Graduate Certificate in Accounting
General Information
The graduate-level academic Certificate in Accounting is offered to those wishing to reach the eligibility requirement of 150 credits of coursework to practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.
This may also appeal to individuals working in accounting who wish to update their knowledge and skills. Students in this program will be able to test the waters before committing to a longer program of study such as the Master of Science in Accountancy (M.S.A.) degree. This program is also appropriate for individuals with accounting degrees from other countries who wish to prepare for the CPA exam by taking courses specific to American accounting regulations.
Who Can Apply
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and a basic knowledge of financial accounting provided by courses like ACCT 100 or ACCT 780 taken at San Francisco State University are eligible to apply for the Certificate in Accounting.
Program Features
The certificate offers students flexibility in choosing from a variety of courses in different areas of accounting. The program is held at the San Francisco State University Downtown Campus, close to the Financial District, with plenty of opportunities for part-time and full-time work.
Program Learning Outcomes
Develop key skills to prepare students for the certified public accountancy examination and a professional career in accounting, including:
- Financial Reporting
- Auditing
- Ethics
- Business Law
- Taxation
- Cost Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
Certificate in Accounting — 9 units
Select one course from each category:
Financial Accounting Focus (3 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 800 | Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| ACCT 801 | Financial Accounting II | 3 |
| ACCT 808 | International Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 814 | Seminar in Accounting Data Analytics | 3 |
| ACCT 831 | Financial Statement Analysis | 3 |
| ACCT 851 | Advanced Financial Reporting | 3 |
Tax and Managerial Accounting Focus (3 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 802 | Strategic Management Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 811 | Introduction to Federal Tax | 3 |
| ACCT 812 | Advanced Federal Taxation | 3 |
| ACCT 848 | Seminar in Cost Accounting | 3 |
Audit, Business Law, Accounting Information Systems, Ethics, and Not-for-profit (3 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 803 | Auditing Principles and Practice | 3 |
| ACCT 804 | Legal and Professional Responsibilities in Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 807 | Seminar in Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| ACCT 818 | Advanced Accounting Ethics | 3 |
| ACCT 823 | Advanced Topics in Not-for-Profit Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 835 | Corporate Governance and the Design and Testing of Internal Controls | 3 |
How to Apply
Applicants will need to complete the online application for San Francisco State University's graduate programs (through Cal State Apply). Select "Certificate of Accounting" as the program of choice from the pull-down menu. As part of the application process, applicants will need to submit a resume as well as unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended.