Online Degrees & Certificates

AA in Accounting

Program Description

Accounting is the language of business. Accountants measure business activities, process that data into reports, and communicate the results to decision-makers. The accounting curriculum focuses on preparing students to transfer to four-year institutions, sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, and seek employment. Areas of study include accounting for decision-making, accounting for internal and external use, financial statement analysis, review of financial accounting standards, payroll and business taxes, individual and advanced taxation, computerized accounting software, auditing, forensic accounting, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, and ethics in accounting.

Learn more about the program on the Accounting website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to explain accounting terminology, concepts, principles, and frameworks.

Students will be able to perform accounting-related calculations and demonstrate the ability to use methods and/or procedures to solve accounting problems.

Career Opportunities

Accounting programs prepare students for work as accountants, examining and preparing financial records for private industry, government agencies, individuals, and non-profit entities. General accountants use computers to record transactions, such as receivables, payables, payroll, and property into a general ledger. Corporate accountants set up and design accounting systems, procedures, and risk management programs, and analyze and evaluate financial records for businesses. Their duties include ensuring legal compliance, interpreting financial information, and preparing reports for business executives and government regulatory agencies. Advancement includes opportunities as a senior accountant, controller, treasurer, and chief financial officer. Certified Public Accountants and Certified Management Accountants are those who have attained professional certification by the state.

Award Type(s)

AA = Associate in Arts Degree

Units Required

Major: 53

Additional Information

All accounting courses satisfy the unit requirement set by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA). Students are advised to reach out to the CBA for any updates or changes related to the coursework. The accounting courses may not be challenged. Work experience does not replace courses.

Online Courses for Accounting

The courses listed BELOW are offered as online courses at least once every two years. Please see the Class Schedule for verification.

• For a complete listing of online courses offered during the current quarter, visit Online Course Information.
• If you need any additional degree information or confirmation, please contact the Counseling Division.

NOTE: Students having difficulty attaining an associate degree because of timing or availability of classes should consult with a counselor to submit a petition for course substitution.

Associate Degree Requirements

A minimum of 90 units is required * to include:

Completion of one of the following general education patterns: Foothill General Education, CSU General Education Breadth Requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)

Core courses (43 units)

Support courses (10 units)

* Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.

Note: All courses pertaining to the major must be taken for a letter grade. In addition, a grade of "C" or better is required for all core and support courses used for the degree or certificates.

Core and Support Courses

Core Courses

Support Courses (10 units)

Select 10 units from the following:

For a list of on-campus courses that satisfy degree requirements,  please visit Accounting 2024-2025 Degrees & Certificates.

Based on the 2024 - 2025 degree program.