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Graduate Certificates

Prepare for the CMA or CPA Exam

Accounting Certification Preparation 

Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation

Ready to take the next step toward your accounting career goals? Our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation program is designed for students with an undergraduate specialization in accounting or finance who are eager to advance in their field. 

Boost your professional competency in accounting and prepare to pursue the industry certification of your choice by selecting one of two emphases:

Both emphases can be completed 100% online, giving you flexibility you need to prepare to pursue the career you want.

Select courses within Keller’s graduate certificate programs may be available at some DeVry University locations. Graduate certificate credentials are issued by DeVry University’s main campus, in Naperville, Illinois.

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
Accelerated Schedule¹
8 months
Average 9 credits per semester
OR
Normal
Schedule
12 months
Average 6 credits per semester

ACCELERATE AT YOUR PACE

Want to tackle your goals faster? Earn your Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation in as little as 8 months when you choose an accelerated schedule.1

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can earn your certificate in 12 months on a normal schedule.

1Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes full-time enrollment (9 credit hours) for 2 consecutive semesters. Normal schedule does not include breaks and assumes full-time enrollment (6 credit hours) for 3 consecutive semesters.

Built-In CPA Exam Review

For more than 50 years, Becker has been a leader in CPA review, preparing more than 1,000,000 candidates for the CPA Exam. Becker’s exam review is infused into Keller’s CPA exam preparation courses.

 

ACBSP
ACBSP

Accreditation and Recognition Matter

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve. We're proud to be accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Higher Learning Commission - www.hlcommission.org.

Our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) www.acbsp.org.*

DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation.

ACBSP
ACBSP
Student Achievement
At-a-Glance
Program Courses

Accounting Certification Preparation Certificate Courses

Our Accounting Certification Preparation Graduate Certificate program allows you to customize your learning experience with your choice of select graduate accounting classes. 

In addition, you’ll choose between two emphases: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam Preparation or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam Preparation. 

CPA Emphasis

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam Preparation Emphasis

Our CPA prep emphasis can help you prepare for the CPA exam, elevate your professional credentials and stand out to employers when applying to new positions.

  • Choose from a range of courses that enable you to earn academic credits that may help satisfy the CPA exam sitting and/or licensing requirements in your state.2

  • Our exam prep courses integrate Becker Professional Education’s CPA Exam Review so you can prepare for the CPA exam and earn your graduate certificate simultaneously.

Choose 3 of the following:
ACCT525
Current Issues in Accounting
ACCT530
Accounting Ethics and Related Regulatory Issues
ACCT540
Professional Research for Accountants
ACCT5553
External Auditing
ACCT559
Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Issues
ACCT560
Advanced Studies in Federal Taxes and Management Decisions
ACCT564
International Accounting and Multinational Enterprises
ACCT567
Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting 
ACCT568
Analytics for Accountants
ACCT571
Accounting Information Systems
ACCT573
Accounting Fraud, Criminology and Ethics
FIN516
Advanced Managerial Finance
FIN565
International Finance
FIN575
Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
MGMT520
Legal, Political and Ethical Dimensions of Business
MGMT550
Managerial Communication
All of the following:2
ACCT591C
CPA Exam Core Preparation: Auditing and Attestation
ACCT593C
CPA Exam Core Preparation: Financial Accounting and Reporting
ACCT594C
CPA Exam Core Preparation: Taxation and Regulation
Choose one of the following:2
ACCT597D
CPA Exam Discipline Preparation: Business Analytics and Reporting
ACCT598D
CPA Exam Discipline Preparation: Information Systems and Controls
ACCT599D
CPA Exam Discipline Preparation: Tax Compliance and Planning

2Credits and degrees earned from DeVry, including Keller, do not automatically qualify the holder to sit for professional licensing exams to practice certain professions. For example, the educational requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure and/or certification vary by state (and U.S. territory). The differences in the number of accounting course hours and the specific accounting course topics required may impact a student's ability to sit for the Uniform CPA exam and apply for licensure in different jurisdictions. Students interested in practicing a regulated profession must contact the appropriate state regulatory agency for licensing requirements in their field of interest and Students are responsible for contacting the state board of accountancy for the jurisdiction in which they are applying to confirm whether they have completed the appropriate credit hours and coursework to qualify to take the CPA exam. DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management are not able to advise on or determine if or when any student may be eligible to sit for the CPA exam or otherwise satisfy licensing criteria in any state. Visit https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-consumer-info.html#cpa for additional information.
3Students selecting the Certified Public Accountant Exam Preparation option must take ACCT555 to satisfy prerequisite requirements.

CMA Emphasis

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam Preparation Emphasis

With a focus on strategic financial management, financial planning and performance evaluation, our CMA prep emphasis helps you develop relevant business skills while preparing to pursue the CMA certification.

  • Choose from courses that complement your prior education, work experience and professional goals. 

  • Our three course CMA Exam preparation sequence is designed to sharpen your skills and help you prepare for the CMA exam. 

Choose 3 of the following:
ACCT525
Current Issues in Accounting
ACCT530
Accounting Ethics and Related Regulatory Issues
ACCT540
Professional Research for Accountants
ACCT555
External Auditing
ACCT559
Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Issues
ACCT560
Advanced Studies in Federal Taxes and Management Decisions
ACCT564
International Accounting and Multinational Enterprises
ACCT567
Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting 
ACCT568
Analytics for Accountants
ACCT571
Accounting Information Systems
ACCT573
Accounting Fraud, Criminology and Ethics
FIN516
Advanced Managerial Finance
FIN565
International Finance
FIN575
Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
MGMT520
Legal, Political and Ethical Dimensions of Business
MGMT550
Managerial Communication
All of the following:
ACCT563
Advanced Managerial Accounting Issues
ACCT595
CMA Exam Preparation I
ACCT596
CMA Exam Preparation II
Career

Career Opportunities With a Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation

Accounting is a growing field. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of accountants and auditors to grow 4%, with 67,400 new jobs estimated by the year 2032.4 It’s important to note that this growth is projected on a national level and local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.

 

Graduates of Keller’s Accounting Certification Preparation Graduate Certificate program with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam Preparation emphasis may consider, but are not limited to, the following careers:

  • Accountant2

  • Accounting Manager

  • Controller

  • Manager of Financial Reporting

  • Public Accountant2

Graduates of Keller’s Accounting Certification Preparation Graduate Certificate program with a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam Preparation emphasis may consider, but are not limited to, the following careers:

  • Accounting Manager

  • Budget Analyst

  • Controller

  • Financial Manager

  • Management Accountant

Take CMA and CPA Prep Classes Online

Our programs can be completed in a flexible, 100% online format. Each 8-week course is taught by an engaging professor with experience in their field. You’ll participate in weekly discussions with your classmates and get hands-on experience finding solutions to real business problems.

You’ll also have access to a wide array of student resources such as:

  • 24/7 Live Tutoring

    Get help when and where you need it.

  • E-Library

    Access books, resources and support from DeVry librarians.

  • Mobile App

    Submit assignments, manage your tuition and more.

  • Community Powered by GetSet

    Engage with peers around the country.

  • Career Services

    Get one-on-one support from certified career coaches and résumé writers.5

FAQs: Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation

Why should I consider earning my CPA or CMA certification?

Earning industry-recognized credentials like a CPA license or the CMA certification is a great way to demonstrate to employers that you have the skills needed to perform specific job functions. In some instances, having these credentials may be required to qualify for particular roles or advance within an organization.

Is a Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation worth it?

We think so! Our program is designed to teach you essential skills, with continuous support and guidance from our experienced faculty. In addition, all Keller students have access to our Career Services Resources, including certified career coaches and résumé writers5 to help you hit the ground running before and after graduation.

Is it better to earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate in accounting?

It depends on your personal and professional goals. While a master’s degree may help you qualify for higher-level jobs, earning a graduate certificate in accounting is a great way to build your resume and prepare to pursue the CPA or CMA exam.

Academic Catalog
2023 - 2024 Academic Catalog
Program Guides
Graduate Certificate CMA Exam Prep Program Overview
Graduate Certificate CPA Exam Prep Program Overview

*Student Achievement At-a-Glance - Available for all of DeVry and Keller's ACBSP accredited programs. For a full list of DeVry University's business and accounting degree programs accredited by ACBSP, please see the Accreditation page.
1Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes full-time enrollment (9 credit hours) for 2 consecutive semesters. Normal schedule does not include breaks and assumes full-time enrollment (6 credit hours) for 3 consecutive semesters.
2Credits and degrees earned from DeVry, including Keller, do not automatically qualify the holder to sit for professional licensing exams to practice certain professions. For example, the educational requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure and/or certification vary by state (and U.S. territory). The differences in the number of accounting course hours and the specific accounting course topics required may impact a student's ability to sit for the Uniform CPA exam and apply for licensure in different jurisdictions. Students interested in practicing a regulated profession must contact the appropriate state regulatory agency for licensing requirements in their field of interest and Students are responsible for contacting the state board of accountancy for the jurisdiction in which they are applying to confirm whether they have completed the appropriate credit hours and coursework to qualify to take the CPA exam. DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management are not able to advise on or determine if or when any student may be eligible to sit for the CPA exam or otherwise satisfy licensing criteria in any state. Visit https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-consumer-info.html#cpa for additional information. 
3Students selecting the Certified Public Accountant Exam Preparation option must take ACCT555 to satisfy prerequisite requirements.
4https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
5Our Certified University Career Coaches are certified by The Academies (www.theacademies.com). Our Certified Professional Résumé Writers are certified by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (https://parwcc.com/page/CPRW).