Through the DeVry program, students looking for careers in accounting can earn their bachelor's degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting in as few as three years.

Continuing through Keller Graduate School of Management and Becker CPA Review, those students can earn their master's degree in either Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting & Financial Management (MAFM), and prepare to sit for the CPA exam in as few as two years.

In total, the DeVry-Keller-Becker fast track can be achieved in as few as five years; this is up to two years less than some traditional routes to achieve the same goal, saving DeVry University business students upwards of $10,000 in tuition and fees, depending on state of residence.

By choosing the DeVry-Keller-Becker path, students are able to earn these credentials with the convenience of going to class onsite or online, or a combination of both.

Those already with bachelor's degrees who are seeking a CPA designation can simultaneously earn their MBA and take courses that feature the Becker CPA Review methodology to help them pass the CPA exam. The Keller MBA courses also may count toward the 150-credit hour licensing requirement.

"Taking graduate coursework that can apply to credits necessary to sit for the CPA exam and earn an MBA makes a lot of sense," said Tom Vucinic, president of Becker CPA Review. "The high salaries earned by professionals with both MBA and CPA designations create a win-win situation for accounting employees and employers alike. Employees benefit from more lucrative careers in accounting and increased job security, and employers benefit from having business and finance-savvy CPAs, providing both with a competitive edge in today's post-SOX environment."

The Sarbanes-Oxley legislation and increased scrutiny of corporate financial practices continue to fuel unprecedented demand for accounting professionals. Strong growth for careers in accounting and auditing, including evolving branches such as forensic accounting and fraud detection, is expected to continue through 2016. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the best job prospects will be for accountants and auditors who have a college degree or certification, especially a CPA.

This high demand equates to higher starting salaries, job security and flexibility. According to a recent survey by the Institute of Management Accountants, certified accountants earn 24 percent more than those who are not. According to the survey, the average salary for certified public accountants in 2006 was $98,600 compared to $79,217 for non-certified accountants.

Information about the DeVry-Keller-Becker Fast Track is available at www.devry.edu/accounting.