Accounting Online Degree

Modern education has become diversified, with many variations and specializations on each and every field of work, available in various universities, colleges and training institutions all over the world today. Prospective students have a variety of options when it comes to picking courses and the institutions which offer them, however, the opportunity cost of education, especially for working students and those who support families, is high. Education is expensive and time consuming and students must spend additional money for accommodation and transportation (to commute to and from lectures and study sessions), as well as the time required to be spent in going to and attending classes and lectures. Distance learning, or e-learning, is the answer to all of these problems and offers students a viable alternative to traditional classroom based study.

Overview

Prospective students can now choose online and blended courses (where a small percentage of the coursework and assessments are completed in face-to-face environments while the majority are completed online) in order to schedule and balance educational activities with their work and family / social schedules. Students can now learn at any level (from certifications and training courses to associates, Bachelors, Masters or PhD degrees) completely online and from the comfort of their own homes – at whichever timings best suiting their schedules. Learners can choose from a variety of online schools which offer distance learning programs for students anywhere in the world and manage to gain certifications and complete online degree courses while their normal lives remain largely unaffected. E-learning degrees and certificates are just the same as traditional ones, allow you to work on your own schedule and help you save the time for your work and family or friends and also help you save on the cost of commuting and renting accommodation.

Modern Trends in E-Learning

Some of the latest trends in e-learning are carrying the distance learning trend into the new age of education. Students are likely to encounter most of these in any online course they pick, and they are designed to make learning as student-friendly as can be.

Mobile technologies

Mobile technologies will integrate learning solutions in the near future. This means that software and components for mobile phones will allow students to attend live-classrooms and access resource material for their studies using PDF’s and cellular phones. This will aide students, especially those who work-on-the-move or live in rural areas, to connect to e-classrooms and libraries using their GSM-WAP phone services.

Simulation based learning

Software solutions like Flash etc make it easy to ‘podcast’ simulations over the internet to show processes and techniques to students as audiovisual demonstrations – which are beneficial to the learning process and which had previously been a part of traditional classroom learning only.

Adaptive learning environments

Adaptive learning environments are those which can be used to customize and ‘individualize’ the learning experience of student in accordance with their own preferences and styles of study. These electronic systems gain knowledge of a student’s learning behavior, weaknesses and strengths and take in account the students personal preferences (relating to learning methods, time and resource requirements) and configure and reconfigure the learning system to make the learning experience easy and effective for a particular student.

References:

Wikipedia (research)
TRENDS IN E-LEARNING – PDF (research); www[dot]codewitz[dot]net/papers/MMT_106-111_Trends_in_E-Learning.pdf
www[dot]linezine[dot]com/2.1/features/ewette.htm

Resource Area:

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Distance Learning Education has created a strong place in providing education solution to fit individual’s need. The endless options and degree types ranging from diplomas & certificates to associate, bachelors, masters, doctorate degree programs offered by distance education providers give a much needed break to anyone who is willing to pursue education. We created a list some of the best International Universities offering distance learning degrees. Choose your online college wisely after checking programs, courses offered & accreditation of these institutes. Feel free to share other online college that you think are missing from this list.

Atlantic International University (AIU)

Atlantic International University online distance learning degree programs are for adult learners at the bachelor’s, masters and doctoral level. You will find a wide range of majors and areas of study that are affordable and allow you to finish college, earn a degree and advance in your career.

Bircham International University (BIU)

Offers distance learning degree programs at professional, undergraduate and graduate levels. At Bircham International University distance learning degree programs, they are committed to fulfilling the needs of the adult professional by offering a variety of distance learning degrees at the bachelor’s (B.B.A., B.S., B.A), Masters (M.B.A., M.S., M.A), Doctorate (Ph.D.) and professional diplomas through a full distance learning program.

Florida International University (FIU) – School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

At Florida International University distance learning, has one of the highest rated hospitality and tourism programs in the United States. Producing over 1400 graduate students each year, from the United States and around the world; Florida International University offers Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Management, Master of Science in Hospitality Management and Executive Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree programs as well as certificates programs in various hospitality, hotel, restaurant, travel and tourism specializations.

Jones International University (JIU) – Online MBA Program

Jones International University distance learning Master of Business Administration degree programs are specifically designed for working professionals who want to meet their academy and professional goals by offering MBA degree specializationsin: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Enterprise Management, Health Care Management, Information Security Management, Information Technology Management, Negotiation and Conflict Management and Project Management.

University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool is internationally recognized for excellence in teaching, research and innovation. It is one of the most highly respected higher education institutions in the UK and its graduates occupy senior positions in industry, commerce and culture around the world.

Phoenix International University (PIU)

Online degree programs offered by Phoenix International University are giving working adults the opportunity to obtain a higher education and training on an international basis through qualifications and programs with a focus on both academic and professional needs.

Virtual Global University (VIU)

Pursue an International Master of Business Informatics (MBI) degree online at Virtual Global University. The MBI program is accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA)

How do I know if the International University is Credible and Legitimate?

It is important to seek out a distance learning international university that has its’ accreditation from a reputable organization. Look for institutions that have been accredited and that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

How do I Find the Right Online School for Me?

There are some attributes you should look for when choosing a distance learning international university, such as academic programs, school’s accreditation status, financial aid benefits and other international benefits offered. It is best to do an extensive research so that you can make a well informed decision that will be best for you.

There are many common misconceptions about online education. One of these misconceptions is that its only purpose is to supplement a brick-and-mortar education. However, online education, or distance learning, is becoming an increasingly popular way to complete an entire degree. More people are turning to distance learning to complete associates, bachelors and masters degrees.

Associate’s Degrees

Pursuing an associate’s degree online is a great way to fit your academic life into your everyday life. With the convenience of being able to sit at home and learn whenever your schedule allows, online education is becoming an increasingly popular way to train for a career. Obtaining a distance learning associate’s degree is a relatively simply process. There are hundreds of colleges that offer entire programs of study through distance learning. These schools can either be schools with physical campuses or completely virtual. Depending on how far you want to take your education, you may want to choose a school that offers the possibility continuing on after receiving your associate’s degree. If not, choose a school that offers job placement services after you have completed your courses. An Associate’s degree will only be valid and applicable in certain industries, but there are many programs to choose from. Some distance learning associate’s degrees include studies in criminal justice, liberal arts, accounting, nursing, paralegal, interior design, engineering and computer technologies. While many of these degrees do not require work in the field, like an internship, before the degree can be completed, some do. Certain areas of study may require that you find a place to work and be observed in an environment where your skills can be assessed. Depending on what you are interested in, chances are there is a degree program that will fit your interests.

Bachelor’s Degrees

There was a time when obtaining a bachelors degree was almost impossible for some people because of the financial and time commitments. Now, with distance learning, you can even work towards a bachelor’s degree from the comfort of your own home. A distance learning bachelor’s degree is just as valid as a bachelor’s degree from a traditional college. Obtaining a bachelors degree through online education can save you money. Getting a Bachelors degree through distance learning is much more affordable than brick and mortar colleges for several reasons: 1. There are usually no application fees 2. The software you need is often included with your tuition 3. There are no high cost parking fees for campus 4. You will not have to spend any money on gas to get to campus 5. You can continue to work while you earn your degree With any online degree make sure the school you choose is accredited. This means that the classes you take are recognized by national standards of excellence in education and the school is recognized by non-government accreditation agencies located in the United States.

Masters Degrees

If you have been thinking about kicking your career up to the next level then an online masters degree might be something to consider. Like associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees, obtaining a master’s degree through an online school is more convenient and less expensive. With an online master’s degree program you can take your classes from anywhere in the world. All you need to complete a master’s degree through distance learning is a computer and the desire to learn. It used to be that anybody who wanted to pursue their master’s degree had to put their life on hold because of the time they had to dedicate to it. With distance learning programs, you take your classes online, so you can virtually do it from anywhere. Additionally, you will not break the bank getting your master’s degree. Online master’s degree programs are economical for the same reasons online bachelor’s degrees are. By earning your Masters degree through distance learning, you are able to continue working full time. No more taking out thousands of dollars in loans to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. Getting your Masters degree through a distance learning program has never been easier. The scope of distance learning is expanding every day and revolutionizing the way that people engage in higher education. Online classes are no longer just a way to brush up on skills or learn new material; they are a way to earn a legitimate degree.

Have you ever wished to continue your studies or start over with something new? You probably lack the necessary time for this. However, you still wish to learn, it is only natural for a man to desire to improve his skills. Did you know that you could study at online courses? You can get valid diplomas for almost any kind of studies or masters. You can just sit at your office, on the beach, on a house in the mountains while studying any kind of concepts. Until now, you had to leave your home to far away locations where the universities have their buildings and teachers. Nowadays you can do that right from your home. Distance is relative and you can take advantage of that.

You no longer have to go to school on a regular basis, pay huge tuitions for learning and living near the faculty. You need to have an e-mail account and a soft such as Outlook and Thunderbird for receiving the lessons and start right away to assimilate the information. In case you are erasing them by mistake, you can ask for the course again. The lessons can be read, saved on a dvd, cd, transferred and so on. You have complete freedom on how to learn the material. As long as you learn it their will be no problem.

Online degrees have become some regular. Most of the universities in the world saw their potential and strive to offer attractive offers. It has been argued that online learning has become more efficient them classic learning. The student has the advantage of anonymity and spontaneity. There are many people who concentrate better in their own environment and feel out of place in a large community, which may prevent them from expressing themselves. These students do not have to deal with the rigid climate of the classroom, moody teachers, class hours, stressful exams. All of this is replaced with another type of studying: when you are comfortable, when you have the time, at your chosen hours, online exams. There are much more advantages that remain to be discovered.

When you start learning online, you should know that the entire year is divided into modules. Each module is composed by several lessons. You will be receiving each lesson by email at a certain interval. You will have sufficient time to learn it and apply it in practice. At the end of the course, it will be an online exam where you will test your knowledge in that field of activity. The result is in points.

When you graduate, you are given a diploma of attending and graduating the course. The diploma is the proof that you have passed the exam and you have sufficient knowledge in that field to participate in any job contest in that field of activity.

The value on which e learning is founded on is student and autonomy. These two words are the main elements of the XXI century that make up learning in these modern times. The student learns at his own pace and has an intrinsic motivation in acquiring the information. This type of motivation is the most important. Once a student decides to learn something not forced by exterior motifs but by his own free will, he will have great results. On the other hand, if a person does not have the necessary time to go to a classic education facility, but he still sacrifices part of his free time to learn online, we should appreciate his efforts.

With the ability to keep working, take care of a family, and receive a quality education without relocating, distance learning degrees have continued to increase in popularity. Unfortunately, the Internet also provides a venue for bogus diploma mills sprouting up to make money on the sale of fake degrees. In a report published in 2003, USA Today says 400 such businesses are currently in operation, and the numbers are increasing as these dubious businesses continue to make approximately $500 million annually.

However, despite all the unpleasant information going around about distance learning degrees, the fact is there are plenty of legitimate universities and colleges offering online degree programs. These colleges are legitimate and not involved in any way in offering dubious and fake diplomas. Instead, these colleges are going the extra mile to provide quality education online by taking advantage of all available instructional resources such as quality instructional design coupled with video lectures, online digital libraries and proctored exams to ensure their students get quality education and a valid, qualified diploma. Unfortunately, numerous employers have not yet been sold into this alternative way of acquiring education, thus they still regard such degrees as invalid or dubious.

In an effort to change the negative perception, the U.S. National Education Board has established 6 accreditation agencies to evaluate and provide accreditation to the higher learning institutions meeting the minimum criteria for a quality education, thus differentiating between the bogus degree programs. For example, the Distance education and training council provides accreditation for those institutes solely dedicated to online degree programs.  The agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Other distinguished specialized accreditation agencies exists that are designed to accredit specific course programs. Programs that meet the set standards of excellence are given accreditation by these specialized accredit ting agencies based on area of specialization. A good example of such an accrediting agency is International Association for Management Education (AACSB) which accredits accounting related programs. Also American Health Information Management Association is tasked with accrediting health programs in different colleges. It is worthy to note that all these accreditation agencies have to be recognized by CHEA for them to be considered as legit agencies.

Why should a student be concerned about an educational institutions accreditation?  Basically, it is to ensure everyone is receiving the same quality education, whether they are attending classes on campus or seeking distance learning degrees.  Before granting accreditation for online degree programs, an agency assesses whether the basic requirements for support, education, and learning facilities are in place.  In addition, specialized programs must submit curriculum to be evaluated, based upon the pre-determined standards of the specialty, regardless of the college or university.

Accreditation assures employers, parents and students that a respective college awarding degrees has undergone and passed a stringent test of excellence in offering quality education in the respective areas of training. On the other hand, diploma mills and fake colleges don’t meet the same standards of education imposed by the agencies since they don’t possess any legitimate accreditation. Thus courses taken by prospective employees that are accredited by the respective agencies would have met standards imposed on the respective specialized areas.

In the end, it is totally up to potential employers to decide whether to hire an individual with a distance learning degree.  With skepticism influenced by all the bogus diploma mills, no wonder they are being more cautious.  Therefore, if the accreditation is supplied by a trusted and recognized source, the application for a job is less likely to be set aside. Instead, it has a better chance to be found in the stack for a second interview or final selection for a job position.

With the ability to keep working, take care of a family, and receive a quality education without relocating, distance learning degrees have continued to increase in popularity. Unfortunately, the Internet also provides a venue for bogus diploma mills sprouting up to make money on the sale of fake degrees. In a report published in 2003, USA Today says 400 such businesses are currently in operation, and the numbers are increasing as these dubious businesses continue to make approximately $500 million annually.

However, despite all the unpleasant information going around about distance learning degrees, the fact is there are plenty of legitimate universities and colleges offering online degree programs. These colleges are legitimate and not involved in any way in offering dubious and fake diplomas. Instead, these colleges are going the extra mile to provide quality education online by taking advantage of all available instructional resources such as quality instructional design coupled with video lectures, online digital libraries and proctored exams to ensure their students get quality education and a valid, qualified diploma. Unfortunately, numerous employers have not yet been sold into this alternative way of acquiring education, thus they still regard such degrees as invalid or dubious.

To avert the confusion, 6 accrediting agencies were set up by the National Education Board of the U.S government with the role of providing accreditation to colleges and universities who meet a set educational standard. This ultimately differentiates the legitimate colleges from the fake ones. Students enrolling in these accredited colleges can rest assured they are receiving quality and qualified education. Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) is an additional accrediting body which solely exists for the purpose of providing accreditation to colleges that offer distance learning degrees. DETC is a legit body that falls under the umbrella of the US Department of Education and CHEA.

In addition, specific programs in specialized areas can obtain accreditation through the agencies associated with the subject matter.  For example, the American Health Information Management Association provides accreditation for qualifying health programs; accounting programs are assessed by the International Association for Management Education. However, it only counts if the agencies are endorsed by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Why does accreditation matter to a student?  A college accreditation agency evaluates the different aspects of colleges or universities against minimum standard criteria to determine if the particular institution meets set basic requirements that determine the quality of education it should offer.  College accreditation is important to ensure that the quality of education, facilities in a college and support given by that college meets certain standards while specialized accreditation checks the excellence of specific programs regardless of the institution offering that program. Likewise it means specialized accreditation check on course content and the curriculum of the program against pre-determined standards of the distance learning college or university.

Accreditation assures employers, parents and students that a respective college awarding degrees has undergone and passed a stringent test of excellence in offering quality education in the respective areas of training. On the other hand, diploma mills and fake colleges don’t meet the same standards of education imposed by the agencies since they don’t possess any legitimate accreditation. Thus courses taken by prospective employees that are accredited by the respective agencies would have met standards imposed on the respective specialized areas.

Nevertheless, in the end, it all comes down to the discretion of the employer.  He or she must decide whether potential employees have satisfactorily completed an online degree program.  Hopefully, with accreditation through a well recognized agency, the confusion can be eliminated, and a valid resume will make it to the short list of excellent candidates with their distance learning degrees as an impressive symbol of fortitude and dedication to personal achievement.

With the technological expansion of the Internet, distance learning degrees have become increasingly popular.  With great support facilities and the convenience of online degree programs, parents and workers can still have a family and a job while receiving an education.  Unfortunately, the Internet has also provided an avenue for individuals making money by selling bogus degrees over the Internet.  In a 2003 report by USA Today, 400 diploma mills are already in operation, with the shameful industry already worth $500 million per year, and the numbers are still rising.

However, despite all the unpleasant information going around about distance learning degrees, the fact is there are plenty of legitimate universities and colleges offering online degree programs. These colleges are legitimate and not involved in any way in offering dubious and fake diplomas. Instead, these colleges are going the extra mile to provide quality education online by taking advantage of all available instructional resources such as quality instructional design coupled with video lectures, online digital libraries and proctored exams to ensure their students get quality education and a valid, qualified diploma. Unfortunately, numerous employers have not yet been sold into this alternative way of acquiring education, thus they still regard such degrees as invalid or dubious.

In an effort to change the negative perception, the U.S. National Education Board has established 6 accreditation agencies to evaluate and provide accreditation to the higher learning institutions meeting the minimum criteria for a quality education, thus differentiating between the bogus degree programs. For example, the Distance education and training council provides accreditation for those institutes solely dedicated to online degree programs.  The agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Other distinguished specialized accreditation agencies exists that are designed to accredit specific course programs. Programs that meet the set standards of excellence are given accreditation by these specialized accredit ting agencies based on area of specialization. A good example of such an accrediting agency is International Association for Management Education (AACSB) which accredits accounting related programs. Also American Health Information Management Association is tasked with accrediting health programs in different colleges. It is worthy to note that all these accreditation agencies have to be recognized by CHEA for them to be considered as legit agencies.

So, to verify the educational quality of any institution, students, parents, and potential employers should be concerned about accreditation status.  If any college or university has that coveted seal of approval, it means distance learning degrees have met the same basic standards of excellence with the support and facilities necessary to adequately offer online degree programs.  Conversely, specialized accreditation concentrates on evaluating the course curriculum based upon the established standards of the university or college.

Accreditation assures employers, parents and students that a respective college awarding degrees has undergone and passed a stringent test of excellence in offering quality education in the respective areas of training. On the other hand, diploma mills and fake colleges don’t meet the same standards of education imposed by the agencies since they don’t possess any legitimate accreditation. Thus courses taken by prospective employees that are accredited by the respective agencies would have met standards imposed on the respective specialized areas.

Nevertheless, in the end, it all comes down to the discretion of the employer.  He or she must decide whether potential employees have satisfactorily completed an online degree program.  Hopefully, with accreditation through a well recognized agency, the confusion can be eliminated, and a valid resume will make it to the short list of excellent candidates with their distance learning degrees as an impressive symbol of fortitude and dedication to personal achievement.

Who can submit to be a student for an online education institution?

This type of courses is ideal for those who have a job or for the persons who have to travel a lot. Anyone is welcomed to join. In order for a person to finish an online course and get his degree he will have to be motivated and capable to work both independently and as a part of a team using online e-mail or live chat on the internet. Usually the minimum age for apply for an online degree is 14. Some online courses ask for proof that you already have a minimal education such as high school or faculty.

What are the requirements for entering such a course in order to get a degree?

In order to access the e-learning system you need a personal computer and a connection to the internet. You also need an active e-mail account. The e-mail will be used for receiving messages from classmates, trainers, teachers and the technical department of the site was you register for online learning. You have to know to use Microsoft word, Notepad. This will come in handy when you write notes for the courses and for doing your homework. There are some courses in PDF format that is why you need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your personal computer.

How do I register on the site of an e-learning company?

The first step is the creation of an access account on the site. This is casual for anybody. Once you are registered as a user on the site, you can browse the offer. You can pick which course is best suited for you. Next, you will have to complete an admission form. Here you will fill a lot of information regarding your identity; this will appear on your degree after you finish the course. It is best to pay attention from the start in order not to make any modification later. The degree will be handed to you with the data you have originally filled in. All the information provided by you is considered confidential and will not be used in other purposes.

What happens if I decide to abandon a course?

You can abandon a course whenever you decide to do so. You can renounce it all together all you can just pick another course to follow. It is your choice and you take the proper measures for assuring your educational future. If you decide to renounce from one course this will not trigger the deletion of your account. Once you abandon a course, you can loose the lessons to which you have already participated. Another consequence is that you will be taken out from the study group of which you were part.

What if I am suspended from attending a course?

You can be banned from participating at a certain course if you do not obey the rules in the contract. Other reasons may be: one of the trainers or teachers has demanded your elimination from the course, you may have pressed the button abandon by mistake, and you have not attended some classes that you should have attended. Usually the suspension from courses has the same results as abandon from courses and you will have to start the course all over from the start.

Evaluation

At the end of the course, you will be given an individual exam for which you will receive a grade. The grade will be visible only by you in your personal account. The test is made out of several questions, which will establish if you have learned the abilities you should have picked up during the online course.

Accounting is pervasive in every field and discipline in the world. It constitutes the backbone of businesses and world economies. Those who are disciplined, proactive self-starters, committed and good with numbers can find excellent career avenues in accounting. Accountants take care of financial accounting and auditing of individuals and businesses like maintenance of books, payroll, and tax compliance and filing returns.

There are a host of programs offered by institutions to prepare students for careers in accounting. These programs are offered through campus and online modes making it convenient for working staff to balance work and study commitments. Programs span Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Professional certifications like Certified Public Accountant [CPA] are also available accrediting individuals on their proficiency.

The programs usually cover auditing, taxation, cost accounting, economics, law, finance, management and quantitative methods. Courses focus on data, analysis and interpretation for purposes of problem solving and decision making. Course ware discussions and activities involve financial statements, risk assessment and control, tax preparation, managing accounting information systems alongside audits and fraud detection. This field is more about the practical aspects rather than purely theory.

The accounting discipline offers tremendous career opportunities through domestic and global forums enhancing career mobility. New entrants step into entry-level positions before graduating to higher positions based on level of education, specialization and experience garnered. Certifications are crucial for career advancement. Career paths can traverse personal and public accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, professional accounting, auditors, accounting administrators, payroll administrators, computerized accounting specialists, forensic accountants and financial accountants, to name a few. The career that you settle in will largely depend on formal education, specialization, certification and experience. Students can also acquire additional certifications such as CPA and CMA by qualifying in respective exams.

Career outlook is strong for the accounting discipline since no business can effectively function without them. As per Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in Accounting and Computer Technicians fields is projected at 18% and 37%, faster than average of all occupations, through 2016. Salaries vary but are generally attractive. As per a salary survey conducted by National Association of Colleges in 2006, the average salary offer for Bachelor’s degree holders starting in this field was $46,718. Likewise, it was $49,277 for those holding Master’s degrees.

Accountants can potentially earn salaries between $32,320 and $88,610 as per the U.S. Department of Labor. Average salary of payroll administrators in the USA was $46,940. The levels of salary also depend on responsibilities being handled. CPAs and federal tax examiners enjoy lucrative salaries drawing median incomes of $50,770 and $52,830 respectively in 2004. Forensic accountants on the other hand drew median annual salaries of approximately $50,000 in 2004 with potential to go over $100,000. This is in fact one of the fastest growing professions. Budget analysts also experience lucrative salaries and drew median annual salaries of $56,040 in 2004.

Overall, this is an exciting and lucrative discipline offering excellent career opportunities for potential accountants in different specializations.