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        Graduate Certificate in Accountancy

        Expand your accounting knowledge on-campus or online

        Take your career to the next level with the Graduate Certificate in Accountancy (GCA). Gain credentials to teach at the collegiate level, complete the academic requirements for the CPA Exam, or enhance your accounting knowledge. Either way, the GCA is the right program for you.

        You can begin a top-ranked graduate program without taking the GMAT.  After completing the GCA, you can continue to the Master of Accountancy program and only complete the remaining required hours.

        Why a Graduate Certificate in Accountancy?

        Choose a quality academic experience with the Harbert College of Business.

        • Auburn alumni with an advanced degree who sit for the exam as a first-time candidate have averaged a 87% pass rate on all four sections of the CPA Exam
        • The School of Accountancy is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
        • The Harbert College of Business hosts smart classrooms, designed to allow an equal opportunity experience for both campus and online students.

        Certificate Details

        • Prerequisites

          Business Foundation

          • Microeconomics
          • Macroeconomics
          • Principles of Financial Accounting
          • Statistics or Business Analytics I and II
          • Business Law or Legal and Social Environment of Business
          • Principles of Management
          • Principles of Marketing
          • Principles of Finance
        • Admissions

          Requirements
          Admission to the GCA program is limited to candidates who meet the following criteria:

          • Four-year regionally accredited (SACS, NCACS, NEACS, etc.) bachelor's degree from a US institution
          • Must be a US citizen or a Green Card holder (Permanent Resident)  and have either a USA or APO address in a SARA authorized state
          • Must meet the business foundation prerequisites outlined in the Prerequisites drop-down above


          How to Apply
          Start your application on the Graduate School Online Application. The following materials should be uploaded with your application:

          • Résumé
          • Statement of Purpose
          • Names and email for three references (references should be current or former employers, clients if you are self-employed, or professors)
          • Unofficial transcripts from every institution attended (official transcripts will be required for students accepted into the program)
          • Pay the $60 graduate school application fee

          Current Harbert College of Business graduate students do not have to pay the application fee. Email gradadm@auburn.edu once you complete your application and before you submit your payment to finalize your application.


          Deadlines
          All application materials must be received by the deadline listed below.  Applications that remain incomplete will be deferred to the following semester.  Completed applications will be considered on a competitive basis.

          Semester to Enroll

          Application Deadline

          Fall

          July 1

          Spring

          November 1

          Summer

          April 1

          Selection
          Applications for the GCA program are considered on a competitive basis. Minimum GPA requirements are not advertised, because the Admissions Committee uses a holistic approach when reviewing a candidate's application package. The Committee considers the quality of the candidate's academic background, grade point averages, campus involvement, and work experience.

          The School of Accountancy has full authority over the admissions and matriculation processes for all applicants to the program.

        • Curriculum

          The program requires the completion of four courses (12 hours)*. Students can choose four courses from the list below.

          • ACCT 6110 Intermediate Accounting I
          • ACCT 6120 Intermediate Accounting II
          • ACCT 6130 Advanced Accounting Topics
          • ACCT 6210 Cost Accounting
          • ACCT 6300 Auditing & Assurance Services
          • ACCT  6410 Income Tax I
          • ACCT 6420 Income Tax II
          • ACCT 6510 Accounting Information Systems
          • ACCT 6520 Accounting Analytics
          • ACCT 6610 Governmental & Not-for-Profit Accounting
          • ACCT 6700 Advanced Business Law
          • ACCT 6810 Corporate Governance & Accounting Ethics
          • ACCT 7110 Research in Accounting
          • ACCT 7130 Financial Analysis & Valuation
          • ACCT 7300 Advanced Auditing & Assurance Services
          • ACCT 7320 Fraud Examination
          • ACCT 7410 Federal Tax Research
          • ACCT 7420 Corporate & Partnership Taxation
          • ACCT 7510 Integrated Accounting Applications
          • ACCT 7520 Enterprise Accounting Systems
          • ACCT 7970 Advanced Special Topics in Accounting

          * Current Harbert MBA students can count BUSI 7230 Cost Analysis and Systems towards one of the four classes.


          For course descriptions, please refer to the AU Bulletin.

        • Tuition

          Tuition for online students is $950 per credit hour regardless of residency. The certificate is a 12 credit hour program.

          *Tuition is reviewed annually and subject to adjustment. Graduate students enrolled in less than 9 hours are charged according to the Tuition Rates Per Credit Hour schedule. Student Financial Services provides a Tuition Calculator  and current Estimated costs of Attendance at Auburn University.

          Students are responsible for a $250 confirmation fee, $40 graduation fee, and any proctoring fees.

          Due to federal guidelines and regulations, Graduate Certificate programs do not qualify for financial aid.

        • FAQ

          Are the online courses different from the campus program?
          Our campus lectures are recorded and streamed so online students receive the same instruction and academic credit as their campus peers. Online students can expect the same rigor, standards, and student accountability as campus students.

          Is Auburn University accredited?
          Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Both the Harbert College of Business and the School of Accountancy are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

          How long does it usually take to complete the program?
          Auburn University operates on a semester system. Depending on the course load taken, the Graduate Certificate program can be completed in as short as two semesters. The maximum number of classes taken for students working full-time is two courses per semester.

          What is the average credit load per semester?
          On average, students take three to six credit hours (two courses) per semester.

          Do I have to come to campus?
          No, there is no required residency for the Graduate Certificate in Accounting program.

          What entrance examinations are required?
          There are no entrance examinations required for the Graduate Certificate in Accounting program.

          Is it possible to transfer credits?
          Up to six semester hours of graduate credit taken in residence at another accredited graduate school may transfer to the Auburn University Master of Accountancy. Transfer credit is not allowed towards the Graduate Certificate in Accountancy. The credit must be acceptable to the Admissions Committee and the student's advisor and be pertinent to the student's plan of study. Transfer credit will be approved only with an official transcript. Courses with a grade lower than B will not be transferred.

          Can I audit a class?
          Auditing of online courses is not available at this time.

          Will I have an academic advisor?
          Andee Hodo, Director of Graduate and Online Accounting Programs, serves as the Academic Advisor for all graduate online accounting students. She will work with you on your plan of study, course registration and educational goals.

          Can I withdraw or drop a course?
          Should circumstances in your life change and you need to withdraw from a course, simply contact Andee Hodo at  (334) 844-6207 or andee.hodo@auburn.edu. Notifying the instructor or ceasing to accept class materials does not constitute official withdrawal. The Auburn University Academic Calendar contains important drop deadlines that must be carefully followed.

          How do I take tests?
          Exams are taking online using a virtual proctoring service. Students can take the exam within the window provided by the faculty member. Students pay all proctoring fees directly to the proctoring service.

          How do I contact my advisor, professor or peers?
          Online students have immediate access to professors and classmates via e-mail once you are registered. 

          How do I get my books?
          Textbooks required for your course(s) may be ordered each semester by visiting www.aubookstore.com.

          Will I have access to University resources?
          Access to all on-campus activities, libraries, etc., is available to you as an off-campus student upon verification of student ID. As an Auburn student, you are also eligible for athletic tickets (football, basketball, baseball, swimming, etc.) at student prices. Information is available through Auburn Access at https://auaccess.auburn.edu.

          What are the technical requirements?
          Access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection is required. Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android or any other device with a modern web browser. It is recommended that you use the newest version of your browser and the most up-to-date Flash plug-in.


          Have more questions? Check out our online request form.

          Request Info

        Gain Access to Our Online Student Resources

        Get all the help you need during your online academic experience with the Harbert College of Business.

        Online Student Resources

        Apply for a Graduate Certificate in Accountancy Online

        Begin your application today and designate your interest in the accounting online program.

        Apply

        Have Questions?

        Contact Us

         
        Andee Hodo

        Andee Hodo

        Director of Graduate and Online Programs