A bachelor of science degree in accounting offered entirely online through the University of Minnesota, Crookston Online was approved by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents at their June meeting. The online accounting program will launch in fall 2010.

The accounting program in the Business Department at the U of M, Crookston is designed to provide students with both the theoretical and the analytical framework they will need in the workplace and gain the skills required to work effectively in public, private, or governmental accounting. Offering it online allows students interested accounting to earn their degree on a schedule that fits their personal and professional lives. It provides greater convenience and flexibility for working adults and part-time students. It also benefits students who desire a University of Minnesota degree, especially those not living in close proximity to the campus or the ability to attend a physical classroom due to work schedules or personal commitments, to earn an accounting degree from the U of M.

The Business Department at the U of M, Crookston offers online baccalaureate degrees in management, marketing, manufacturing management, and quality management. Sue Brorson, Ph.D., professor and head of the U of M Crookston Business Department believes "the accounting degree online allows us to offer a diverse and comprehensive curriculum for all business degree seeking students.  The online accounting degree was creatively crafted with a focus on meeting the expectations of the accounting profession while exposing students to the technologies and economic trends that are reshaping business today.  A unique feature of the accounting curriculum is that it will feature an optional fifth year of study focused on preparation for the CPA exam.  This program enrichment is not only available to U of M, Crookston students but is also available to accountants that simply desire to prepare for certification."

With the addition of accounting to the online degrees, the Crookston campus delivers seven degree programs entirely online. Michelle Christopherson, director of the Center for Adult Learning, is excited about what this means for students. "The B.S. in accounting available entirely online is another feather in UMC's hat," Christopherson says. "Accounting is a popular degree and having it available entirely online is just one more opportunity to educate many and assist others in completing their degrees without leaving their personal or professional lives."

The U of M, Crookston has demonstrated expertise in online education and the campus has experienced significant enrollment growth since they began offering online degrees in 1996. The number of students taking online courses continues to grow as more degree programs are offered entirely online and as more students--many of whom are already in the workforce--discover the benefits of online study and personal satisfaction while earning a prestigious U of M degree.

Along with approval of the online accounting degree, the Board of Regents also approved the addition of a minor in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management.

For more information on the University of Minnesota, Crookston Online, visit www.umcrookston.edu/online or contact the Center for Adult Learning at 218-281-8681 (cronline@umn.edu).  

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.