2026-2027

Accounting and Finance, Undergraduate Certificate

NAU Yuma Academic Unit

Office of the Provost

This certificate broadens students' knowledge of the vocabulary, processes, and practices used in finance and accounting. Finance and accounting play a key role in the decision-making process of organizations. They provide information on what is happening in a business and identify how to improve financial performance. The skills learned in this certificate are important for decision-makers. The certificate is useful for those interested in the accounting and finance professions as well as for managers in business, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

  • A certificate focuses on practical training and workforce skill development in a particular field.

    To receive an undergraduate certificate of 12 or more 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. Approximately 75 percent of the credits must be earned through coursework at NAU (specific unit requirements may be found in the Details Tab).

    Federal financial aid may not be available for certain certificates when they are completed as standalone programs (i.e., not pursued at the same time as a degree). Refer to the 'Details' tab for more 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 15
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 110
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

This certificate broadens students' knowledge of the vocabulary, processes, and practices used in finance and accounting. The certificate is open to non-business majors. Finance and accounting play a key role in the decision-making process of organizations. They provide information on what is happening in a business and identify how to improve financial performance. The skills learned in this certificate are important for decision-makers. The certificate is useful for those interested in the accounting and finance professions as well as for managers in business, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Students will learn the legal, ethical, and regulatory environment of business. In addition, financial and managerial accounting principles as well as information and technology tools are obtained to effectively report and analyze the financial performance of a business.

Management jobs make up the majority of the region's fastest-growing and largest occupations. The need for professionals with accounting and financial proficiency is significant and will remain so for the next decade or longer. This certificate provides an opportunity to increase access to this field for place-bound populations by offering flexible delivery of the certificate.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Develop an income statement and balance sheet.
  • Analyze financial data and effectively communicate the results in written and oral formats.
  • Identify and apply ethical and legal issues in accounting and finance.
  • Identify and analyze operational and financial strategies, and their implications, and make sound financial decisions.

Certificate Requirements

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.