Accounting Schools in Alaska

Guide to Alaska Accounting Degree Programs

Alaska might be a bit distant from the contiguous states, but there is still money there. Where there’s money, there are accountants. Getting a degree in accounting within the state of Alaska may not be as difficult as you think since online degree programs abound nowadays. You may choose to work through a variety of universities right from the computer, including American InterContinental University, the University of Phoenix, and DeVry University. If you wish to be a part of a traditional education program, you can attend Charter College. This school has two locations in the state for you to choose from, namely Anchorage and Wasilla.

As an accounting student you will likely go through several courses related to your future career. Before you can do that though, you’ll have to get the basics like math, English and science out of the way. Once you have completed the core curriculum, you will probably be involved in courses like managerial accounting, leadership and business, federal taxation, and auditing, among others. You can select from an array of electives as well so you can formulate a minor or just explore your educational options. The choice is totally yours, but it may be wise to use those electives to better your understanding for your chosen field.

Alaska Accounting Job Outlook and Salary

There is a positive job outlook for accountants in the future and the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts an 18 percent growth in the industry between 2006 and 2016. This is the result of an expanding economy which has fueled a general need for people in the field. Thus you should not have much issue finding a job after graduation. That is no reason to slack though as there are always higher paying positions that are riddled with competition.

The pay scale for accounting jobs varies widely based on the time you have been working and the type of employment you withhold. If you choose to open your own firm, you may make between $30,000 and $50,000 a year. If you happen to get contracted work or end up working for the government, that number will jump up to $70,000 a year. There are always a lot of candidates for those jobs though, so if you want to get them, you’ll have to prove that you stand out above the others. Bonuses for this field range from $1,000 to $2,000 a year, depending on the situation. There are also 401K plans available through many employers in the state.