About This Program
Accounting is the language of business. Understanding this language is an essential skill for any business professional. This certificate program, offered in partnership with the UW Foster School of Business, provides a solid foundation in the areas of financial accounting, audit, cost accounting and federal taxation. It also prepares you to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The courses, which are taught in distinct modules by subject area experts from the Foster School of Business, are fundamental topics for any business professional.
▸ Related Article: How to Become an Accountant
Designed For
Anyone seeking to become a professional accountant, including those preparing to take the CPA exam.
Video Overview
An instructor and students from the Certificate in Accounting talk about the unique curriculum and how the program can help graduates advance in their careers.
Duration: 03:45
What You'll Learn
How to prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Federal income tax rules and their impact on business decisions
How to audit financial statements
Techniques for analyzing costs to help make sound business decisions
Qualify to Sit for the CPA Exam
This program offers 26 quarter credits of upper-level accounting study. When combined with 10 quarter credits of prerequisite courses in financial and managerial accounting, this provides the 36 quarter credits of accounting required to sit for the CPA exam in Washington state.
Note that many states have additional requirements beyond the accounting credits that you must meet to sit for the CPA exam. In Washington State, these additional requirements include 36 quarter credits of business administration subjects; where excess accounting credits may be counted toward this requirement. Students planning to work in a different state should check that state’s CPA exam requirements.
Prepare for Your Master's Degree
Completing this certificate program provides you with the accounting prerequisites to apply to the Master of Professional Accounting or Master of Science in Taxation programs offered by the UW Foster School of Business. In addition, by completing the certificate program and either the Master of Professional Accounting or the Master of Science in Taxation program, you will fulfill all educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam.
Connect With Employers
As part of the program, you’ll hear presentations by representatives from local public accounting firms, companies and government agencies.
Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
