Decide on your ideal career within the accounting or finance industry. Work toward a degree in finance if you wish to pursue banking, financial planning, investments, insurance, money management, corporate financing or real estate. Study accounting if you want to work in budgeting, taxation, auditing, financial reporting, management accounting or as a certified public accountant. If you wish to work as a CPA, you must pass an additional exam and obtain a state license.
Decide how much time and money you have to invest. You can earn an online degree in as little as two and a half to three years if you study full time and take classes through the summer. Another option is to earn an associate or master's degree in 18 months to three years.
Choose an online degree program that is accredited. That means it has passed a peer review system in terms of the mission and goals of the school, student admission requirements, the quality of education provided and the reputation of the faculty members and professors. In addition, employers are most likely to hire candidates with degrees from accredited schools.
Look into the schedule of required courses for the program. Make sure the course schedule includes classes that cover law, financial or accounting theory, taxation, industry trends, the differences between public and private financial or accounting work, and money management on individual, small business and corporation levels. If possible, look at a syllabus or course outline from each class you will be required to take.
Enroll in the online program. Expect your classes and homework to focus on both math and the world of business. Don't be surprised if you have a list of problems to solve for homework or if you are told to create complex budgeting or accounting spreadsheets for an imaginary or real business.
Buy the proper materials and equipment you need for the classes, including a calculator, textbooks and any software program required by the professors. Typically, you should be able to complete a bachelor's degree with a good spreadsheet program and a graphing calculator.
Follow the class curriculum, participate in all virtual classroom activities and keep in touch with your professor and others taking the course.