The Best Online Accounting Certificate Programs

Since its founding in 1868, University of California – Berkeley has introduced countless programs and course offerings. Today, the school boasts more than 180 departments and programs. Through its extension school alone, students can access more than 20 online certificate programs. In the certificate program in accounting, students learn the practices and regulations that dominate the field. They acquire knowledge of accounting principles and learn to use many commonly used applications.

The 24-unit online accounting certificate Typically, takes two years to complete. It features six required courses, plus two additional electives that learners can use to complement their training. Some required courses include managerial accounting, ethics, and advanced accounting. For students pursuing a master’s degree or industry licensure, some of the certificate training leads to transfer credits or helps students qualify for the exams.

At Berkeley, online courses primarily run asynchronously and start every 4-6 weeks. While students can take classes in any order, the program does recommend that learners take certain introductory classes first. Berkeley offers flexible, start-anytime courses and fixed-date online classes. The anytime classes take anywhere from 90-180 days to complete, whereas fixed-date classes run on a more structured timeline.

Berkeley does not feature any specific admission requirements for the program, but it does recommend that applicants boast a bachelor’s degree. Once enrolled, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA overall and complete the program within five years.

The distance education programs at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) have run since the mid-90s, but the school continues to innovate. Through its more than 25 online programs, the school makes education more accessible for contemporary students. Learners in the online accounting assistant technical diploma learn to manage accounting tasks for organizations, acquiring skills in planning, analysis, and decision-making. The program teaches students to perform tax accounting, payroll, and other financial tasks.

The 35-credit diploma comprises 12 courses covering a variety of accounting and general education topics. Most students complete the diploma in one year, taking two semesters worth of courses. In the first semester, learners take courses in introductory topics. During the second semester, the program delves into more advanced accounting courses and complementary topics like communication. Classes can run anywhere from 4-16 weeks.

At MPTC, online courses run asynchronously, and students can complete the program entirely online. Wisconsin residents receive a lower tuition rate than nonresidents. For successful admission, applicants need a high school diploma or GED and must submit Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT scores. MPTC may waive the standardized test scores for candidates with a GPA over 3.25.

To improve access and available offerings, Atlanta Technical College (ATC) developed fully online programs to add to its web-enhanced and hybrid programs. The school now offers six fully online degrees, plus a variety of certificate and diploma programs, like the accounting diploma. In this program, students gain the knowledge and professional and technical skills necessary to acquire entry-level positions in accounting.

To earn the diploma, students must complete 45-46 credits. The program comprises courses in general education and occupational topics. The core program features accounting-focused and business-related electives. Online courses run through the same semester system as ATC on-campus courses, with 15-week sessions each spring and fall and eight-week summer sessions. Most students complete the diploma in four semesters. To graduate, learners need a minimum 2.0 GPA.

For program admission, applicants need a high school diploma or GED and must submit SAT or ACT scores. Online courses at ATC run asynchronously and do not require campus visits. Once enrolled, students gain access to online support, career services, and academic support services. Transfer students may receive credit for previous work completed with a C+ grade. Students must complete at least 50% of their coursework at ATC to satisfy the residency requirements.

Founded in 1965, Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) offers more than 50 degrees and 100 certificates, many of which students can now access online. These online programs, like the accounting technology specialist technical certificate, allow students outside of the Florida region to enjoy an FSCJ education. The accounting certificate acts as an introduction to the accounting profession, providing training in accounting basics, payroll, and business reports.

This accelerated, 12-credit online accounting certificate comprises four courses, two of which students can select depending on their interests. In addition to accounting courses, learners complete courses in business and English composition. While FSCJ online programs allow for some scheduling flexibility, most students complete this certificate in five months.

Upon completion of the certificate, graduates may qualify to sit for the fundamental payroll certification exam. To graduate, students must complete the certificate with a 2.0 GPA. For learners pursuing a degree in accounting, the credits earned in this program may transfer.

At FSCJ, online students benefit from asynchronous study, no on-campus requirements, and standard tuition rates for everyone, regardless of residency. Online learners also gain access to student support services like tutoring, library resources, and career services. The school encourages transfer students to apply for transfer credit, but 25% of the credit requirements for the certificate must come from FSCJ.

Founded more than 115 years ago, Golden Gate University (GGU) added online programs to its offerings to reach students nationwide. The online undergraduate certificate in accounting can prepare students for entry-level positions, a master’s degree in an accounting-related discipline, or the CPA or CMA licensure examinations. The program also equips learners with knowledge of state and federal standards and policies regarding accounting.

To obtain the 18 units necessary for the online accounting certificate, students must complete all courses with a 2.0 GPA. The curriculum comprises six courses chosen by each student from a variety of options, including cost management, auditing, and accounting information systems. Learners enjoy the freedom of building a program catered to their interests and career goals. The program Typically, takes one year to complete.

At GGU, online courses run asynchronously with no on-campus requirements. Furthermore, all online students pay the same tuition rate. For admission, applicants need a high school diploma and certain prerequisites for the program. GGU awards no transfer credits for certificate programs.

Candidates who wish to pursue a graduate degree afterward should aim for a 3.0 GPA in all courses. Once enrolled, GGU grants its online students access to tutoring, academic advisors, and student wellness services, along with career services and consulting.

Since 1989, the business college at Auburn University has offered distance education programs. In 2000, it started offering the undergraduate certificate in accountancy for students looking to satisfy postgraduate continuing education credits or meet credit requirements for the CPA exam. The program covers much of the material on the exam, so it may also help prepare students for the test.

This online accounting certificate requires students to complete eight courses totaling 24 semester hours. Learners take two required courses in intermediate accounting and six electives chosen from a variety of accounting courses.

Online courses at Auburn follow the same structure as on-campus programs, but students can either watch streamed lectures live or on their own time. Full-time students can complete the degree in less than one year, whereas working professionals may pursue the certificate part time, taking six credits per semester over the course of four semesters.

For successful admission, applicants need a bachelor’s degree. While Auburn accepts students from nonbusiness disciplines, candidates need the necessary business prerequisites prior to starting the program. Transfer students may receive waivers for certain accounting courses if they earned a 3.0 GPA in the courses. Online students at Auburn benefit from the school job board, scholarship opportunities, and industry and examination information.

Incorporating the lessons learned in its nearly 80-year history, Kaskaskia College (KC) offers 13 online degrees and certificates comprising more than 500 online classes. The school also delivers web-enhanced and hybrid programs. In the online accounting certificate, students obtain the skills necessary to take on a variety of accounting positions. They learn the principles of taxation and familiarize themselves with accounting software systems and applications.

Learners Typically, complete the 32-credit online accounting certificate in one year over three semesters. During the first semester, students complete introductory courses in business and accounting, moving into payroll and financial accounting by the second semester. In the final semester, they take on more complex computer applications and managerial accounting. At KC, all online students pay the same tuition rates, no matter where they live. They also gain access to academic advising, career services assistance, and library resources.

KC delivers its online courses asynchronously and offers frequent start dates for better access and schedule flexibility. Courses run for eight-week or 16-week sessions, and most students complete the program in 18 months. For admission, applicants need a high school diploma or GED, plus SAT or ACT scores. Since KC features an open enrollment policy, the transcript and standardized test score requirements only serve for student placement.

Since 1964, Shoreline Community College programs have given students an opportunity to pursue lifelong learning and development. The school now offers 33 online learning programs, including a variety of fully online certificate programs like the accounting certificate of proficiency. In this program, students acquire the entry-level skills required for various accounting positions. The program offers training in the latest applications and knowledge of the industry’s best practices.

This 55-credit online accounting certificate program features 15 general education credits and 40 credits in core requirements. For the core program, students complete courses in payroll accounting, computer applications, and business English. For credits to count toward the certificate, students need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Learners pursuing a degree afterward may use the credits from this certificate for transfer credits.

At Shoreline, online courses run asynchronously, which allows students to customize their study schedules. The accounting certificate offers start dates in each of the three semesters: fall, winter, and spring. While Washington residents pay a lower tuition rate than nonresidents, online learners also benefit from a reduced rate.

The open admission policy at Shoreline allows any student with a high school diploma or a GED to apply. Some candidates may need to submit SAT or ACT scores to assist in placement. Once enrolled, online students gain access to student support services, online tutoring, and career services assistance, plus technical support and academic advising.

Distance education at Liberty University gives students from all over flexible and accessible study options. The school offers more than 500 programs online, including more than 50 certificates. The undergraduate certificate in accounting offers students the necessary training to enter the field of accounting. The program delivers basic accounting skills, along with more complex training in financial statement analysis and managerial accounting.

Requiring 21 credits to complete, the online accounting certificate comprises seven foundational courses, including cost accounting, taxation, and auditing. In total, most students complete this program in one year. To earn the certificate, learners must complete all credits with a 2.0 GPA and take them all at Liberty. Students can complete the program entirely online, and all online students pay the same tuition rate. Not only does the certificate offer a solid foundation for further education, but it also provides transfer credit.

At Liberty, online courses run asynchronously over eight-week sessions. Students benefit from multiple start dates each year. For admission into the program, applicants must boast a high school diploma or its equivalent. Candidates with prior college training need a 1.5 cumulative GPA. Once enrolled, online students can access a variety of resources, including the online writing center, student life resources, the library, career services, and academic advisors.

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is one of the oldest schools dedicated to educating adults and working professionals. The school offers more than 100 programs in various study areas, including an undergraduate certificate in accounting. In this program, students acquire the foundational knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions in the field. The program offers training in principles of accounting up to intermediate levels.

The online accounting certificate features 18 credits worth of courses. In addition to the core courses, students choose between topics in advanced accounting, tax accounting, and cost accounting. Graduates may count the credits earned in this certificate toward a bachelor’s degree at TESU. Most learners complete the certificate in less than one year and programs start every month. Online programs at TESU run asynchronously throughout 12-week sessions.

For successful admission, applicants need a high school diploma or GED. Students with previous undergraduate training must possess a 2.0 GPA or submit Accuplacer, SAT, or ACT scores. Transfer students may receive up to nine credits for previous training, but they must complete at least 50% of their degree at TESU. Online students gain access to student advisors, the digital library, career services assistance, and academic support.

Since 1962, the continuing education school at University of California – Irvine (UCI) has offered educational opportunities for students and working professionals. In addition to the courses available at the school, it boasts more than 60 online certificates. The online applied accounting certificate program prepares students for a career in accounting, covering both the fundamentals and more advanced concepts. Students learn to take on a variety of tasks, including analyzing and preparing financial documents.

The online accounting certificate comprises 10 required courses for a total of 45 quarter units. The courses cover introductory topics, along with advanced topics in tax information systems and individual and corporate taxation. Students must complete each course with a 2.0 GPA for it to count toward the certificate. UCI enables most learners to complete the program in 12-24 months, with a maximum of five years allowed.

The online classes at UCI combine asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Most programs offer multiple start dates yearly, Typically, starting every semester. While UCI offers all courses online, offerings vary by semester, so students should plan their schedules ahead of time.

Transfer students with a bachelor’s degree may receive a waiver for up to three courses. The certificate not only prepares students for a career and further education in accounting, but it may also satisfy some of the educational requirements for the uniform certified public accountant examination.

Committed to offering its students accessible and flexible online learning options, Snead State Community College delivers more than half of its credits through online learning. The school offers hundreds of courses, plus a variety of online programs and certificates. The online accounting technology certificate program gives students the requisite skills for entry-level accounting positions. Learners acquire best practices and application experience, along with the qualifications required by many employers.

The 27-credit, online accounting certificate features courses in microcomputer accounting, payroll accounting, and legal and social environments of business. Online students take part in 16-week semesters, though some classes feature eight-week mini-terms. Most online classes run asynchronously, though some classes feature synchronous sessions. Students benefit from multiple start dates throughout the year, Typically, every semester.

The open admission policy at Snead State allows applicants to gain entry with a high school diploma or GED. Transfer students may benefit from some transfer credit permitted they carry a 2.0 GPA. Snead State grants online students access to library resources, academic support services, career services, and student life resources.

To earn credit toward the certificate, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. While out-of-state learners can complete the program entirely from their home state, Alabama residents also benefit from online courses by paying a lower tuition rate than nonresidents.

Since it was first established in 1945, Casper College has grown into one of the largest community colleges in its region. The institution offers more than 10 online programs, including a variety of nondegree options, like online certificates. In the online bookkeeping certificate, students learn how to prepare financial documents and fulfill bookkeeping tasks for various organizations. The program also teaches tax application and software skills.

The online accounting certificate comprises nine courses, including two in general education topics and seven in accounting. For the core accounting program, students complete courses in spreadsheet applications, information systems, and QuickBooks. In addition to earning the certificate, students also complete a Certified Bookkeeper exam review course to prepare for additional licensure afterward. Most students complete this program in nine months.

The online courses at Casper allow students to study asynchronously, and the school offers three start dates per year. Prior to enrolling, students take an online orientation and meet with an academic advisor. Once enrolled, learners can access the online library, the writing center, and career services. For admission into the program, Casper requires applicants to possess a high school diploma or GED. Some certificate candidates also require SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students may receive credit for prior training or experience.

The on-campus programs at Champlain College have been running for more than 140 years. To accommodate contemporary students, distance learners, and working professionals, the school established online learning in the mid-90s. Students in the online undergraduate certificate in accounting learn to read, analyze, and prepare financial documents, along with tax preparation and bookkeeping requirements. The program equips students for the field and offers a foundation for further training, like a bachelor’s degree.

The 15-credit online accounting certificate comprises general education, accounting, and professional courses. Students complete courses in fundamentals, then progress into intermediate and managerial accounting. Online courses at Champlain run asynchronously throughout seven-week sessions. Some of the more advanced classes features 15-week sessions. The school also offers approximately six start dates every year.

For successful admission, Champlain prefers candidates to possess a high school diploma or previous undergraduate training with a 2.5 GPA. Applicants with a GED or a lower GPA can still apply. Transfer students may receive credit for prior undergraduate training or professional experience. Once completed, the program’s credits may count toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.

At Champlain, online courses feature no on-campus requirements, and online students all pay the same tuition regardless of location. Once enrolled, online students can access support for academics, student life, technology, and professional development.

Established to help students improve their skills and advance their careers, Community Care College (CCC) offers 11 career-focused online programs to provide students entry into the workforce. The online accounting assistant diploma, for example, prepares students to work in a variety of accounting roles, take on bookkeeping tasks, and work with financial documents. The program also focuses on other organizational roles to ensure students receive a well-rounded experience and meet the qualifications for many positions and employers.

The accounting program comprises courses in the fundamentals of accounting and teaches the applications and software components Typically, required by the profession, including QuickBooks and spreadsheets. Other courses include HR management, office management, and accounts payable and receivable, which give students a business foundation.

In addition to the diploma, students may also qualify to take the QuickBooks certification, plus a variety of other industry certifications after graduation. Learners may need additional experience for those.

Students Typically, complete the diploma program in 10 months, benefitting from flexible asynchronous classes, customizable schedules, and no on-campus requirements. For students looking for more interaction, CCC accommodates conversations between students and instructors and peer-to-peer engagement. For program admission, applicants Typically, require a high school diploma with a 3.0 GPA. Once admitted, students can access the online library, tutoring services, and career services.