This certificate is for students interested in developing the skills and knowledge to enter the accounting profession from any starting point and to prepare for a career in the public accounting profession.The certificate is available to 

• Working professionals and other non-degree students without a bachelor’s degree (just starting UG studies at SJC).
• Students enrolled in the undergraduate business administration program at SJC (BSBA Degree).
• Students who already possess an undergraduate degree in any major, from any institution (Any Bachelor’s Degree).

The certificate meets the curricular requirements for State of CPA Maine Licensure. 

Note that a graduate degree is not needed to meet the 150 academic hours licensure requirement and that the actual accounting credits hours required varies by state.  A certificate that consists of 30 academic credit hours over and above the typical 120 credits hours required at the bachelor’s degree level will meet the requirement in many cases.

The certificate program also prepares students for admission into the graduate Master of Accountancy  program that satisfies the widely adopted 150-hour educational requirement for certification and license as a CPA. 

It can also serve as a foundation for advanced graduate level finance and accounting elective courses in the Master of Business Administration (Leadership MBA)  program.   

Certificate Program Outcomes:

1. Acquire knowledge and competencies within the accounting profession.
2. Demonstrate critical writing, thinking, calculating, and communication proficiencies.
3. Understand the foundation of ethical and professional standards including those specific to the field of accounting
4. Satisfy the academic subject requirements for the State of Maine
5. Obtain the basic training needed to prepare for the CPA exam.
6. Obtain credential that will lead to employment or advancement in the accounting profession.
7. Develop the foundation needed for a graduate degree in accounting.