certificate

Accounting

Gain a thorough understanding of accounting standards and principles to prepare for the new core Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. Available Formats: Online | In-Person

SEE COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM

This program is perfect for...

Financial professionals seeking to expand their career prospects into public or private accounting
Individuals considering transitioning into accounting careers
Professionals pursuing the CPA, CMA®, and CIA® certifications, as well as those considering other accounting industry credentials
Recent college graduates interested in accounting careers or working toward CPA licensing/pre-MBA coursework requirements

What you can learn.

Get a thorough understanding of accounting standards and principles
Complete coursework relevant to the core CPA Examination, and CMA®, CIA® and CFA® certifications
Develop skills in financial accounting, federal income taxation and internal auditing
Discuss how to make proper ethical decisions as an accountant

Pursue a career in accounting.

Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, the UCLA Extension Accounting Certificate program was designed to provide a thorough understanding of accounting standards and principles, and prepare students to sit for the core CPA Examination. The program covers relevant coursework for those considering pursuing CMA®, CIA®, and CFA® certifications.

UCLA Extension works closely with industry experts, advisory boards, and professional associations to assure accounting courses are relevant to current trends and practices. Our comprehensive accounting curriculum is designed for real-world applicability, providing practical skills to help meet the increasing demands of the accounting industry.

Format: Online and In-Person

PROGRAM CHANGE: To better serve students preparing for the retooled 2024 CPA Exam, the Accounting Certificate is now an 8-course (previously 9-course) program.

Accounting Certificate students who declared candidacy before July 31, 2023 can complete the program in the original 9-course configuration unless they actively contact a program representative and request to switch to the 8-course program. Contact us: 310-206-1654 or fmpcertificate@uclaextension.edu.

For details on the upcoming changes to the CPA Exam and associated adjustments to UCLA Extension Accounting programs and courses, visit our CPA Exam Preparation page.

What our graduates say.

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required (8)

Required Courses

Intermediate Accounting Theory and Practice - A

MGMT X 120A

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Intermediate Accounting Theory and Practice - B

MGMT X 120B

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Intermediate Accounting Theory and Practice - C

MGMT X 120C

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Federal Income Taxation

MGMT X 127

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Financial Auditing

MGMT X 423

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Internal Auditing

MGMT X 423.2

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Accounting and Enterprise Business Systems

MGMT X 420.18

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Ethics Requirement

Ethics in Accounting

MGMT X 423.422

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Optional Internship Course

Internships in Accounting, Internal Audit and Taxation

MGMT X 423.42

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Download Certificate Planner

Prerequisites

The following courses are recommended for students without previous training in accounting.

Principles of Financial Accounting
MGMT X 1A

Principles of Financial Accounting II
MGMT X 1B

Cost Accounting and Analysis
MGMT X 422

- or -

Accounting Fundamentals Certificate

Need Help? Book an appointment with an Academic Advisor.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

200.00

Estimated Program Tuition

6840.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

400.00

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*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

Internships
Available

Approved for
International Visa

VA Benefit
Eligible

Federal
Financial Aid

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

Internship Opportunities

An internship in accounting can provide you with practical experience in a variety of accounting job functions. Certificate students must complete a minimum of 5 courses before enrolling in the internship.

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International Students

This certificate is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).

Students participating in courses offered solely by UCLA Extension must meet the English Language Requirements outlined below. Any international student interested in taking classes on UCLA’s main campus must adhere to the English Requirements outlined for UCLA courses.

Acceptable tests and minimum scores

Scores that are equal to or higher than the listed minimum scores from the following tests, taken within the past two years, can satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

TOEFL: 80 (iBT)
IELTS: 6.5
iTEP: 4.5
CAE: B (CEFR C1)
CPE: C (CEFR C2)
TOEIC: 685
DUOLINGO (DET): 105

While no other type of test score is accepted in general, students who are affected by test center closures may request an exception to submit an alternate test score.

International Baccalaureates (IB) students or students currently enrolled in an academic institution where the primary language of instruction is English may submit an official academic transcript or verification of enrollment from their school as proof of English proficiency.

Learn more:

International Students: How to Apply

Academic Requirements & English Language Proficiency

Accounting and Taxation Scholarship

The Accounting and Taxation Scholarship Fund was established in 2021 in partnership with Baker Tilly US LLP to provide financial assistance and greater access to the education necessary for students pursuing careers in accounting or taxation.

The scholarship provides funding to cover the cost of completing the Accounting Certificate or Taxation Certificate programs offered by UCLA Extension (up to $5,000) for an individual who has a passion for continuing education and professional development in accounting or taxation.

Download Application

Vets Count Scholarship

The Vets Count Scholarship was created for active duty U.S. military personnel and U.S. veterans, and their immediate families (spouses or children) who are interested in pursuing financial programs to assist them in achieving their educational and career goals.

The scholarship will pay the registration fees for any two courses in the Financial Management Programs area (see application for more details).

Download Application