Graduate Certificate in Accounting: Accounting Courses & Programs Online

Thinking about your future in accounting? Maybe you are working in the field already and want to take your career to the next level. Or maybe you would like to change careers.

Accountants are employed throughout private industry and government and are vital individuals in most businesses and organizations.* In Kaplan University’s graduate certificate program, you will explore accounting and financial reporting systems, business law, auditing techniques, and cost accounting. Study to gain the knowledge and skills to pursue a mid-level accounting position.* In the three major areas of accounting (public, private, and governmental), certified professionals are expected to have the best employment prospects.^† Kaplan University’s Graduate Certificate in Accounting could help you prepare to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam.^‡ The program consists of a minimum of 16 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be awarded a certificate.

| Curriculum | Tuition and Fees

Program Highlights

The Graduate Certificate in Accounting’s curriculum provides you with the opportunity to:

Study to acquire the knowledge and skills to pursue a mid-level position in accounting.
Explore key accounting areas including accounting and financial reporting systems, business law, auditing techniques, and cost accounting.

Prepare for Certification

After completing the Graduate Certificate in Accounting program, you may be eligible to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam.^‡

What are the Career Opportunities?

This program is designed to provide you with the specialized knowledge to seek mid-level accounting positions.*

Prepare for Future Studies

Qualified credits earned in fulfillment of this certificate may be applied toward the requirements of certain Kaplan University degree programs. When the time is right, come back and earn your degree online at Kaplan University.

Curriculum for the Graduate Certificate in Accounting

Course #	Course Title	Credits
AC 501	FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING	4 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING This course provides a comprehensive, international perspective on accounting and financial reporting systems. Financial accounting and reporting issues are viewed from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics include, but are not limited to, the factors that managers and executives must consider as they confront complex and important financial accounting and reporting issues including traditional issues, such as revenue recognition, valuation allowances, and leases, and contemporary issues, such as pensions, stock options, and financial derivatives.
AC 502	REGULATION	4 REGULATION This course will advance the student's knowledge of business law as it applies to accounting. Students will be introduced to the major legal requirements that will be encountered by the professional accountant. Topics include, but are not limited to, the Uniform Commercial Code, contracts, and the legal liability and responsibilities of agencies and accountants.
AC 503	ADVANCED AUDITING	4 ADVANCED AUDITING This course addresses the examination of financial statements and systems from the viewpoint of an independent auditor. Emphasis is on the application of auditing techniques and the professional standards that direct audit performance and reporting. Topics include, but are not limited to, external audit services, audit reports, auditor and management responsibilities, professional standards of external auditors, and how information technologies enhance internal control and procedures used to audit through a computerized system.
AC 505	ADVANCED MANAGERIAL/COST ACCOUNTING	4 ADVANCED MANAGERIAL/COST ACCOUNTING This course focuses on the role of cost accounting as a tool for managerial decision making and the application of these skills to the overall operation of a business. Topics include, but are not limited to: budgeting, cost volume-profit analysis, job order costing, absorption costing, differential analysis, and capital budgeting.

Total Program Requirements	16 Total Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements
Total Program Requirements

You Could Save Time and Money on Your Kaplan University Degree

Credit for Prior Learning

If you already earned course credits at another institution, you may qualify for transfer credit that can be applied toward your program requirements at Kaplan University. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for graduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

Students in the Military

Kaplan University is proud to support our military and veterans in their educational pursuits by offering significantly reduced tuition. Undergraduate program tuition is reduced up to 55 percent for active-duty servicemembers and up to 38 percent for veterans. In addition, Kaplan University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for all of our graduate programs, and both active-duty servicemembers and veterans are eligible for special tuition rates for these programs. A 10 percent tuition reduction is also available to spouses of active-duty servicemembers. For more information, call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor or visit the Kaplan University military site.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour	$441.00
Total program requirements Graduate Certificate in Accounting	16
Total cost of tuition	$7,056.00
This program requires a prorated technology fee of $50 per term. A nonrefundable application fee, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, may be required at the time of enrollment. Certificate programs are not eligible for Title IV financial aid or Kaplan University scholarships.

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This program is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid.
*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
^†Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Accountants and Auditors, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm.
^‡Although certain programs at Kaplan University are designed to prepare students to take various certification or licensing exams, the University cannot guarantee the student will pass those exams. In some cases, field experience, additional coursework, and/or background checks may be necessary to take or to successfully pass the exams.

Graduate Certificate in Accounting

School of Business and Management