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.

Aligned to industry standards

We partner with employers and the Capella School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration Advisory Board (SoBTH) to design programs that align to industry standards.

Two flexible online learning formats

To meet the needs of your busy life, we offer two 100% competency-based online learning formats – GuidedPath and FlexPath. Is FlexPath right for you?

Target your studies

Learn how to implement accounting systems and strategies, interpret and communicate financial data and maintain strong ethical standards in the field.

Classes start June 6

Use the code SPRING 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 18 months and under $18,000.*

*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.

Is FlexPath right for you?

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

View all courses

Show course with description

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.

FLEXPATH
GUIDEDPATH

A self-paced learning format that puts you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.

Learn more about FlexPath »

Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you want in 12 weeks
2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
Pay a flat tuition fee per session^*

$15,000–$25,000^* ACCELERATED PACE–TYPICAL PACE

$2,500 per 12-week billing session, 90 total program points, 68 max transfer points

Learning outcomes »

View all tuition and fees »

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

Learn more about GuidedPath »

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

Learning outcomes »

View all tuition and fees »

*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing. Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) the speed at which you move through the program. Fees, including application fees and resource kits, are not included in this estimate. The GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. The FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and you moved at the speed of a typical FlexPath student or as quickly as the fastest FlexPath students (75th percentile). New or recently revised programs base their estimate on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is not available for FlexPath.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

83% of alumni believe they completed their degree at a lower cost with FlexPath.*

Apply now

*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2020–2021

“With FlexPath, I was able to manage my time, set my own schedule, and lower my stress around getting my bachelor’s.”

Gloria Taylor* – BS Business, FlexPath

*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.

$15K toward your bachelor’s degree

Apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree.

Transfer credits

Capella lets you transfer previous college credit to cover up to 75% of your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money.

Gen ed courses included

Capella students have a great way to complete gen ed requirements with access to ACE-recommended courses from our affiliate, Sophia Learning.

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 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.

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, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if 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.

Faculty

Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields.

Enrollment counselors

Our enrollment counselors will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program and answer all your questions about Capella. They can also help you with the admissions process.

Academic coaches

Once you enroll, these specialists can help tailor a program to your goals and experiences and help you stay on track to meet program requirements.

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.