Online Associate Degree in Accounting
Associate Degree in Accounting
For many students, the path to finding success begins with an associate degree. If you’re a born number-cruncher, the Associate of Science degree in Accounting from CTU may be a good fit for you.
In this program, you can study the basics of entry-level accounting, the foundations of finance, and their respective places in business. And you can work to prepare to transition either into the workplace or to a bachelor’s degree program in accounting or finance.
Program Overview
An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and increased scrutiny of company finances will spur the job growth of accountants and auditors. Increasingly, accountants also are assuming the role of a personal financial advisor. In response to market demand, these financial specialists will offer more financial management and consulting services as they take on a greater advisory role.
The Associate of Science in Accounting degree program is designed to equip graduates with a variety of basic accounting skills that will be useful in an entry level accounting position. The ASACC program aligns to the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program.
This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date
Courses
Courses: General Education | Credits | |
---|---|---|
ECON210 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 4.5 |
This course addresses the dynamics of how our economy works (or does not work). The course explores the basic institutions, terminology, and theory of the main economic activities of production, distribution, and consumption, especially as they apply to the operation of our national economy. Topics include savings and investment, national output, expenditure and income, real versus potential GDP, aggregate demand and supply, and fiscal and monetary policy. Students explore the impact of the economy on different economic sectors that affect different career paths.
| ||
ECON212 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4.5 |
ENGL104 | Introductory Written Communication | 4.5 |
ENGL105 | Professional Written Communications | 4.5 |
GOVT201 | American Government and Public Affairs | 4.5 |
or | ||
HIST120 | Intro to American History: 1950 to the Present | 4.5 |
MATH102 | Introduction to College Math | 4.5 |
MATH106 | Algebra for Business | 4.5 |
PHIL101 | Introduction to Ethics | 4.5 |
PSYC102 | Introductory Psychology | 4.5 |
SCI101 | Introduction to the Sciences | 4.5 |
SCI103 | Science and Technology- Laboratory Course | 1.5 |
SCI201 | Environmental Science and Sustainability | 4.5 |
SCI203 | Environmental Science and Sustainability - Laboratory Course | 1.5 |
UNIV104 | Academic and Career Success | 4.5 |
or | ||
HUMNELE | Humanities Elective | 4.5 |
Total Credit Hours: | 57 |
Total Credit Hours: 93
Learning Outcomes
ASACC Program Learning Outcomes:
- Apply ethical principles to business decision-making.
- Produce financial statements for businesses according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Employ accounting technology proficiently.
- Compute individual tax forms.
Faculty

Catherine McBride, DBA
Executive Program DirectorDr. Catherine McBride has been at CTU since January 2021, serving as an Executive Program Director for the College of Business and Management. Catherine has been in higher education for 22 years, with 18 years of online education experience across a variety of institutions in varying capacities but always serving non-traditional learners.

Dr. David Gliddon
Executive Program DirectorDr. Gliddon is an Executive Program Director in the College of Business and Management. In previous roles at CTU, he was a Program Chair and Lead Faculty. He has taught over 20 courses in the undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral programs. He has provided service to the university on a number of committees and special projects.
For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Business and Management.
Accreditations and Alignments
Accounting courses at CTU align with the educational standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This program is not designed to prepare students for the CPA or CMA examination or any other certification exam, but covers the knowledge areas of the uniform CPA and CMA certification.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Related Degrees
Compare up to three additional degrees
FAQs
CTU’s Associate of Science in Accounting (ASA) Degree Program is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities among the accounting workforce. This accounting degree program emphasizes the basics of entry-level accounting, the foundations of finance, and their respective places in business, so upon graduation you can prepare to transition into a career or go on to study for your bachelor’s degree.
As you work to complete your Associate of Science in Accounting, you will be immersed in courses where you will study these topics and much more: basic accounting concepts, essential business concepts, computerized accounting, and technical skills like debits, credits, and financial statement development and analysis.
Courses for the Associate of Science in Accounting start approximately every five weeks online and on our Colorado Springs campus. Completion of the CTU admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the CTU online application process. You may complete the application process over the phone with an advisor or you may go online. Once you’ve completed the online application, you may hear from an advisor within the following 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
The Associate of Science in Accounting degree program consists of 93 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. CTU Fast Track™ exams also offer the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know allowing you to complete a degree up to 30% faster.1
1 The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast Track™ exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.
Accounting courses at CTU align with the educational standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Students who complete this degree have the skills to pursue entry level accounting positions.
The Associate of Science in Accounting degree program at CTU is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
What Students Are Saying About Their CTU Experience
CTU creates a learning environment that caters to all learning needs. I loved the flexibility and Intellipath.
Ashten P. 2023 Graduate, Associate of Science Accounting
With CTU, you always have amazing teachers and success coaches who check in and make sure you're on track.
Samantha E. 2021 Graduate, Associate of Science in Business Administration
With CTU, I was able to complete my degree online and never have to be away from my wonderful toddler in order to continue my education.
Martha R. 2021 Graduate, Associate of Science in Business Administration
Ways To Save
Cost of this degree may be reduced based on one or more of the following:
Active duty military status
Number of credits transferred and accepted from other institutions
Tuition Reimbursement (talk to your HR Manager)
Number of CTU Fast Track™ courses successfully passed
Eligibility for a Corporate Alliances Grant (check with your CTU Admissions Advisor)
Grants or scholarships at CTU
Students in CTU associate degree programs may bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. CTU Fast Track™ lets students earn college credit for what they already know. As a result, students can complete their degree up to 30% faster.* Just as important, by passing multiple Fast Track exams, students can save up to 30% on time and money towards the full cost of a program with CTU Fast Track™.* There’s no additional cost for the exams and no penalty if a student fails to pass.
Take a look at the list of current Fast Track courses and see how many courses you may be able to earn credit for.
*The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast Track™ exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.