Accounting, Undergraduate Certificate
Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting
The goal of this certificate is to broaden your knowledge of the vocabulary, processes, and practices of this important functional area of business. It is one of the few certificates in The W. A. Franke College of Business open to non-business majors (after they have completed appropriate prerequisites).
To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
Minimum Units for Completion | 18 |
Major GPA | 2.0 |
Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
Purpose Statement
The accounting certificate is designed to supplement business and nonbusiness majors with intermediate proficiency in accounting as an analytical tool for understanding business. The coursework offers a strong coverage of current practices and technology to develop practical skills valued in business, government and non-profit organizations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Analyze financial, business, and tax information and appropriately apply a given measurement and reporting method.
- Identify risks of negative outcomes and evaluate controls that mitigate such risks through prevention or detection and correction.
- Use appropriate analytical techniques to identify a business problem, generate and compare alternatives, and develop a solution.
- Appropriately use spreadsheets and other software to build models and simulations.
- Access appropriate digital relevant standards, rules, and other information to obtain decision support.
- Communicate clearly and objectively and, where applicable, using applicable standards of disclosure or reporting.
Certificate Requirements
Take the following 18 units with a minimum GPA of 2.0:
You must have completed all of the coursework used to fulfill these requirements within the last 10 years.
This certificate may only be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program. This certificate is not available as a stand-alone certificate.
Students enrolled in this certificate may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
- Accountancy, BSACCY
- Hospitality Accounting, Undergraduate Certificate
Additional Information
The FCB does not accept upper-division transfer credits from programs not accredited by the AACSB (such as the University of Phoenix or the Bachelor of Business Administration program at NAU).
You must complete 50 percent, or 9 units, of certificate coursework that are not used in your major, minor, or other certificates, and you must complete at least 60 percent of certificate coursework at Northern Arizona University.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.