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).
Many consider accounting to be the backbone of business-providing the structure for tracking an organizations' finances. Others compare it to the eyes and ears of a business-carefully watching what is happening, and, like a stethoscope, listening for weaknesses and obstructions to profit.
The accounting certificate offers a strong introduction to current practices and technology to individuals who are entering the accounting profession, but can also be useful for mid-level professionals who need to stay ahead of the competition, move their careers forward, or build their earning potential.
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:
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 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
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:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The W.A. Franke College of Business (FCB) offers more than a dozen undergraduate certificates, some of which are open to all Northern Arizona University students.
For a list of certificates open to non-business majors, contact the Office of Academic Services in the FCB.
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 6 units of certificate coursework that are not used in your major, minor, or other certificates, and you must complete at least 60% of certificate coursework at Northern Arizona University.
Take the following 18 units with a minimum GPA of 2.0:
Continuation in the Certificate in Accounting is predicated on achieving a grade of "C" or better in ACC 300 and ACC 355 within three attempts in the class. A grade of “W' will count in the total attempts allowed for all upper-division ACC courses.
Please note that this certificate is not available for Accounting Majors.
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.
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.