A new online degree in accounting is approved at Indiana University East, just in time for students to enroll for the fall 2022 semester. Fall classes begin Monday, August 22.

Denise Smith, dean of the School of Business and Economics, said the Bachelor of Science in Accounting online program offers students an engaging and flexible program to prepare for a professional position in the accounting industry.

Smith added IU East is the first regional campus to offer the accounting degree online program in fall 2022. Other regional IU campuses will offer the degree beginning in fall 2023.

“We are pleased to offer the B.S. in Accounting degree fully online. Market studies show that there is a demand for degreed accountants not only in our region but across the country. This new accessible format fills a need, especially for working adults and those for whom a face-to-face program is not convenient or feasible.”

The IU East School of Business and Economics also offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program, which was approved in 2021 and opened for enrollment in fall 2021.

“We are excited to roll out this new online degree beginning this fall semester,” said Shari Fowler, assistant professor of accounting and director of accounting. “Demand for the accounting programs are high, not only for our students but for employers as well.”

Fowler added the online bachelor’s in accounting online degree is an excellent and distinctive educational experience that fulfills the educational and professional development needs of incoming students. The degree program is challenging and learner focused as evidenced by the selection of up-to-date curriculum including a new business analytics course, relevant accounting and business topics, as well as several professional development opportunities to help prepare students for their future goals.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development Employment Projections for Accountants and Auditors reports that there is an expected increase of 11% in employment for accountants and auditors by 2026. The report also gives accountants/auditors a demand rating of 5/5 which is the highest rating available. This rating is based on high wages and high demand in the state of Indiana.

This report also shows a rise in employment for accountants in Wayne County, Indiana of an even higher rate of 12.6% by 2026. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 6% nationally from 2018 to 2028.

The online accounting degree mirrors the on campus degree program available at IU East.

Both the online and on campus accounting degree is designed to meet the growing need for skilled accounting professional candidates for regional employers throughout the east central Indiana and west central Ohio region, and beyond.

The degree satisfies the requirements for students interested in going on to graduate school, and includes topics that are covered on the CPA or CMA exam, or pursuing a professional accounting position.

The IU East School of Business and Economics has continued to develop and expand the accounting program, including the addition of student travel opportunities, nationwide internships and mentorships, and a Beta Alpha Psi chapter, an international honor organization for financial information students and professionals. Also, new accounting faculty have been added.

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Accounting online degree, contact Shari Fowler at (765) 973-9406, email shafowle@iue.edu, or visit iue.edu/academics.

About IU East’s Online Degree Programs
IU East’s online degree programs offer the high quality of an Indiana University degree to students throughout Indiana, nationally and internationally. IU East offers 47 options for students to complete a bachelor’s degree or certificate online in English with an emphasis in Technical and Professional Writing, Mathematics, Natural Science and Mathematics with a Mathematics Concentration, Communication Studies, Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Psychology, General Studies, an R.N. to B.S.N. Mobility Option, and more. IU East also offers a Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics.