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Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship

Accounting Fundamentals

Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
12
Rolling Admissions
Start any semester
Degree Feature
Satisfies a portion of MSA degree course requirements

The Online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals at Kent State University is designed for individuals looking to build a solid foundation in accounting principles. This fully online program is ideal for professionals seeking to gain essential accounting knowledge or transition into the field without committing to a full degree program. Covering key topics such as financial reporting, managerial accounting, and auditing, this certificate equips students with the skills needed to pursue advanced accounting roles or continue their education. With flexible online coursework, Kent State’s Accounting Fundamentals certificate offers a convenient pathway to expand your accounting expertise.

Accounting Fundamentals Graduate Certificate Program Overview

The Accounting Fundamentals graduate certificate provides students with basic knowledge in the areas of financial accounting, tax and audit. The certificate prepares students for entry-level accounting positions or for further graduate study in accounting.

The certificate is appropriate for students with a non-accounting bachelor’s degree who are considering applying to the Master of Science in Accounting degree in the future.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of accounting principles and the accounting cycle.
  2. Correctly record journal entries for moderately complex business events.
  3. Apply auditing concepts and methods to an audit engagement.
  4. Produce clear and concise memorandums on accounting related issues.
  5. Prepare individual income tax returns.

Program Structure

12 minimum total credit hours: 12 credits (4) ACCT courses

Accounting Fundamentals Graduate Certificate Program Admissions Requirements

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score

1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Important Dates

Aug
19
Classes Begin
Fall 2024 Semester
Jan
13
Classes Begin
Spring 2025 Semester
May
12
Classes Begin
Summer 2025 Semester
Aug
18
Classes Begin
Fall 2025 Semester
Jan
12
Classes Begin
Spring 2026 Semester
May
11
Classes Begin
Summer 2026 Semester
Aug
24
Classes Begin
Fall 2026 Semester

Accounting Fundamentals Graduate Certificate Program Courses

Program Requirements

Program Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Certificate Requirements
ACCT 53001 FINANCIAL REPORTING I 3
ACCT 53010 AUDITING FUNDAMENTALS 3
ACCT 53012 FINANCIAL REPORTING II 3
ACCT 53041 INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 12

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary - Certificates
Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
3.000 3.000

Accounting Fundamentals Graduate Certificate Program Tuition and Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost
$860.00 $2,580

$10,300 part-time1

$6,500 full-time2

Non-Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost
$870.00 $2,610

$10,400 part-time3

$6,600 full-time4

1The $860.00 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.

2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester.

3The $870.00 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.

4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). This amount was calculated at student taking 12 credits in one semester ($120).

An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour.

Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.

The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken.  Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person.  Program costs are subject to change without notice.

Accounting Fundamentals Graduate Certificate Careers

Notice: Career Information Source

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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