Traditional Online vs Advanced Standing
Choose the online pathway that fits your background
We offer two online pathways designed to meet your unique career stage and educational background while helping you strengthen your skills and credentials. Both pathways are flexible and self-paced, taught by the same world-class faculty, and include a combination of asynchronous learning and live classroom sessions.
The primary difference between the two pathways is the number of credits required to complete the degree, which is determined by your previous undergraduate education and experience.
Traditional: Our traditional 48-credit pathway is open to students from all academic majors and backgrounds. It provides a comprehensive path to completing the degree, regardless of your undergraduate field of study.
Advanced Standing: Our 30-credit advanced standing pathway is designed specifically for students who earned an accounting degree from a regionally accredited university within the past five years. Eligible students can apply their prior accounting coursework toward the degree requirements, allowing them to complete fewer credits.
Below, we’ve outlined the key differences between the two pathways to help you determine which option aligns with your educational background and career goals.
| Advanced Standing | Traditional | |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 30 | 34-48* |
| Undergraduate Major | Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting | ALL educational and professional backgrounds |
| Location | Online | Online |
| Start Terms | September, January, March, June | September, January, March, June |
| Duration | 12-24 months | 12-36 months |
| Cost | $43,390 | $49,176.24 – $69,425.28 |
*If you’ve already completed some accounting classes but do not have an accounting degree, you may be eligible for course transfers to reduce your total credit requirement for our traditional format. Visit our transfer credit page to learn more.
*Tuition is billed per credit hour at the rate of $1446.36. This credit hour rate is subject to change.
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To qualify for our advanced standing program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: You must hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited institution, awarded within the past five years. For U.S. institutions, this means regional accreditation. For international institutions, accreditation by AACSB is required.
- Experience Requirement: If your degree is older than five years, you must demonstrate significant and relevant work experience in the field.
- Academic Standards: We look for students who have maintained a B (3.0) average or higher across all undergraduate accounting courses.
"UNC’s Master of Accounting program offers the ideal balance of flexibility and meaningful interaction. Its rigorous online coursework, live classes, and offered meetups provide a challenging, rewarding education comparable to the in-person experience."