Accounting FAQ

How many courses per semester may I take?

We do not have any limits on the number of courses that a student may take each semester.  However, we recommend that students with a full time work schedule take only one course per semester, at least until the intermediate level is completed. It is recommended that students not enroll in Intermediate Accounting during the same semester as Cost Accounting because these courses are very demanding. These courses are the first professional courses in our program and are at the core of what you will need to know for the CPA exam.

Are all of the courses in the certificate in accounting offered online?

Yes. 

Can I enroll in just a few courses? I'm not interested in applying to and earning the certificate. 

Yes.

Can I take courses before applying for admission to the program?

Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn a certificate. A maximum of two courses that will count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate may be taken at SCPS prior to admission.

Can I transfer credit into this program from another institution?

Individuals can transfer two courses for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. Introductory Accounting I and Introductory Accounting II are required courses for the certificate and may be transferred pending approval. Transfer courses must have been taken within the last three years. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better. Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764 Attn: Admission Services 

Do I need a degree to apply for admission to the certificate in accounting?

A bachelor’s degree is required to apply for admission to the post-baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting. As of April 2, 2021, we are no longer accepting applications for the undergraduate certificate in accounting.

What grades must I earn to be awarded the certificate?

Students in the post-baccalaureate accounting program must earn a B- or better in all courses required for the certificate to be awarded; students in the undergraduate accounting program must earn a C or better in all courses required for the certificate to be awarded. Should a grade fall below a B- for post-baccalaureate or C for undergraduate, the student has the option of retaking the course in order to complete the requirements and be awarded the certificate. 

By completing this program, will I be qualified to sit for the CPA exam?

The certificate program includes courses that are both required and recommended as preparation to sit for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) examination. However, students should pay close attention to the CPA Examination qualifications as it may differ by location. For more information on CPA Examination qualifications visit www.aicpa.org

What is the average length of time to finish this program?

The average is 2.5 years. Most students begin with one course per semester and then begin taking two courses each semester after the intermediate level. 

I'm not interested in being a CPA, but I want to learn accounting to help me in my job. Is your program for me?

Yes, the program will be beneficial to anyone wishing to become an accountant or become more knowledgeable in accounting.

What are the job prospects for accountants?

The Bureau of Labor provides a handbook of career information. You can see the information they've provided about Accountant and Auditing roles. You can also search the handbook for other roles. 

I am an SCPS student looking for the teach-out schedule for the undergraduate certificate in accounting. 

Students who are completing their Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting, which is no longer eligible for enrollment by new students, can refer to this page to understand the timeline for completing your program. 

What is the difference between earning a certificate and gaining certification? 

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

What exactly does it mean to earn a certificate?

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.

Will the credits from a certificate program transfer to another college or university?

Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

What is the advantage to earning a certificate vs. a degree?

Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.

I did not major in business as an undergraduate. How can I complete the business credit requirements as part of this certification so that I can sit for the CPA exam?

You can take 2 additional accounting courses (in addition to the 10 courses currently) to apply towards the 24-hour business credits. Several courses in our certificate portfolio can be used to meet the business credit requirements, such as: Business Law (New accounting courses to be offered AY 2020 - 2021), Project Management, Leadership courses, and IT courses. You can use the Education Handbook to evaluate the education needed to qualify for the CPA exam.

Still have questions?  We're here to help!

Don't hesitate to contact us. 

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.