Graduate Certificate in Accounting

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The Graduate Certificate in Accounting is beginning Spring 2026.

The online graduate Accounting Certificate program prepares students to assume greater responsibility in an accounting career. Students gain a foundation of learning and experience that spans accounting, auditing, taxation, commercial law, and managerial finance, which apply to a wide range of industries. Total credits required: 24. For more information visit the program online at www.scps.virginia.edu

Pre-requisite:

Our graduate-level Accounting Certificate program requires students to have completed ACCT 3010: Introductory Financial Accounting, or an equivalent course, within the last 5 years from a regionally accredited institution, with a grade of B- or higher.

Program Requirements

Core Courses: 15 credit hours

ACCT 5110 - Intermediate Accounting I Credits: 3
ACCT 5120 - Intermediate Accounting II Credits: 3
ACCT 5200 - Introduction to Accounting Information Systems Credits: 3
ACCT 5210 - Introductory Auditing Credits: 3
ACCT 5450 - Introduction to Taxation Credits: 3

Restricted Electives: 9 credit hours

Students will select three (3) courses from the below list of graudate-level accounting courses.

ACCT 5140 - Managerial and Cost Accounting Credits: 3
ACCT 5250 - Advanced Auditing Credits: 3
ACCT 5310 - Selected Topics in Advanced Accounting Credits: 3
ACCT 5330 - Accounting for Non-Business Organizations Credits: 3
ACCT 5410 - Fraud Examination Credits: 3
ACCT 5460 - Entity Tax Compliance and Planning Credits: 3
ACCT 5470 - Forensic Accounting Credits: 3
ACCT 5480 - Corporate Governance and Ethics Credits: 3
ACCT 5490 - Information Systems Assurance and Data Management Credits: 3
ACCT 5700 - Federal Accounting Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 24

CPA Candidacy:

The graduate-level Accounting Certificate’s courses satisfy advanced accounting coursework that contribute to candidacy for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination.

All prospective and current students should confirm eligibility requirements for their respective jurisdiction (i.e., where they plan to take the exam and work).

For more information on CPA Examination qualifications visit AICPA’s State & Territory Directory and/or NASBA’s State Board directory.

Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision about which states’ educational requirements for licensure are met by this program. Upon enrolling in this program, should you change your address to another state, please update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact your ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state.