Accounting

Interested in a rewarding career that makes a difference? Accounting is the language of business. People choose accounting because it offers a unique blend of stability, problem-solving, and meaningful impact. It’s a field where your skills are always in demand, and there are opportunities for advancement with increased pay and responsibility. Accountants help organizations make smart financial decisions, uncover insights from data, and stay compliant—work that is both practical and highly valued. Accounting offers a variety of roles, from bookkeeping to auditing to budgeting to forensic accounting, meaning you can shape a career that truly fits your interests.

Accounting Degree Options

Business Management Bachelor of Applied Science BAS

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs Per Year: $7,572 tuition and fees
Program Map: Business Management, BAS
Catalog: Business Management, BAS

Catalog: Business Management, BAS

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Career

Job growth and earnings are strong in this industry! The median advertised salary across multiple career options is $38.62 per hour or $80,340 per year. Job growth in the greater Puget Sound area is projected to be over 13% per year, over the next 10 years.

This degree offers an option for accounting students to earn enough accounting credits to sit for the CPA Exam. Sample careers include: Auditor, Accountant, Bank manager, Financial Analyst, Account Manager, Sales Representative/Manager, Management Trainee, Logistics Manager, Inventory Manager, Import/ Export Specialist, Operations Manager, Budget Analyst, Commercial Broker, Mortgage Broker, or Business Analyst. This is a 2-year program for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more).

Associate in Business (DTA/MRP) DTA/MRP

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs Per Year: $4,740 tuition and fees
Program Map: Associate in Business DTA/MRP
Catalog: Associate in Business DTA/MRP

Catalog: Associate in Business DTA/MRP

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Career

This degree is a transfer degree that prepares you to transfer to a bachelor's degree in business program at many Washington state universities, or to the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Management here at Highline College. You will receive a solid foundation in business courses, as well as satisfy your general education transfer requirements. A bachelor’s degree in accounting at most universities is the pathway to becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

The career outlook for business graduates is strong, with demand for skilled professionals across a wide range of industries. Businesses of all sizes need experts in areas like management, marketing, finance, accounting, and operations to help them grow and adapt in an ever-changing economy. According to labor market trends, roles such as marketing specialists, financial analysts, project managers, and human resources professionals are expected to see steady or faster-than-average growth over the next decade. A business degree provides versatile skills that can be applied in virtually any sector, offering graduates flexibility, upward mobility, and the potential for competitive salaries. This adaptability makes business one of the most reliable and resilient career paths available.

Accounting Associate of Applied Science AAS

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs Per Year: $4,740 tuition and fees
Program Map: Accounting, AAS
Catalog: Accounting, AAS

Catalog: Accounting, AAS

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Career

Earning a degree in accounting will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a variety of careers fields. Graduates may find work in public accounting, industry, government, and non-for-profit organizations. The accounting services provided to businesses of all sizes include but are not limited to payroll, auditing, and bookkeeping.

Certificates of Proficiency (20–44 credits)

Bookkeeping C

Short Term Certificate of Achievement (19 Credits or Less)

Accounting Assistant I C

Accounting Assistant II C

After Highline College

The AAS degree in Accounting is best used to transfer to Highline's Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management degree.

The DTA/MRP degree in Business is best used to transfer to Highline’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management degree, or to the business degree program at a 4-year college or university.

Complete a Professional Technical Certificate in one year or less and start work immediately, or transfer to an AAS degree option.

Top Transfer-To Institutions