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Accounting
Bachelor of Science in Business
Leverage your talent to help protect the financial interests of businesses and organizations today. The online bachelor’s in business, accounting degree helps you build the foundational knowledge you need to prepare financial documents, complete budget analysis and balance the books in a diverse range of professional settings. This program will help sharpen your business acumen while exposing you to critical accounting technology and tools. Prepare to enter a dynamic field as you develop the financial experience and business skills to become an indispensable part of any organization.
Classes start October 9
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 8–14 General education courses
- 10 Core courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 7–13 Elective courses
- 1 Capstone
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Max transfer credits
FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in business in 15 months for $15,000.*
*Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore accounting courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 program points in FlexPath or 180 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 8–14 general education courses, 10 core courses, eight specialization courses, 7–13 elective courses and one capstone
| BUS4060 * |
Financial Accounting Principles
Learners identify financial accounting principles and ways accounting information is used to assess an organization’s financial performance. Learners evaluate the relationship between business events and accounting systems and analyze an organization’s financial structure. Prerequisite(s): BUS3060 or BUS3061. |
6 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUS4061 * |
Managerial Accounting Principles
In this course, learners identify the role of accounting as it relates to managing an organization, then analyze accounting systems and financial statements. Learners also apply sound budgeting and time value of money principles from a managerial perspective. Prerequisite(s): BUS4060. |
6 quarter credits |
| BUS4062 * |
Intermediate Financial Accounting Topics and Trends
Learners in this course develop and exercise a working knowledge of financial accounting theory and practice using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements. Learners acquire financial reporting skills and apply financial statement conceptual frameworks to prepare financial statements. Prerequisite(s): BUS4060. |
6 quarter credits |
| BUS4063 * |
Advanced Financial Accounting Topics and Trends
In this course, learners analyze and apply advanced financial accounting concepts and consolidated financial statement information. Learners also evaluate the influence of global money markets and demonstrate knowledge of partnership and corporate accounting issues and governmental entities. Prerequisite(s): BUS4062. |
6 quarter credits |
| BUS4064 * |
Cost Accounting for Planning and Control
This course emphasizes the role of cost and managerial accounting in the planning, control, and performance evaluation of business organizations. Learners examine the theory and practice of business control and identify strategic aspects within business decision cycles. Prerequisite(s): BUS4061. |
6 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you’ll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you’ll learn
In the accounting specialization, students acquire and apply various methods of ethically maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records and reporting procedures for business transactions. Students also gain and practice an understanding of a wide array of accounting-related services, including budget analysis, financial and investment planning, and financial statement and internal control auditing. In addition, students in this specialization 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. This specialization is not designed to prepare students for a CPA exam.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Establish appropriate accounting systems and strategies for business 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 your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session*
$12,500
ACCELERATED PACE
$20,000
TYPICAL PACE
$30,000
SLOWER PACE
$2,500 per 12-week billing session, $125 resource kit fee, 90 total program points, 68 max transfer points
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 quarter
$18,675
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$43,770
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, $150 resource kit fee, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and completed courses at the speed of a median FlexPath student, as quickly as the fastest 25% of FlexPath students, or as quickly as the fastest 75% of students. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for FlexPath.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
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, 2021–2022
“With FlexPath, I was able to manage my time, set my own schedule, and lower my stress around getting my bachelor’s.”
*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 Accounting admission requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Business, Accounting 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 Credit for Prior Learning 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.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- High school diploma or equivalent and 45 transferable college credits
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits. Those with a lower GPA and less than 100 applied transfer college credits, may be considered by providing additional documentation for review.
Step Into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our GuidedPath learning format and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of one course, at a 2.8 GPA or higher.
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.
Articles and resources
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What can you do with a BS in Business Accounting degree?
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.
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