Accounting Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Accountants compile and analyze business records and prepare financial reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cost studies, and tax reports. As accounting procedures in business and industry sectors become more and more complicated, the job outlook for accountants is very promising.

MCC’s accounting program lays a strong foundation for a variety of positions—specifically for employment with accounting and bookkeeping firms, business organizations, and governmental agencies.

Start with an accounting, bookkeeping, or tax practitioner certificate and build toward your AAS degree. Graduates of the program are able to pursue accounting positions with the opportunity to advance to a junior accountant level. Accountants who continue their education have unlimited opportunities at the financial and managerial levels.

Contact (815) 479-7521 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $12,036

Credit Hours to Complete: 62

Weeks to Complete: 80


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Sample Semester 1 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: ENG-151 | ENG-105#3 hrs,AOM-131#3 hrs,ACC-151#3 hrs,BUS-150#3 hrs,ACC-110#3 hrs,MCC-101#1 hr

Sample Semester 2 18 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: SPE-151#3 hrs,BUS-145#3 hrs,BUS-241#3 hrs,ACC-152#3 hrs,ACC-220#3 hrs,Select a Humanities or Fine Arts Course#3 hrs

Sample Semester 3 15 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: MGT-150#3 hrs,ACC-237#3 hrs,ACC-245#3 hrs,ACC-250#3 hrs,ECO-251 | PHI-251#3 hrs

Sample Semester 4 15 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: ACC-236#3 hrs,ACC-238#3 hrs,ACC-251#3 hrs,Select a Math or Physical Science or Life Science Course#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#2 hours

Career Outlook

Related Programs

  • Accounting Certificate Start with an accounting, bookkeeping, or tax practitioner certificate and build toward your AAS degree.
  • Bookkeeping Certificate Earn your Bookkeeping Certificate and learn how to analyze, record, and summarize accounting transactions manually, in QuickBooks®, and using Peachtree® General Ledger.
  • Tax Practitioner Certificate MCC's accounting department offers a Tax Practitioner Certificate to prepare for your Enrolled Agent (EA) Examination.

What you need to know about getting your Accounting AAS (CIP 52.0301)

Total Accounting AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $6,913 $22,368 $29,293 $29,293
Additional Costs $5,123 $5,123 $5,123 $5,123
Program Total $12,036 $27,491 $34,416 $34,416

What makes MCC's Accounting AAS program better than, or distinct from, similar programs at other institutions?

  • MCC's accounting programs are designed to be stackable. A stackable career track provides a pathway for advancement through a career ladder. The pathways are clearly-designed sequences of career-related courses. You can accumulate a sequence of certificates over time to build on your qualifications and to help you to advance along a career path. Stackable credentials assist you in advancing in your career, providing for higher paying jobs, which can lead to a higher standard of living.
  • You'll learn from full-time faculty with over 50 combined years of teaching experience and adjunct instructors working in the accounting field today.

What job opportunities are available to someone with an Accounting AAS?

  • Junior Accountant
  • Staff Accountant
  • Tax Accountant
  • Financial Services Analyst

What have graduates gone on to do?

  • a senior manager at Ernst & Young
  • many students transfer to four-year colleges and sit for the CPA Exa
  • many choose to work locally in accounting firms, manufacturing companies and financial advisory firms

Outside the Classroom

  • Accounting AAS Mission

    The mission of McHenry County College’s Accounting Program is to develop students who are skilled for entry level positions in both the public and private sectors of the accounting and business community. The Accounting program teaches accounting theory, practical skills, and provides internship opportunities to students in supportive and challenging classroom environments.

  • Accounting AAS Program Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    • Receive and record accounting source documents for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll,
    • Analyze check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper coding,
    • Operate spreadsheet and word processing software to perform calculations and produce documents, for internal and external users,
    • Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, analyze information and produce financial statements,
    • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.

Additional Information

IRS: Tax Information for Tax Professionals

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.