Spotlight: Mountain State University: Accounting

Distance Learning

• Associate of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting

“MSU has opened so many doors for me, both personally and in my career. I've increased both my confidence and my income...”- Kevin Mullins, Class of 2006

The field of accounting has never been hotter or easier to get into. Complex financial regulations and global trade have increased the need for skilled individuals in this growing profession. In fact, CNN recently reported that accounting was one of the top five open careers in the U.S.

As niche accounting fields like forensic and environmental accounting attract new talent, colleges and universities can't turn out graduates fast enough to fill open positions. That's why Mountain State University offers online associate and bachelor's degrees in accounting. With the flexibility of online degree programs, students can get the degree they need to join the accounting field without leaving the comfort of their own home.

All About Accounting

Accounting is a challenging career that offers both financial and personal rewards. It's not just about number-crunching; today's accountants must have good communication skills, high ethical standards and excellent problem-solving abilities. All these traits, plus the required mathematical and financial knowledge, can be learned in MSU's online accounting degree programs.

Professionals already working as bookkeepers and tax preparers might choose to earn an accounting degree to advance their knowledge and skills. Federal, state and private-industry financial employees often seek accounting degrees to enhance their career options.

An accounting degree serves as an excellent knowledge base for a variety of business functions manufacturing, purchasing, wholesaling, retailing, marketing and more.

Online Accounting Degrees at Mountain State University

Mountain State's online accounting degrees are intended to qualify students for leadership positions in the business sector.

An associate degree in accounting can prepare you for entry-level assistant careers in bookkeeping or clerking. Many students choose this path to enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Once employed in the field, they return to school (often online) and transfer their associate degree credits into a bachelor's degree program since most professional, career-track accounting positions require at least a BS.

The MSU bachelor's degree prepares graduates for an accounting career on either a basic or a CPA track. The basic track is designed for students who do not plan to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). It's also appropriate for students who plan to complete additional credit hours in a related master's degree program. While CPA exam requirements vary by state, Mountain State's CPA track meets most state requirements (check your state's requirements to be sure). Students can meet additional state CPA requirements with our Independent Study option.

Careers in Accounting

A BS in accounting offers several different career opportunities. Some of the most popular are:

• Industrial or Managerial Accounting. In this sector, you'll provide a range of financial and administrative accounting services to a for-profit company. Working as part of a team, you'll examine and interpret financial information to help make strategic managerial decisions.
• Not-for-Profit Accounting. Many accountants choose to follow their passion and work with nonprofit companies, advocacy organizations or the government. These professionals put their talents to work for a vast array of organizations; typical duties include overseeing payroll and reviewing regulatory reports, grant disbursement requirements and tax returns to ensure compliance.
• Public Accounting. If you complete additional coursework and pass the CPA exam, you may work for a public accounting firm, or even go into business on your own. This enables you to serve individuals rather than organizations.

MSU grads work in private industry as well as public and governmental accounting. Job growth for accountants is expected to increase faster than average as the effects of the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act (stricter financial regulations for companies) continue to ripple through every industry. The globalization of many businesses also increases demand for accountants, especially those trained in international regulations.

Why Choose Mountain State University?

Founded in West Virginia in 1933, MSU has a history of embracing innovation in education. Today, its online programs are no exception. Specially designed to meet the needs of working adults, they offer students the opportunity to earn their degrees without disrupting their personal or professional lives.

Mountain State's online courses last eight weeks each. Most students take two courses at a time. This convenient online platform enables you to communicate with your professors and classmates, access course information, and submit assignments from the comfort and privacy of your own home. The program has no on-campus residency requirement.

A Quality Career Education

"As we teach the value of lifelong growth and of facing new challenges, we are continually working to create a university that holds to the same principles," says Mountain State University President Charles Polk. "Along the way, the achievements of our students and graduates remain our greatest source of inspiration."

The largest private university in West Virginia, MSU is committed to fostering lifelong learning among its students, faculty, staff and alumni. Its supportive, engaging learning environment promotes classmate cooperation, academic exploration, and analytical and communicative skills among its students. With highly qualified and dedicated instructors and staff supporting them, MSU students are free to explore their passions and prepare for the careers they dream of.

MSU's mission is to provide accessible, affordable career education of the highest quality to students in West Virginia and beyond. With a close-knit campus community and the latest technology supporting online learning, MSU students are prepared for success in the global marketplace.

Admissions

Mountain State University requires a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) equivalency for enrollment. Students transferring from other regionally accredited institutions must provide official transcripts from each school attended. MSU welcomes international students; the coordinator for international student services handles their admission process.

Financial Aid

Mountain State is one of the most affordable regionally accredited online colleges in the U.S. Even so, as a full-time student, you will be eligible to apply for federal, state and private loans and scholarships. MSU accepts employer tuition assistance and military benefits. More than two-thirds of our 2007-08 undergraduate students received some form of financial aid.

Mountain State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.