An Associate of Arts degree in accounting provides students with the necessary education to pursue professional positions in accounting. The specific courses differ by institution, but commonly required courses include accounting principles, statistics, quantitative skills and tax law. Students also gain technical, analytical and problem-solving abilities. Graduates of Associate of Arts degree programs in accounting are eligible to gain professional certification in accounting.
An Associate of Science degree in accounting enables students to acquire a strong foundation in business and accounting. The programs require courses in liberal arts and sciences as well as classes from various practical business areas. Examples of required courses include introduction to business, intermediate accounting, cost accounting, finance and business communications. Students also acquire the necessary skills in finance, economics, management and information technology.
An Associate of Applied Science degree in accounting purposes to provide students with the essential academic knowledge and vital abilities to pursue starting positions with a variety of business organizations. General education courses are required and students learn accounting principles that are standard in the business industry, and are exposed to accounting-based computer software. They also develop critical-thinking abilities that are utilized for mathematical analysis and conceptual tasks. Examples of required courses include introductory accounting, payroll accounting, taxation, labor standards, business law, microeconomics, marketing and project management. Some programs also require students to complete research projects or internships.
An Associate of Business Administration degree in accounting enables students to gain a solid background in business while focusing specifically on accounting theory and applications. Students gain a solid understanding of the business environments that employ accounting professionals and develop an insight of job tasks. Required courses often include accounting principles, business organization, management principles, business law, payroll, corporate finance and computerized accounting. Many programs also require elective courses that apply to the business world such as communications and English composition. Students also acquire skills in business operations, management, computers, communication, problem solving, analytical thinking and various accounting tasks such as taxes, auditing and accounts payable.