Ivy Tech School of Business, Logistics & Supply Chain
Accounting
Checks, balances and cash flow. Accounting starts here.
What You'll Learn
Accounting is the foundation of a successful business. Because of accountants, executives in an organization can make decisions that are smart and can help grow the company even more. Without accounting, businesses would fail. Accounting is more than simply keeping records of cash flows and expenses; it is letting numbers tell the story of how a business operates and moves forward into future success.
In the Accounting program, students will learn
how to prepare essential accounting documents like statements of cash flows and balance sheets
the rules for accounting practices to prevent fraud and tax evasion
how to use numbers to prevent issues in an organization and inform decision makers to improve their financial situation
Career Options
With an education in accounting, there are a variety of job opportunities that graduates can pursue. From becoming a bookkeeper to transferring to a four-year college to pursue further education, studying accounting is a great idea for students who want job security and options for their career.
Graduates from the Accounting program go on to have titles like
Accounting Assistant
Accounting Clerk
Assistant Tax Specialist
Bookkeeper
Payroll Clerk
Tax Preparer
Transfer as a Junior
Graduates of the Associate of Science in Accounting program also have the foundation needed to transfer to earn a bachelor's degree if desired.
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
Associate Degree – Transferable Degree
Long-Term Certificate
– known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Short-Term Certificates
– known as Certificates (CT)
You are looking for a career-ready credential that can make you competitive in the workplace within two years.
You have aspirations to work with numbers, prepare taxes, and/or own your own business.
You are looking to pursue a four-year degree in accounting.
You want to be prepared for starting your bachelor's degree in accounting.
You have aspirations to work with numbers, prepare taxes, and/or own your own business.
You want to start working in the field within a year.
You want to earn a long-term certificate on your way to an associate degree in order to work in the field while taking additional courses to further your education.
You are interested in working with numbers and/or preparing taxes.
You have an interest in working in taxes.
You want to run your own business.
You want to get started in a job related to accounting quickly.
You are skilled at working with detailed information.
You are comfortable working with confidential information, such as a co-worker's pay.
You want to start working in the field within a year.
You want to earn a long-term certificate on your way to an associate degree in order to work in the field while taking additional courses to further your education.
You are interested in working with numbers and/or preparing taxes.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
NATIONALLY-ACCREDITED PROGRAM
The Ivy Tech School of Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain is proud to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), one of the most highly regarded international accreditations. This status recognizes our commitment to both teaching and learning.
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting degree program is designed for students who want to move into a career in accounting quickly. An AAS degree is the perfect first step toward your career goals if you are looking to start a career in the accounting field and continue to build your accounting knowledge with real-world experience in the discipline or apply your accounting education to starting your own business.
An Associate of Applied Science in Accounting degree can be obtained in 4 semesters, or about two years.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your AAS
A recommended path to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting is to complete one or more of the certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level accounting careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
AAS graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
The Associate of Science (AS) in Accounting degree program is designed for students who want to have a head start on their accounting education. This program prepares students to pursue accounting at a four-year college or university.
Graduates of the AS in Accounting can also choose to transfer to a four-year college or university where they can earn a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in accounting or a related business major. The AS in Accounting is designed to transfer to over 20 universities, making the most of the time and money you invest in your education. See all transfer universities for the Accounting program
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Accounting Technical Certificate (TC) program offers students the opportunity to go from school to work in one year. This program prepares graduates to be ready for a career in accounting by offering a strong foundation of education in accounting.
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
The Short-Term Certificate in Enrolled Agent program teaches students how to prepare taxes. From working in an office to starting a business, graduates are ready for many career opportunities with this credential.
A short-term certificate in enrolled agent can be achieved in 1.5 semesters, or less than one year.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Accounting is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Enrolled Agent short-term certificate. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)
The Short-Term Certificate in Professional Bookkeeping and Payroll program gives students the skillset to manage records and payroll for an organization. Graduates from this program are ready for a career in bookkeeping upon graduation.
A short-term certificate in professional bookkeeping and payroll can be achieved in 1 semester, or about six months.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Accounting is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Professional Bookkeeping and Payroll short-term certificate. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)
You appreciate rules, structure, and following a process.
Sound like You?
If you identify with the traits above, accounting may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Class Formats
In the Accounting program, students have access to their courses in whatever format they choose. From online to in-person classes, this program offers flexibility so students can receive their education in the way that works best for them.
Prerequisite Courses for Accounting
The Accounting program does not require any prerequisites to apply to the program. Some courses students take early on in their time at Ivy Tech count as prerequisites to courses later in their journey, but your advisor will work with you to ensure all of your courses are taken in an order that satisfies all requirements as you pursue your credential.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Ivy Tech accepts a variety of credits from other colleges and universities. Courses must be completed with a grade of C' or better, or the equivalent. To transfer credit to Ivy Tech, a sealed, official transcript must be requested from the school where the work was completed.
How to Apply
Applying to Ivy Tech is free and easy. Start by completing the online general application. After you're accepted, you’ll receive information about setting up your student account and completing the tasks you need to enroll, including course placement, registering for classes, and paying tuition.
Visit our How to Apply page for complete application and enrollment steps.
Donna Zeh Department Chair - Business Administration, Business Operations, Applications & Technology (BOAT), Accounting, and Logistics & Supply Chain Management 812-337-9459 dzeh@ivytech.edu
Walk-In, No Appointment Needed Tuesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
New Students can visit us during our weekly Tuesday Walk-In hours or make an appointment with their Enrollment Specialist.
Current Students can meet with their academic advisor by logging into MyIvy and clicking the "Schedule an Appointment" button or visiting during weekly Tuesday Walk-In hours.
Advising Team Ginny Leonard, Senior Director for Academic Advising and Student Success Advisor for: Exploratory/Undecided students vleonard5@ivytech.edu
Dee Denton Advisor for: Nursing Interest and Health Science ddenton@ivytech.edu
Jake Brunsman Advisor for: General Studies, Liberal Arts and Education programs jbrunsman2@ivytech.edu
Will Parshley Advisor for: School of Public and Social Services, School of Information Technology and Psychology-AS TSAP wparshley@ivytech.edu
Zech Saenz Advisor for: School of Business, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science zsaenz@ivytech.edu
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-803-1953
Zoom Video Calls Call 812-803-1953 to make an appointment for a meeting via Zoom or join virtual drop-in hours as shown below.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 463-207-5972 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm Zoom Link
Olivia Bruce 463-231-5073 obruce1@ivytech.edu Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-4:30pm & Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30am Zoom Link
Monday Virtual Office Hours Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Indiana. (2025). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2024-2025
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
