Graduate Certificate in Accounting

The graduate certificate in accounting (GCA) program offers online and on-campus courses. It is designed for professionals that hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-accounting discipline who would like to develop a solid foundation in the core competencies of accounting. Consisting of five comprehensive accounting courses, our program provides students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to be competitive in the global marketplace.

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Program Requirements

Program Overview

The graduate certificate in accounting (GCA) is an excellent introduction to the accounting world for professionals who want to advance their career while earning academic credit or are considering earning a full master of science in accounting (MSA) degree at Salem State University. Salem State’s certificate will help you advance your career and become a leader in your profession and community. Your graduate experience and the degree you earn will help you reach your goals. 

The program is perfect for non-accounting undergraduate majors or those individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in that field and want to advance their knowledge. With five required courses, you’ll earn 15 credits and learn about important accounting topics such as financial accounting, federal taxation, and auditing. 

Program Features 

  • Flexible pacing options: This certificate can be completed within 1-year, with students having up to 6-years to complete the program. 

  • Course offerings: Courses are offered in the evening, in-person and online, during fall, spring, and summer terms. 

  • MSA preparation: The accounting certificate program is a great way to begin your journey to earning a full MSA degree. After successfully completing this graduate certificate, if the student decides to pursue Salem State’s MSA, these credits may be applied towards the Business-to-Accounting / Transitions track in the MSA program, if all other conditions are fulfilled. 

Curriculum 

This is a variable 9-15 credit program designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in U.S. standards for financial accounting, federal taxation, and auditing. 

Course Requirements* 

  • ACC 700 - Financial Accounting and Reporting I 

  • ACC 701 - Financial Accounting and Reporting II 

  • ACC 702 - Individual Taxation 

  • ACC 710 - Financial Accounting and Reporting III 

  • ACC 711 - Auditing Service 

*Subject to change, accurate for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

What sets the graduate accounting online or in-class certificate apart? 

  • You can choose to earn your certificate quickly—all five required courses are offered in two or three semesters 

  • There are both full- and part-time options 

  • Small class sizes with high faculty/student interaction 

  • Rolling admissions—we accept students to this program for spring, summer, and fall 

  • This certificate can be a gateway to earning an MSA degree. Qualified students may be able to apply certificate courses towards the Business-to-Accounting / Transitions track for the MSA program. 

Take the Next Step

Apply now!

Contact Us

Want to learn more about the accounting program? Contact the program coordinator, Lisa Chen.

For admissions-related questions, please contact graduate admissions. 

Graduate Admissions

978.542.6200
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm
331 Lafayette St.
Second Floor,
Salem, MA 01970
Mailing Address:
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970
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