Online Graduate Certificate in Accounting
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Graduate Certificate in Accounting Overview
It’s time to create more career opportunities with a 100% online accounting certificate. Be ready for what’s next in your field and your career.
- Explore key accounting areas including financial and accounting reporting systems, business law, auditing techniques, and cost accounting.
- Prepare for the CPA exam.
- Develop practical professional skills you can use right away in the workplace.
- Enhance your professional expertise and stand out to employers through our targeted curriculum that keeps up with industry demand.
Get a Head Start on Your Master’s Degree
Not only will you earn a valuable credential you can use now, but this certificate also lays the groundwork for your next degree. Apply qualified credits toward certain Purdue Global master’s degree programs.
Prepare for Certification
After completing the Graduate Certificate in Accounting program, you may be eligible to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
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.
This program is not available in all states or locations and is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid. Additional coursework may be required to meet eligibility requirements for the CPA Exam. See Notes and Conditions below.
Calculate Your Time and Cost
Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.
What Courses Will I Take?
This online accounting certificate program includes four courses designed to help students excel in accounting.
Sample Courses
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Business Law for Accountants
- Advanced Auditing
- Advanced Managerial/Cost Accounting
Program Requirements
1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Ways to Save on Time and Tuition
Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.
Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.
Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
Military Tuition Reduction
Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.
Prior Military Experience
Earn credit for your military training. We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
View the total cost of attendance for your program.
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.
Average Salary
Range
Job Growth
In Your State
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Credit Analysts
Budget Analysts
Financial Examiners
General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. The skills and employers mentioned are a representation of the hiring needs within the labor market generated by Lightcast and may change over time. There can be no guarantee that any listed employer is or will be hiring in the future or will hire a Purdue Global graduate. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control. The default state is Indiana for those outside of the U.S.
Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study
- Describe a time you had to explain complex accounting concepts to non-accounting/finance colleagues.
- Describe a time you had to adapt to a significant change in accounting software or systems.
- Tell me about a time when you had to stay disciplined to meet a deadline for a financial report or accounting assignment. How did you manage your time?
- Describe a time you identified an inconsistency or error in financial data. What steps did you take to resolve it?
- Describe a time when you worked on a group project involving financial data or accounting tasks. How did you contribute to the team's success?
Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Budgeting
- Cost Accounting
- Data Analysis
- Ethical Standards and Conduct
- Finance
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Statements
- General Ledger Reconciliation
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Internal Controls
- Management
- Planning
- Problem Solving
Take a Career Assessment
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Download the Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our business certificate programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
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.
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
Faculty publications in 2024–2025
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.