Best way to get 18 hours of accounting courses

To have more options in my career, having 18 hours of accounting courses is starting to look like an essential credential.

However, I would like it if it's not through a formal degree program if possible. I really need it to be self-paced.

What would be the best way to get these credits? I'm finding intro stuff out there, but am stumbling with finding a good amount of options. Are there services out there (like coursera or something) that could help me get these credits without applying for college, getting my transcripts, etc?

 

Really interesting question! I'm hoping others weigh in. For a degree option I would go with WGU which is self-paced and pretty inexpensive. I'm curious if there are non-degree options out there but I don't know of any off hand.

 

I meant to mention that I already have a BSW and MPA, which is why not having to go through a formal degree option is my preference.

 

There are plenty of places that offer undergrad AND grad certificates in accounting, that meet or exceed your credit requirements.
This site is a decent guide to start with, I think. It should get you going. CoCo's are a good bet. They do plenty of these. Some quite inexpensively. Google is your friend here. High demand, lots of choice.
https://www.accounting.com/degrees/accounting/certificate/best-online-programs/

 

For undergrad level, North Alabama has all the usual stuff, self-paced with a time limit for around 550/course.

https://www.una.edu/business/accounting-career-program/

24 credits of upper level accounting if you take everything, letter-graded on an AACSB transcript, which should work in almost all states.

 

If you hope to teach, I would suggest getting an M.Acc or MBA with an 18-credit concentration in Accounting. I'm not sure how schools would see you but I wouldn't consider you as an accounting content expert with a BSW and MPA. You seem to be a Jack/Jane of all trade.

 

A BSW and an MPA dovetail nicely for policy work, macro-level social work, executive positions in nonprofits, etc. I agree that the MAcc or MBA may be a good choice for someone looking for an additional degree in this area but I could also see the 18 credits in accounting being useful if you're trying to add some numeracy to a resume aimed at teaching in a more quantitative MPA program, a Nonprofit Management certificate, etc.

 

Master of Public Administration to bond analyst isn't an unheard-of career path, for instance.

 

Absolutely!

I guess if plan to teach in an MPA program, then yea. I just don't think they could compete for an accounting gig in a business program when you have CPAs and DBAs hungry for adjunct opportunities.