Research brick and mortar schools with an online accounting degree.
Generally speaking one of the best rules of thumb for online education is to be sure the school isn't virtual only. Brick and mortar schools have longer history, established presence, and can be vetted more easily. They are also more likely to fulfill the next step as an accredited online accounting degree.
Be sure the school offers an accredited online accounting degree.
See the resource section on this page for a link directly to the government's maintained list of accredited schools and accrediting agencies. If a school you are interested in lists accreditation check their accreditation agency to see if it is listed by the U.S. department of education. Be sure to double check exact names. Many scams are parasites off of well known names with a few minor changes.
Ask your masters degree professors for recommendations.
If you are searching for an online accounting degree at the PhD level then you will likely have a network of past professors who can give you recommendations. They should be aware of a few schools that offer an online accounting degree at the doctorate level that are respected and well known in the field. To get you started ask about Stanford, Texas A&M, Florida State University, George Washington University, and Arizona State University all of which have a doctoral level online accounting degree.
Compare time requirements, work loads, and writing requirements.
Programs that require too little are likely too good to be true. You will need to write a dissertation for your online accounting degree if you want a PhD after your name that counts. You will also need to do a high level of regular reading and coursework. Be sure you know what is expected, and do not take an online accounting degree simply because it is the easiest.
Fill out all application materials with an attention to detail.
If it is a good online accounting degree there will be some level of competition for enrollment. Spell check all of your documents, have another proof read them, and be sure your recommendations are in on time. You don't want to miss an entire semester of work because you miss a deadline.
Devote weekly scheduled time to your online accounting degree.
The danger of online programs is they can be placed on the back burner while family, full time work, and other concerns are more pressing simply by their physical presence. Make an appointment on your weekly calendar for your PhD degree to make sure you give it its due, and don't languish for years.
* See more tips on getting a doctoral level online accounting degree below.