Which Schools Offer Accounting Degree Programs in Alabama?

Learn about which schools in Alabama offer accounting degree programs. Find out about program requirements, prerequisites and school information, and learn about the job outlook for a career in the accounting profession in Alabama. Schools offering Accounting degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Important Information on a Career in Accounting in Alabama

Although you need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a similar field to find employment in this profession, you can get basic knowledge in the subject through a number of different degree programs, from the associate's degree level to the master's degree level. Fortunately, there are a host of colleges and universities within Alabama that will provide you with the training required to find an entry-level job and/or to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Most states require aspiring accountants to pass the CPA exam before they can do such tasks as prepare tax returns, audit financial records and dispense financial advice.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more stringent regulatory laws, the globalized business environment and stricter lending standards will increase the demand for qualified accountants nationwide from 2010-2020. In 2011, the mean annual salary for accountants and auditors employed in Mobile was about $57,000, significantly lower than the national average of approximately $70,000.

Associate's Degree Programs in Accounting in Alabama

Jefferson State Community College

  • Program Name: Associate in Applied Science-Accounting
  • Program Length: Two years
  • Tuition: $138 per credit hour for in-state students; $245 per credit hour for out-of-state students (costs as of summer 2012)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent; completion of certificate program in accounting
  • Requirements: Application; primary form of documentation or two secondary documentation forms
  • School Type: 2-year, public; 9,688 students (all undergraduates)
  • Address: 2601 Carson Rd., Birmingham, AL 35215-3098
  • Phone: 205-853-1200

As a condition of admission to Jefferson State's associate's degree program in accounting, you must first complete the school's certificate program in accountancy, which comprises a series of introductory courses in the field that cover a variety of areas. These may include payroll accounting, computerized accounting and basic accounting procedures. Once admitted to the degree program, you'll elect to concentrate your studies in either the general accounting option or the computerized accounting option. While the former option concentrates subjects relevant to financial, managerial, legal and business aspects of accounting, the latter option emphasizes the digital aspects of accounting, such as microcomputer accounting, e-commerce and Web development.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in Accounting in Alabama

Spring Hill College

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting
  • Program Length: Four years
  • Tuition: $28,060 per year (costs as of 2011-2012)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma; minimum 16 high school units (12 academic units); four units of English; two units of math; two units of natural science; two units of social science
  • Requirements: Application and application fee; official high school transcripts; official SAT/ACT scores; high school counselor evaluation; personal essay
  • School Type: 4-year, private; 1,383 undergraduate students; 218 graduate students
  • Address: 400 Dauphin St., Mobile, Alabama 36608
  • Phone: 251-380-4000

Although Spring Hill's accounting program is administered through the college's business department, its faculty espouses the importance of liberal arts and ethics to your educational development. Consequently, a significant portion of your undergraduate coursework will encompass core areas such as philosophy, theology, history, English and social science. The accounting foundation of your curriculum will emphasize leadership development in management positions. Some of your course topics may include economics, cost analysis, business statistics and auditing. It should be noted that this program will not give you a sufficient number of hours to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. In order to prepare for that exam, you'll need to pursue an additional 150-hour degree program.

University of Alabama

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting
  • Program Length: Four years
  • Tuition: $4,600 per year for in-state students; $11,475 per year for out-of-state students (costs as of 2012-2013)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent; minimum four units of English; three units of math; three units of natural science; four units of social science; one unit of foreign language; five additional academic units; minimum 2.5 GPA for all lower division coursework completed
  • Requirements: Official ACT/SAT scores; application and application fee; high school transcripts
  • School Type: 4-year, public; 24,882 undergraduate students; 5,245 graduate students
  • Address: 739 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0166
  • Phone: 205-348-6010

As a student in Alabama's bachelor's degree program in accounting, you'll have the option of concentrating some of your coursework within an accounting specialization, which includes courses in non-profit and business taxation. In addition to general education courses in disciplines such as economics, calculus and statistics, you'll be required to take advanced courses in areas particular to accounting, including financial reporting, corporate governance and risk assessment.

Master's Degree Programs in Accounting in Alabama

University of Alabama

  • Program Name: Master of Accountancy
  • Program Length: One year
  • Tuition: $4,300 per semester (based on 9-15 credit hours) for in-state students; $10,950 per semester (based on 9-15 credit hours) for out-of-state students (costs as of 2011-2012)
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent field; 3.0 cumulative GPA, 3.0 GPA in last 60 credit hours of undergraduate degree program or 3.0 cumulative GPA in prior graduate degree program; minimum score of 500 on Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT); completion of undergraduate courses in areas such as cost analysis, basic taxation, corporate governance and financial reporting.
  • Requirements: Application and application fee; statement of purpose; three letters of recommendation; official transcripts from all prior colleges/universities attended; official GMAT scores
  • School Type: 4-year, public; 24,882 undergraduate students; 5,245 graduate students
  • Address: 739 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0166
  • Phone: 205-348-6010

Alabama's master's degree program in accounting is designed for students who have completed the pre-professional accounting program as undergraduates and seek more in-depth professional training. This program may prepare you to enter a range of careers in various sectors, such as government, finance, nonprofit and business. While the master's degree curriculum in accounting is very similar to the undergraduate curriculum, the master's courses are more advanced. In addition to coursework, you may have the opportunity to participate in various internships that the school's career center may set you up with.

University of Mobile

  • Program Name: Integrated Bachelor of Science in Accounting/Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program
  • Program Length: Five years
  • Tuition: $478 per credit hour (costs as of 2012-2013)
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in any discipline; minimum 2.75 GPA from graduating college/university; minimum GMAT score of 400; minimum grade of 'C' on all course prerequisites
  • Requirements: Application and application fee; official college transcripts; official GMAT scores
  • School Type: 4-year, private; 1,480 undergraduate students; 193 graduate students
  • Address: 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613
  • Phone: 251-675-5990

The University of Mobile's integrated accounting and MBA program is a 5-year program that you may consider if you're seeking to major in accounting as an undergraduate and, upon graduating, immediately enroll in a graduate program that will provide you with enough hours to sit for the CPA exam. The program consists of 113 hours of undergraduate credit hours and 40 graduate credit hours in the school's MBA program. Throughout your five years, you'll explore a number of areas within accounting and business, such as information systems, business policy, managerial ethics and financial management. In order to earn your MBA degree, you'll be required to pass a comprehensive examination.

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

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