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Accounting

Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

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Ready to learn more about the Champlain online experience?
6
Total Courses
$335
Cost per Credit
8 months
Time to Completion With 2 Courses per Term
12-15 hours/week
Time Commitment
Upcoming Start Dates

Explore Accounting

Designed for those interested in beginning the study of accounting and obtaining entry-level accounting positions, Champlain's online accounting certificate provides a comprehensive introduction to the field.

All courses in this accounting certificate online program are directly transferable to our online accounting associate degree and online accounting bachelor's degree.

Build Your Career Future With An Accounting Certificate

We understand how important it is for busy working adults to gain knowledge and expertise quickly, which is why our accounting certificate coursework is applicable to the workplace from day one. Whether you've already earned an undergraduate degree or you're currently pursuing your bachelor's degree, an online certificate in accounting is a great way to earn a credential in the field, get your resume noticed, and demonstrate proficiency in a focused area of knowledge.

Program Curriculum

  Champlain's online accounting courses encompass the top skills needed by today's accounting professionals.

Note: Some of the courses in this program are available in 15-week terms only. Please contact your advisor for details. 

Accounting is the language of business. This course introduces the student to accounting from the point of view of the user of financial reports and is appropriate for personal as well as business applications. Students explore the impact of transactions on the financial position and profitability of a business, and analyze financial reports of real-world corporations.

Managerial accounting focuses on the needs of management for accounting information to make informed decisions in the internal operations of a company. Topics include decision-making, accounting for planning and control, cost-volume-profit relationships, and budgeting.

Prerequisites

ACCT-130

In this first course of a two-part sequence focusing on financial reporting students will learn theory, concepts, principles and practices underlying preparation of external financial reports, particularly application of generally accepted accounting principles related to disclosure of current and noncurrent assets and principles of revenue recognition on the Balance sheet, Income Statement and Statement of Retained Earnings. Students will also consider broad issues like the environment of financial reporting, the role of financial reporting and the accounting standard-setting process.

Prerequisites

ACCT-130

Building on the knowledge and skills gained in Intermediate Accounting I, students will examine more intensively the application of generally accepted accounting principles for financial reporting and disclosure of current and noncurrent liabilities and stockholders' equity. Students will gain skills related to the advanced measurement, recognition and reporting of these select topics in financial accounting as well as the Statement of Cash Flows.

Prerequisites

ACCT-230

Students learn the basic skills of tax planning and tax research for individuals. Topics covered include tax determination and payments, gross income inclusions and exclusions, and itemized deductions. Many actual federal tax forms for individuals are studied. In addition to their textbooks, students use the computerized federal tax code and the Internal Revenue Service website.

Prerequisites

ACCT-130

In the culminating course for the certificates, students will reframe knowledge and competencies from their certificate into a workable model that is applied through experiential learning models to a professional opportunity. Students will apply these competencies as professional best practice in a project that incorporates relevant research findings from the field.

Prerequisites

Completion of certificate content courses before enrolling in this course.

Additional Program Details

Graduates of the online accounting certificate program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:

  • Apply financial frameworks used by business to prepare financial reports and to complete other financial tasks required of them.
  • Interpret complex information clearly and concisely when presenting financial analyses and reports.
  • Apply laws as they relate to individual tax issues and to businesses and their transactions.
  • Identify and evaluate own knowledge, skills, and abilities for application to professional practice. 

Champlain College Online's business faculty, led by Department Chair Dr. Albert Orbinati, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our business management curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s business professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the business world, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.

Tuition & Costs

Online Undergraduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25

$335 per credit
$1,005* per course
$290** per credit for Champlain alumni or associate degree graduates from any college or university
$250 per credit for military service members (family members see truED tuition)
$150 One-time graduation fee

*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits

** Starts Summer 2024, not retroactive 

See the undergraduate cost of attendance and fees here

Affordability and Paying For Your Education

We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.

What Skills You Will Gain With a Certificate in Accounting

Accounting careers are projected to grow 7% between 2020 and 2030, with globalization and a growing economy resulting in high demand for qualified accounting professionals.* 

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020

Top Reasons to Pursue a Certificate

  • Enter a new field
  • Build new skills
  • Gain knowledge on your way towards a degree
  • Differentiate your resume
  • Earn a credential
  • Demonstrate proficiency in a focused area of learning
Online accounting certificate student working at computer in office

Why Champlain

Career Growth

"I had a two-year degree and knew I would need a bachelor's to advance. I saw that the U.S. Department of Labor projected a high demand for employees in accounting, and Champlain is ranked one of the top schools for accounting, so it was the right fit."

Ann Murray Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Payroll & Accounts Payable Clerk, Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District
Ann Murray, Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Academic Excellence and Recognition

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Military Friendly Designation, Silver Badge 2024-2025

Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community

Tech Guide logo/badge

Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science

badge for 2024 ranking

Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com

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