Overview of Associate Degree Program in Accounting
Majors Overview May 8, 2013Students who are enrolled in an associate degree program in accounting may earn the following degrees: Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), or Associate of Arts (A.A.). Each of these degrees will prepare students for entry-level accounting positions, introduce students to fundamental accounting concepts, and allow students to easily transfer to a bachelor degree program in finance, business, and accounting.
Associate Degree Program in Accounting
Students will become adept at handling financial accounts for individuals, small firms, government agencies or large corporate firms by enrolling in an associate degree program in accounting. They are also instructed in setting up financial accounts, preparing taxes and giving financial advice. After they graduate, students will become familiar with handling accounting procedures such as accounting information systems, managerial accounting, tax preparation and cost accounting. Admission criteria usually require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Typically, students take courses directly related to business and accounting, as well as other basic educational courses. The program course topics may include the following:
•Managerial accounting
•Forensic accounting
•Auditing
•Business ethics
•Cost accounting
•Information technology
•Professional speaking
•Macroeconomics
Career Options
Students who have earned their associate degree in accounting will be prepared for entry-level accounting or business positions. Students may find work with non-profit and for-profit businesses or government agencies. Possible careers might include business-related jobs or accounting-specific jobs. Individuals may obtain the follow job titles:
•Collections worker
•Accounting technician
•Bookkeeper
Continuing Education
An individual who graduates from an associate degree program in accounting can choose to continue his or her education through a bachelor’s degree program in business or accounting, including enrollment in a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, or Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Typically, additional education, up through the master degree level, will prepare students for management positions within an organization or become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Usually, certified professionals are preferred by employers. Certification for accountants may include the Certified Management Accountant credentials from the Institute of Management Accountants, or additional Certified Public Accountant credentials through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant, such as Certified Information Technology Professional or the Personal Financial Specialist credential.
