Study Tips for an Online Accounting Degree

I've learned a few study techniques while taking online accounting courses in the pursuit of my online accounting degree. Studying for online accounting classes has some similarities with studying for traditional accounting classes. However, there are some study methods that worked particularly well for me while working on my online accounting degree.

Watch Online Accounting Class Slideshows

Most of my online accounting courses included free slideshows. Some came on a CD with the book and some were made available by my instructors. I tend to be a visual learner, so the slideshows helped to reinforce what I'd already read in the textbook.

Do Extra Practice Accounting Exercises

I can not walk up to my instructor in the middle of class to ask how an accounting entry should be made. I always have to wait for the instructor to reply to an email or grade my homework. In the mean time, I work a few similar problems from the textbook. This way, I can usually figure out the homework on my own just by looking at the assignment from a different angle.

Use Spreadsheets

Online accounting classes require you to upload your homework. So, a simple worksheet that you write on won't work. I found that spreadsheets work great for journal and ledger entries for my online accounting course homework. I even make financial reports using spreadsheets. It is also easier to understand accounting homework assignments. I can set up formulas in the spreadsheet to calculate for me so it is easy to see if my accounts are not in balance.

Review Prior Chapters in the Online Accounting Class Textbook

Chapters in an accounting textbook build on one another. You can't memorize a chapter full of information, pass the exam, and then forget it all. Review prior textbook chapters so you will remember how to book certain entries as you progress. Your homework and tests will throw in entries from old chapters and even former accounting courses.

Keep Online Accounting Degree Textbooks

Not only should you review chapters in your current textbook, you should also review the textbooks from prior accounting classes. You will need to remember everything you've learned in your previous accounting classes in order to pass future online accounting classes.

These study tips for online accounting courses have helped me maintain a 4.0 GPA in all of my online accounting classes as I've worked toward earning my online accounting degree. With some work and good study habits, getting an online accounting degree can be relatively painless.