As with other degrees, there is a set number of general education classes you are required to take when studying for your associate degree. The number of hours in each education classification depends upon the state and college where you studying. General education requirements include coursework in English composition, mathematics, science, social and behavioral science, arts and humanities.
Required courses in accounting can include financial accounting, accounting theory and applications, individual income taxation, cost accounting, accounting information systems and auditing. Depending upon the college you attend, you will be required to take some classes for your major and other classes to help specialize your education.
Every college has its own list of gradation requirements, such as grade point average and number of credit hours completed. Generally an associate degree in accounting requires four full-time semesters or the equivalent equaling 64 to 66 credit hours. Semester hour requirements include hours earned for general education requirements. Most colleges also require a certain number of resident credit hours for transfer students. The number of resident hours depends upon the university, but generally is equivalent to two full-time semesters.
Once you have graduated with your associate degree in accounting, you will have the education and training to work in different financial fields. You will be able to work with large corporations preparing bills and invoices and maintaining financial records and data. You can also work in payroll departments computing hours, salaries and insurance payments. Other areas of employment opportunities include date entry, collections and micro computing accounting.