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CPA Certificates Online Graduate-Level Certified Public Accountant Courses

Earn A CPA Certificate Online

  • Aligned with the 2024 CPA Exam disciplines
  • $637/credit (12 credits each)
  • Pursue a certificate & MS in Accounting to earn both for 36 credits or less
  • Advanced learning in accounting's most prominent areas

Online CPA Graduate Certificates Overview 

As one of the most prominent and respected professional credentials in the field of accounting, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation remains a critical test of skills for the most adept accountants.

Over time, the roles and responsibilities of a CPA have evolved to require additional competencies in areas such as analysis, auditing and tax. To account for this change, the 2024 CPA Exam has been revised and will require candidates to choose one of three discipline areas in which to demonstrate greater knowledge and specialize.

Graduate certificates were specifically designed by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to correspond with each of those disciplines and provide students with additional preparation for the exam’s redesign. Though not required, you may pursue one of these certificates and an online MS in Accounting at the same time to earn both for 36 credits or less — saving you both time and money. Additionally, the coupling may satisfy the 150 credit hours required for CPA Exam eligibility in most states.

"This could be valuable for a student who needs more content to prepare for the CPA exam," said Mona Stephens, accounting faculty lead at SNHU.

Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state, with many requiring 150 semester hours of education from an accredited college or university. Students are encouraged to review their state-specific board requirements prior to enrolling in a graduate accounting program. State-by-state educational requirements can be found on the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Completion of an aligned educational program does not guarantee success on the CPA exam.

What You'll Learn

  • Statistical analysis methods and models
  • Financial data communication techniques
  • Data-driven narratives
  • Data governance, system and management process critiques
  • Financial and tax documentation analysis and preparation
  • Optimal financial planning strategies

How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Career Outlook

Earning one of these certificates can position you for CPA Exam success and help you gain skills applicable to a number of roles. Here are some of the careers you could pursue in alignment with each individual certificate: 

Business Analysis and Reporting for Accounting

  • Budget analyst
  • Controller
  • Financial manager

Information Systems and Controls

  • Financial manager
  • Accountant
  • Auditors

Tax Compliance and Planning

  • Tax examiner
  • Revenue agent
  • Tax preparer

To a potential employer, a CPA designation indicates "high ethical standards, valuable experience, [and] a superior education."1

Statistics reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) mimic this sentiment, as prospects for roles typically held by CPAs — like accountants and financial managers — appear promising in the coming years.2 This increased demand can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including globalization and a growing economy.2

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for accountants and auditors is expected to grow 6% through 2031 and 17% for financial managers.2

Salary

In 2021, the median annual salary was $77,250 for accountants and auditors, while it was $131,710 for financial managers.2

Start Your Journey Into Advanced Accounting

Courses & Curriculum

The curriculum for each of these certificates is carefully designed to align with content within the 2024 CPA Exam's discipline areas. All enrollees are required to earn 12 credits' worth of core classes, but these courses will vary based on your chosen certificate:

Business Analysis and Reporting for Accounting

  • QSO-511 Business Analytics
  • ACC-690 Advanced Topics in Financial Reporting
  • ACC-735 Advanced Managerial Accounting
  • QSO-570 Predictive Business Analytics

Information Systems and Controls

  • ACC-640 Auditing
  • ACC-676 Audit of Accounting Information Systems
  • ACC-677 Information System Assurance and Advising
  • ACC-705 Advanced Topics in Information Systems and Controls

Tax Compliance and Planning

  • TAX-655 Federal Income Tax of Corporations and Partnerships
  • TAX-700 Special Topics in Taxation
  • TAX-705 Personal Financial Advisory Services
  • Free Elective

If you don't hold an undergraduate accounting or business degree, you may also be required to complete business foundation courses (6 credits) and/or accounting foundation courses (12 credits).

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Tuition & Fees

At SNHU, we’re committed to making education more accessible by making it more affordable.

Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more. Full- and part-time U.S. service members (as well as the spouses of those on active duty) are additionally eligible for a 25% tuition discount.

All three of these certificate programs are eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Online Graduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 15 credits 
Degree/Certificates $1,911 $637 $9,555 
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)*
$1,410 $470 $7,050 

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
 *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs:
No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

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