accounting crimes such as fraudulent financial reporting, money laundering, and computer and cybercrime. Learners also gain an understanding of courtroom procedures and analyze expert testimony, litigation support, commercial damages, and business valuation. Prerequisite(s): BUS4068, BUS4115. |
3 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUS4111 |
Ethics in Accounting
This course covers the revised AICPA Code of Professional Conduct that governs the behavior of accountants. Learners analyze and apply the conceptual framework and the principles and rules within the code. |
3 quarter credits |
| BUS4112 * |
Accounting Research
Learners in this course develop and practice a working knowledge of how to conduct accounting, auditing, and tax research. Learners use the FASB Accounting Standards Codification; accounting, auditing, and tax databases; AICPA, PCAOB, and IRS libraries; and other online tools to conduct research. Prerequisite(s): BUS4062, BUS4065, BUS4068. |
3 quarter credits |
| BUS4113 * |
International Accounting
This course covers the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) pronouncements, with particular focus on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Accounting Standards (IAS), and Standard Interpretation Committee (SIC) interpretations. Learners identify key differences between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and IFRS, and demonstrate knowledge of the impact on financial statement preparation and presentation. Prerequisite(s): BUS4062. |
3 quarter credits |
| BUS4114 * |
Government and Nonprofit Accounting
In this course, learners build an understanding of the accounting methodology and reporting requirements put in place by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for governments and nonprofit organizations. Learners also examine A-133 reporting requirements and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare Form 990. Prerequisite(s): BUS4062. |
3 quarter credits |
Faculty & support
You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide, help, and advise you through every step of your educational journey.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Advisors
Advisors know the details of your program. Got questions about courses? Instructors? Resources? Advisors have answers.
Faculty
Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields. They know what you need to know today.
Career center
For this team, it’s more than resumes and interview tips. It’s about thoughtful and strategic career planning—beyond graduation.
Accounting CPA career insights
Business Lingo: 8 Terms You Need to Know
Discover the latest business terms that you should know —and use correctly—in the workplace.
5 Skills Every Business Leader Should Build
Get the five skills that every great business leader should possess—suggested by Capella University.
Recommended Reading: 8 Books for Business Professionals
Capella faculty members recommend adding these eight business books to your reading list.
BS Accounting CPA professional paths
Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our bachelor’s in business, accounting CPA curriculum.
Related job titles to explore*
- Accounts payable clerk
- Accounting specialist
- Accountant
- Staff accountant
- Financial analyst
- Accounting manager
- Tax manager
- Internal auditor
- Audit manager
- Tax professional
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting clerk
Employment settings to explore
- Financial Services organization
- Bank
- Accounting, Tax preparation, Bookkeeping and Payroll Services organization
- Government - local, state, federal
- Insurance carrier
- Hospital
- College or university
- Community or technical college
- Consulting firm
- Manufacturing organization
- Self-employed
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
3 career paths with a Bachelor's in Accounting CPA
While the accounting field offers a variety of career paths and focus areas, here are some of the more common paths:
Use past and present data to help organizations and individuals make sound investment decisions by evaluating the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.
Prepare for roles in financial services organizations, banks, or government agencies at the local, state, or national level.
Ensure that companies operate efficiently by compiling, analyzing, verifying, and preparing financial statements, as well as monitoring tax payments, offering advice regarding investment decisions, and overseeing financial operations.
Prepare for roles in financial services organizations, insurance companies, and colleges or universities.
Record a company’s transactions and prepare financial statements, financial results, and accounting information for use by organizational stakeholders.
Prepare for roles in organizations that specialize in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit? The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one that suits your academic and professional goals.