What is Accounting?
Today's financial markets are largely driven by the work of accountants. Companies' executives, however, would lack the transparency they need to manage risk or plan projects if accounting is absent. Investors can't rely on timely and accurate financial information if accounting is absent. Accountants perform crucial functions for regulators as well, such as providing audit opinions on financial filings. Despite being overlooked sometimes, accounting is a critical component of modern finance.
Becoming a CPA in Rhode Island is similar to entering the profession in many other states. Rhode Island differs from many states in that CPA license renewal and continuing education reporting requirements are done every three years. To become a Certified Public Accountant you must first get your education path started, you can start with an online (AA) Associates degree with an accounting emphasis.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Accounting Programs in Rhode Island
Providence College
Score: 83.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,848
- Out-of-State:$60,848
- Net Price: $43,970
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Total Enrollment: 4,473
- Undergrad Students: 3,996
- Graduate Students: 477
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Bryant University
Score: 81.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $51,169
- Out-of-State:$51,169
- Net Price: $40,361
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 3,536
- Undergrad Students: 3,204
- Graduate Students: 332
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Salve Regina University
Score: 77.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,930
- Out-of-State:$47,930
- Net Price: $37,997
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 2,872
- Undergrad Students: 2,190
- Graduate Students: 682
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Rhode Island
Score: 77.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,408
- Out-of-State:$35,804
- Net Price: $20,695
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 17,473
- Undergrad Students: 14,768
- Graduate Students: 2,705
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Rhode Island College
Score: 73.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,986
- Out-of-State:$26,519
- Net Price: $11,014
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 5,787
- Undergrad Students: 4,719
- Graduate Students: 1,068
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Online Accounting Education in Rhode Island
To become a CPA in Rhode Island, you must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 150 credit hours of college credit. Your degree must come from a college or university with an accounting program accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education. At the undergraduate level, you must earn a minimum of 24 credit hours in accounting and 24 credit hours in business classes.
The course requirements include:
- Six credit hours in fundamental accounting
- Six credit hours in intermediate financial accounting and reporting
- Three credit hours in advanced financial accounting and reporting
- Three credit hours in auditing
- Three credit hours in tax accounting
- Three credit hours in business law
- Three credit hours in economics
Online Associates (AS)
An associate degree in accounting online generally takes two years to complete. The degree provides students with a base education in accounting and this is usually enough for a graduate to apply for and gain an entry-level position. These workers will deal with various parts of the accounting system, such as handling the accounts receivables or accounts payables portions of the business.
Online Bachelors (BS or BAcc)
Once you complete your bachelor’s degree in accounting online, you are on track to becoming a CPA. Accountants with bachelor’s degrees can complete the entire accounting system process but, unless they are CPAs, they will not be able to file reports with the SEC or defend clients to the IRS. An accountant without a CPA can move just as high as those with the certification, they simply follow a different path. After, or while, receiving your bachelor’s degree, you might consider gaining management certification or experience requirements in order to boost your resume.
Online Masters (MS or MAcc)
CPA candidates who wish to concentrate on a specific area of accounting might want to consider a master’s degree in accounting. Examples of these areas include managerial accounting, finance, or auditing. This degree can help accountants become managers or even transition into teaching. A master’s program in accounting usually takes 18 to 36 months depending on the program.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
For those who want to rise to the top of the accounting profession, a PhD is not necessarily the route to go. However, it is an excellent option for those who want to pursue teaching at a college or university. Doctorate degrees can take years to complete and include classroom education as well as either an exit exam or a dissertation and defense.
Online Degree in Accounting
For those who would prefer to get a degree online, these programs are becoming more easily available all over the world. Those interested in online learning can get a degree at any level through an online program. The courses are the same, but instead of having to go onto campus and sit in a classroom, students attend classes from their homes. This is more convenient for many people and is becoming increasingly popular, especially with students with jobs and familial responsibilities that are working on becoming a CPA.