Online Auditing Course and Class Information

Auditing courses are found in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs; online versions may be more readily available within graduate degree curricula. Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in business or master's degree in accounting learn how to perform financial evaluations of private or public organizations. Auditing classes may also be offered in graduate certificate programs.

Overview of Online Auditing Courses

Online auditing courses are most commonly part of a master's degree in accounting, such as a Master of Accountancy or a Master of Science in Accounting. Working professionals who want to advance their careers may also encounter auditing courses in post-baccalaureate accounting certificate programs. These 4- or 5-course sequences are for accountants or auditors preparing to take their state's Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Less common, but nonetheless available, are auditing courses in an undergraduate accounting or business program.

Course Requirements

Students taking online courses need an Internet connection to access electronic exams and discussion boards. Some auditing courses also require students to have spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel, or PDF document readers such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. Plug-ins, such as audio or Flash players, may also be required. In some programs, students must complete online orientations to acquaint themselves with course delivery software or attend on-campus introductory sessions.

List of Online Auditing Courses

Internal Auditing Course

This introductory course covers auditing basics and can be found in most online programs, regardless of degree level. Using accountancy skills, students analyze financial statements to determine risk factors of business transactions or to make sure business practices adhere to a corporation's ethical standards.

Operational Auditing Course

Students in an operational auditing course learn how to analyze an organization's individual business procedures to ensure their efficiency. In this upper-level accounting course, students may conduct case studies to determine whether an organization meets performance goals in terms of production time and cost.

Governmental Auditing Course

This course is typically included in specialized master's degree programs for governmental accounting. Future auditors interested in working for the public sector learn how to keep track of public service or operational expenses. Students also become familiar with principles set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

Cost Accounting Course

Accounting students in post-baccalaureate certificate or bachelor's degree programs typically complete cost accounting courses as part of prerequisite or core course requirements. Students learn how to pore over tax forms, payroll records and cash flow statements in order to determine whether expenses are justified by a finished product or service.