Online Graduate Certificate in Accounting
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Program at a Glance
- Explore key accounting areas including accounting and financial reporting systems, business law, auditing techniques, and cost accounting.
- Acquire the knowledge and skills to pursue a mid-level position in accounting.
- Prepare for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam.*
Upcoming Start Dates
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
6 months
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
16
(11 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$485
Graduate Certificate in Accounting Overview
Develop your professional skills with an accounting certificate and be ready for what’s next in your career’s future. Whether you want to advance in your current field, or change fields, our online program can help you pursue your goals.
Complete your accounting courses online and study on your schedule. Our graduate certificate program offers a targeted curriculum designed to enhance your professional expertise and help you stand out to employers.
You will study key accounting topics such as:
- Accounting and financial reporting systems
- Business law as it applies to accounting
- Application of auditing techniques
- Cost accounting as a tool for managerial decision making
Get a Head Start on Your Master’s Degree
By completing a certificate, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Qualified credits can apply toward certain Purdue Global master’s degree programs.†
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Note: this program is not eligible for Title IV financial aid.
Prepare for Certification
After completing the Graduate Certificate in Accounting program, you may be eligible to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam.*
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a master’s degree program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
This online accounting certificate program includes four courses designed to help students excel in accounting.
See All Accounting CoursesSample Courses
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Regulation
- Advanced Auditing
- Advanced Managerial/Cost Accounting
Program Requirements
- Total Credits16
Career Opportunities
This program is designed to provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills to seek mid-level positions in the field of accounting.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Mathematics
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Business Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our business certificate programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
Take a Career Assessment
Discover your work interests, and use them to chart your ideal career path.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*CPA Exam: To sit for the CPA Exam, students may need to take additional courses at the undergraduate or graduate level to meet individual state requirements. Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state. You should review your state's educational requirements by visiting Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page. For additional information on licensure and state-specific requirements, you should refer to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website as well as your state's CPA licensing requirements, which can be found at the Accountancy Licensing Library.
†Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.