University of Minnesota now offers online accounting degree program

Students who wish to receive a degree in accounting but are unable to make the time commitment have a new option. A bachelor of science degree in accounting is now offered online through the University of Minnesota (U of M), Crookston Online. In the fall of 2010 the online school will launch the accounting program.

Offering online courses can allow students to gain a quality education without interfering with their professional or personal lives. The curriculum includes an analytical and theoretical framework that aims to prepare students for the workplace.

"The online accounting degree was creatively crafted with a focus on meeting the expectations of the accounting profession while exposing students to the technologies and economic trends that are reshaping business today," said Sue Brorson, head of the Business Department.

Over the next eight years, job opportunities in accounting are expected to increase much faster than the average for all other occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. New and changing laws may increase the need for accountants, and individuals with special skills, such as certified public accountants (CPAs), may be more likely to find a job.

By Mark Danson