Academic Curriculum

This graduate-level Accounting Fundamentals certificate at UConn offers a rigorous and practical overview of accounting principles—without requiring a prior background in accounting. You'll gain foundational accounting education and financial fluency needed for professional roles or further graduate studies. Courses emphasize real-world applications in today's complex business environment. By earning this 12-credit online Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals you'll not only have the prerequisites needed to apply for UConn's MS in Accounting (MSA), but two of the courses transfer into the MSA, reducing your MSA course load from ten to eight courses for completion.

Required Courses

Fall Semester

• ACCT 5122- Financial Reporting I
  Learn how to prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• ACCT 5243 - Assurance Services
  Explore the role of auditing and internal controls in maintaining financial integrity and compliance.

Spring Semester

• ACCT 5124 - Financial Reporting II
  Dive into managerial accounting techniques used for decision-making, budgeting, and performance evaluation.
• ACCT 5260 - Federal Income Taxes
  Understand the fundamentals of U.S. tax law and its impact on individuals and businesses.

Who Should Apply?

Qualified candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution who did not major in accounting and have completed the two introductory accounting course prerequisites: Principles of Financial Accounting and Principles of Managerial Accounting are required. No prior accounting experience is necessary.

Graduates of the certificate who are interested in earning a Master of Science in Accounting degree will be eligible to apply upon pending satisfactory academic performance (3.0+) in the Accounting Fundamentals courses. Graduates of the Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals may apply two of the four certificate courses (6 credit hours) toward the MSA degree requirements.