Accounting Certificate FAQs

The 5-week accelerated course format is challenging and rewarding. Like face-to-face courses, online courses require good time management skills and attention to your course content. The asynchronous format of the program means you have reading, class assignments, quizzes and exams at scheduled times. You do not have regular, weekly class meetings. Instead, content is delivered in prerecorded format through Canvas, our learning management system. Your instructors are available to respond to inquiries, react to your assignments, and answer your questions.

While the asynchronous format allows you to study on your schedule, completing assignments on time is essential. Your instructors want you to succeed, and good communication is also important. They may schedule extra live help sessions as needed.

While students can complete the program in 5 months, you may also customize it to fit your budget and schedule. You can take one class per session, or wait out sessions if your schedule is demanding. It's up to you; we're here to help you create a schedule that meets your needs.

Click the blue Apply or Register button on the right. Fill the 1-minute application and submit. Program staff will contact your with next steps.

YES. Official transcripts are required for admission and to evaluate previously taken courses for potential transfer of up to two courses.

Most schools provide an option to request your transcript electronically and have them sent directly to the Accounting Certificate Program staff. You'll receive an email reply when you submit your program application, inviting you to request and have sent your previous transcripts.

Any high school diploma or previous college transcript can be used for admission to the Accounting Certificate program.

To have previous college-level courses reviewed for possible transfer credit, applicants must request an Official transcript from EACH SCHOOL where classes were taken. (If you took classes at a community college and had them transferred to your undergrad program, they WILL NOT appear on the transcript of your BA/BS program.) 

We accept up to 2 equivalent courses in transfer. Once you apply to the program, you’ll be invited to send your transcript for admission review.

Up to two equivalent courses taken previously (either at CSUSB or at other colleges or universities) may be substituted for courses in the program as transfer units. This can reduce the number of courses you will need to take to earn the Certificate. Official transcripts are used to determine if your previous courses are equivalent to Program courses and will transfer in. 

We have an easy admission process. After you submit the application, you'll receive an invitation to send in your official diploma or official transcripts for review, and get an admission reply within four days.

Classes are scheduled to build skills based on prerequisites. Each course builds on previous ones. The cohort schedule means that each course is only offered in its specific session. For example, ACCT 3720 is only offered in session 2, both Spring and Fall semesters. See the course schedule on the right hand blue button on this page for more details.

You can complete the program in as little as five months. Students are expected to take two classes each session in order to complete the program in five months. You may also extend the program over one year or more to balance your finances and schedule. 

Accounting Certificate introductory classes start in Fall and Spring Semesters with Introductory Accounting I and II.  A customized Program Plan will guide you through your courses.

Your start date depends on:

• Your career goals
• Your course level needed
• How many accounting classes, if any, you’ve already taken

Introductory classes start in Fall (late August) and Spring (late January) semesters. Intermediate courses are offered in mid-Fall and mid-Spring, as well as over Summer and Winter sessions.

Go to the Course Schedule page for session dates and course cycle.

Courses are delivered in asynchronous format. You study in your own time and follow the course syllabus for readings, assignments, and exams. You never attend a virtual or live scheduled class, but instructors are available by email and virtual office hours to support your learning.

Yes! These are semester-long classes stuffed into 5-week sessions. Note that Summer session is actually about 4 ½ weeks. Organization and attention to the course syllabus help students to succeed in these accelerated classes.

The program is flexible! Your admission never expires, and you may take time off from the program as needed. You can take as long as needed to complete the courses.

The program does not accept federal or state aid (via the FAFSA). However, we do offer alternative loans with preferred vendors, and write payment plans per semester. Click here to read a few more details on funding, loans, employer tuition reimbursement and more.