Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting

Would you like to become a CPA but your bachelor’s degree wasn’t in accounting?

Business – Certificate in Accounting Program

SOU SOB Post Bacc Certification Square Image

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting

Offered as an Academic Certification

This certificate program offers a 100% online option.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting is for students with a baccalaureate degree who wish to complete coursework to prepare for certification examinations in accounting. This certificate is unique in that it is reserved for candidates who currently possess a baccalaureate degree, but it does not require any graduate-level coursework, nor does it result in a degree being conferred.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting students will study enough accounting to be able to move their careers forward with professional certification. The certificate in accounting program has been developed for a variety of career objectives including the CPA, CMA, public accounting, and for those wanting to work for the government or in industry. Those who already have a degree in accounting, but not enough credits to sit for the CPA exam, can still take courses at the undergraduate rate, but this certificate is designed for those without an accounting degree.

State Boards of Accountancy set the requirements for the Uniform CPA Exam, which generally exceed the 48 credits earned in the Certificate. Please check with your state board for examination requirements. (See “Helpful Links” below.)

See the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting Brochure
See Course Requirements
See Gainful Employment Disclosure

Requirements for Admission

To be admitted to the Accounting Certificate program, students must:

Hold a baccalaureate degree
Apply for admission as a Post-Baccalaureat student. Indicate you are applying to the Post-Bacc Certificate in Accounting and will be taking courses at the undergraduate level only. You must submit official transcripts of all college credits to Admissions*.
Submit an application to the School of Business and unofficial transcripts of all college credits to Professor Al Case casea@sou.edu . If you need to mail the application and transcripts, send to: Al Case, School of Business, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 95720.
Have completed the following courses or equivalents: BA 211 Accounting Information I (Financial Accounting) and BA 213 Accounting Information II (Managerial Accounting). These courses may be completed after applying.

*Students who do not meet all of the admission requirements may attach a letter of petition to their applications.

Students with a degree in business can usually complete the certificate with as few as 9 courses. Courses are approximately $1,000 each, including books, so the certificate typically costs between $9,000 and $14,000 depending on prior courses taken. Financial aid is available for this certificate. The certificate can be started any term and applications may be submitted at any time.

Helpful Links:

Course Requirements for the Post-Bacc Accounting Certificate can be found in the SOU online catalog.
Application for certificate: Apply here 1-2 terms prior to completion of coursework.
For Oregon Board of Accountancy requirements for becoming a CPA in Oregon, to go to the OBA web site.
When are courses (until September of 2024) offered in Ashland and online?
When are courses (beginning September 2024) offered in Ashland and online?

Questions about the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting?
Contact: Al Case
Phone: 541.552.6484
E-Mail: casea@sou.edu

Degree Fit

Program Preparation

To be admitted to the program students must hold a baccalaureate degree (or be working on one) in something other than accounting. Financial Accounting (BA211) and Managerial Accounting (BA213) can be completed before or soon after being admitted to the program. Financial aid is available for this program.

Degree Roadmap

Students working toward the Post-Bacc Certificate in Accounting will gain skills in auditing, taxation, law, finance, and more. The State Boards of Accountancy sets the requirements for the Uniform CPA Exam, which generally exceed the 48 credits earned in the Certificate. Please check with your state board for examination requirements.

Degree Integration

Students working toward the Post-Bacc Certificate in Accounting will gain skills in auditing, taxation, accounting, and more. The State Boards of Accountancy set the requirements for the Uniform CPA Exam, which generally exceeds the 48-56 credits earned in the Certificate. Please check with your state board for examination requirements.

Career Path

Become a Professional

Career opportunities for those earning the Post-Bac Certificate in Accounting:

Accounts Payable/Receivable Management
Public Accounting (CPA firms)
Tax Management
Cost Accounting
Internal/External Auditing
Tax Analysis
Forensic Accounting

Salary Range (varies widely depending on location and experience)

$45,000 – $200,000*

*The average salary for a CPA based in the United States was $119,000 in 2018. Those CPAs who have extensive experience can earn substantially more. CPAs with 20 years or more of experience averaged $152,000 in annual pay in 2018.