AS in Accounting from Post University

Degree Description: Students in the associate degree program in accounting will learn all about basic accounting concepts in courses that cover subject areas such as finance, economics, marketing, information technology, and related fields. In addition, students take courses to meet general education requirements, such as Composition and Comparative Government. Some of the core degree courses include Business Law, Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, and Principles of Management. These courses are offered in pairs across accelerated six week modules, which will allow associate degree students to complete the program in one to two years, depending on how often they enroll. The program will cost students $475 per credit hour, but those who qualify for financial assistance will be able to keep their costs down. The program will prepare students to enter the job search as qualified clerks or to continue on to earn a bachelor’s in accounting so they can then become certified accountants if they choose.

Degree Outlook: With an associate degree in accounting, students are qualified to work in bookkeeping, accounting, and as auditing clerks and assist accountants in managing their firms. Clerks should be detail-oriented, communicative, and trustworthy, as well as skilled in math, all qualities that an associate degree in accounting will help graduates develop. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clerks held about 2.1 million jobs in 2008, and new opportunities for the career should increase by 10 percent through 2018, a projected addition of 212,400 jobs. Clerks made a median annual salary of $32,510 in 2008. If a graduate considers going back to school, however, he or she could increase that earning potential. With a bachelor’s degree and proper certification, graduates can work as accountants, who made a median annual salary of 59,430 in 2008. Employment prospects for accountants are good for the next eight years, as the Bureau expects opportunities to increase by 22 percent through 2018, an addition of 279,400 jobs.