A woman multitasks in an office, holding a phone and calculator while writing, with a laptop and charts on the desk.
A woman sits at a desk, focused on calculating figures with a calculator. She has various graphs and charts in front of her and a laptop open on the desk. She wears a white blouse, and large windows are in the background.

AAS Accounting

Associate of Applied Science

Online or On-Campus

Accounting Associate Degree

Not every professional in the accounting world is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). From payroll clerks to budget analysts, many accounting professionals get their start with entry-level roles. If you’re ready to advance your career, the Associate Degree in Accounting from Bryant & Stratton College is the perfect next step.

Our Accounting Associate Degree helps students develop the skills necessary to meet the growing demand for well-trained accountants. Through comprehensive coursework, students will learn key technical processes and functions needed for roles in areas such as:

  • Auditing
  • Bookkeeping
  • Payroll
  • Budget analysis
  • Tax preparation
  • Financial records management
  • Auditing
Program Duration Icon

16-20 months

Approximate Program Length

Credits Icon

60 credits

Total Credits

Program Duration Icon

March 12

Next Start Date for Online Students

Program Duration Icon

May 07

Next Start Date for On-Campus Students

Apply Now

With this program, you’ll gain a strong foundation for success in a variety of industries, including retail, manufacturing, government, and service sectors, where skilled accountants are always in demand.

Whether you prefer on-campus classes or the flexibility of an Online Accounting Associate Degree, Bryant & Stratton College offers options to fit your lifestyle.

Why Choose an Associate Degree in Accounting

  • Versatile Career Opportunities: Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in accounting firms and beyond, with potential roles in various industries that rely on highly skilled accountants.
  • Pathway to Further Education: This program provides the foundation for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, which is essential for professionals aiming to sit for the CPA exam.
  • Flexible Learning Options: The Online Accounting Associate Degree follows the same outcomes and curriculum as the on-campus program, offering flexibility for working students or those balancing other commitments.

Continue Your Accounting Education

Graduates of the Associate Degree in Accounting can seamlessly transition into the Accounting Bachelor’s Degree program at Bryant & Stratton College. This pathway is ideal for students with long-term goals, such as becoming a CPA, which requires earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Ready to start your journey in the accounting world? Apply today for the Accounting Associate Degree, available both on-campus and online, and gain the skills you need for a successful career in accounting.

Where can you take this program?

Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of on-campus classes, the convenience of online learning, or the flexibility of remote options, our degree programs are tailored to fit your lifestyle. Use our interactive map to explore the various campus locations where this degree program is offered.

Take the Next Step

Online, on-campus, and remote learning options to earn a degree on your schedule.

Start Your Free Application

No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

Program Outcomes

The Associate Degree in Accounting program at Bryant & Stratton College equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in accountancy and related fields. Graduates of this program gain the ability to:

AAS Accounting Icon

Develop Accounting Reports

Prepare comprehensive financial statements and reports for both internal and external users, a critical skill for accounting roles in business schools, corporations, and small businesses.

AAS Accounting Icon

Ethical Decision-Making

Differentiate between ethical and unethical decisions, a cornerstone of professional responsibility in accountancy and business.

AAS Accounting Icon

Financial Analysis

Analyze and interpret financial information to support management in making informed decisions, enhancing their professional experience and ability to contribute to organizational success.

This program’s flexible structure, including online associate degree options, allows students to balance coursework with their personal and professional commitments. With opportunities for transfer credit, students can maximize their educational journey while preparing for advanced accounting courses and career opportunities.

Key Courses

The Accounting Associate Degree program at Bryant & Stratton College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in accountancy, blending core concepts with practical applications. Through a carefully curated selection of accounting courses, students gain the foundational skills needed to prepare financial statements, analyze data, and make ethical decisions in professional settings. These courses are developed to align with the expectations of business schools and employers, ensuring graduates are ready to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Additionally, flexible learning options, such as the online associate degree, make it easier for students to balance their education with other commitments. For those with prior professional experience or completed coursework, transfer credit opportunities may also be available to help streamline the path to graduation.

For a complete list of the courses included in this program, please refer to the Bryant & Stratton College catalog.

Stackable Solutions

Scalable to Your Career Level & Goals

Bryant & Stratton College designs skill-building programs to fit your needs. In addition to online, on-campus, and live remote learning options, our degree offerings are scalable and stackable. Whether seeking to jumpstart your career or advance your education we offer diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degrees to help you achieve your academic and career goals on your schedule.

Blue icon showing a document with text lines and a magnifying glass overlay, indicating search or analysis.

Overview

Cultivate accounting essentials to support interpretation of tax law, financial information and more for organizations.

Program Duration Icon

Program Format

Online/On-Campus

Program Duration

  • 4-Years Full-Time Study
Careers Icon

Possible Careers

Blue icon showing a document with text lines and a magnifying glass overlay, indicating search or analysis.

Overview

Develop expertise in preparing budgets, analyzing financial data and reports, and creating accounting reports.

Program Duration Icon

Program Format

Online/On-Campus

Program Duration

  • 2-Years Full-Time Study

Blue icon showing a document with text lines and a magnifying glass overlay, indicating search or analysis.

Overview

Build key accounting skills for general ledger entries, payroll issues, reconciliations, the accounting cycle & more.

Program Duration Icon

Program Format

Online/On-Campus

Program Duration

  • 1-Year Full-Time Study
  • 2-Years Part-Time Study

Careers

What can you do with an AAS in Accounting?

An Accounting associate degree can prepare you for entry-level finance roles. Use it as a steppingstone to further specialization in the financial industry or to find employment as a bookkeeper or financial assistant. Graduates with an Accounting associate degree may work in professional, scientific and technical services, retail or wholesale trade, or healthcare and social assistance.

Valuable Business Internships

In addition to your classroom experience, we recognize the importance of real-world application. Through our partnership network, students are provided with opportunities to actively apply their learnings within their chosen field.

Accreditation

Bryant & Stratton College is proud to be an accredited institution recognized for its commitment to quality education. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a respected institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This accreditation ensures that all academic programs, including the Accounting Associate Degree, meet rigorous educational standards. Additionally, all campus programs are approved or certified and registered by their respective State Education Departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The typical 2-year accounting degree is an associate-level degree. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer accounting programs at three educational levels: diploma, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree. Our Associate of Applied Science in Accounting can be completed in under two years, providing a potentially quicker way to break into the accounting field with entry-level jobs in bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation and more.

Yes. The accounting industry is filled with job opportunities for qualified professionals. An Associate of Applied Science in Accounting from Bryant & Stratton College can help prepare you for jobs ranging from bookkeeping to budget analysis within accounting firms as well as accounting departments in any industry or government agency.

You can earn your accounting degree online. Due to the flexibility and convenience of such programs, it’s often the learning option of choice for busy working adults. At Bryant & Stratton College, our online accounting degree and diploma programs offer the same industry-relevant coursework, experienced instructors and guiding career services as our campus-based programs.

If you wish to be a staff accountant, the entry-level education required is typically a bachelor’s degree. Pursuing designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requires even more education — at least 150 higher education hours total. However, there are several entry-level accounting career options for those holding an associate degree, including bookkeeping and clerking.

While most accounting degree programs offer a deep dive into accounting principles, the best also provides business essentials as a contextual reference for using your accounting skills — and not always within accounting-specific fields. At Bryant & Stratton College, our programs open the doors to several relevant fields in multiple industries. Your degree could help you pursue a career as a budget analyst, banker, business consultant, financial examiner, fraud specialist, entrepreneur, finance manager and more.

Browse our Business Blogs and Unlock Valuable Insights

Take the Next Step

Online, on-campus, and remote learning options to earn a degree on your schedule.

Start Your Free Application

No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

Visit A Campus

Our campuses provide the education needed to achieve your professional goals. If you’re ready to start your educational and career journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.