LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Accounting CPA
Bachelor of Science in Business
Develop the skills and knowledge to become a valued partner in the world of accounting. With the Capella online bachelor’s in business, accounting CPA program, you can earn a foundational business degree while diving deep into accounting ethics and strategic economic planning. You’ll learn how to leverage the newest accounting technologies to help financial systems function efficiently. You’ll also build skills to organize and interpret financial information for businesses, establish appropriate accounting systems and strategies for organizations and effectively communicate financial information to internal and external clients.
Classes start July 11
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 8–14 General education courses
- 10 Core courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 5–9 Elective courses
- 1 Capstone
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Max transfer credits
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.
Explore courses for Bachelor of Science in Accounting, CPA
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits
- You’ll need to complete 8–14 general education courses, 10 core courses, 5–9 elective courses, eight specialization courses and one capstone
| 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 |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
The BS in Business, Accounting CPA program helps you acquire and apply various methods to ethically maintain and monitor financial records. The curriculum is designed to develop your understanding of a wide array of accounting-related services including budget analysis, financial and investment planning, and financial statement and internal control auditing.
Students also delve deeper into accounting ethics as well as forensic, governmental and international accounting. In addition, students demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to present information to both internal and external clients, influencing organizational effectiveness at all levels of an organization.
Completion of the BS in Business, Accounting CPA specialization alone does not adequately prepare students to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam or to become licensed certified public accountants. Students need to understand and follow their specific state licensing requirements to ensure they meet their state’s requirements.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Establish appropriate accounting systems and strategies for businesses and organizations
- Organize and interpret financial information
- Incorporate business and economic contingencies that influence accounting systems
- Communicate professionally within the field of accounting
- Leverage technology in the field of accounting for functional effectiveness and efficiency
- Report financial results and accounting information for use by organizational stakeholders
- Apply appropriate professional and ethical standards relevant to the field of accounting
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Faculty spotlight
Robert W. Bigelow, BA, JD, PHD
Academic Program Director, MBA, MSHRM, BSBA
How much does the BS in Business cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
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
$18,675–$43,477*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$357 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 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
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2020–2021
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my degree is showing others that you are never too old and it’s never too late to pursue your education.”
Stephanie Dewald* – BS Business
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the BS in Business Accounting CPA admission requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Business, Accounting CPA program must provide the following information for admission:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcript of any reported GED
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- You must be at least 24 years old. This requirement may be waived for:
- Military applicants and veterans
- Applicants with 24 or more quarter credits of prior college or university coursework (transferable college coursework and/or credentials that map to preapproved Prior Learning Assessment opportunities may be considered toward the 24-credit minimum equivalency total)
- Applicants who do not have any credits eligible for transfer must successfully complete a university-approved reading and writing assessment; by evaluating your skills prior to your first course, Capella can more effectively provide resources to prepare you for a successful learning experience
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a bachelor’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting CPA.
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
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
What Can You Do with a Finance Degree?
From business analyst to accountant, there is a versatile range of potential career paths for people with a finance degree.
5 Things to Consider Before Pursuing Your Next Degree
Pursuing your degree is a big step. Here are five simple considerations to help clarify your decision-making process.
4 Differences Between Accountants and CPAs
Earning a CPA credential can expand your career potential and set you apart from other accounting professionals. Here’s why.