Accounting Certificate

 

The Accounting Certificate at Montgomery College is well suited to students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution and who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in accounting. The Certificate supports academic preparation in three principal Accounting Career Pathways: Corporate Accounting (PDF, ) , Government Accounting (PDF, ) , or Public Accounting (PDF, ) .

Whether you intend to:

• pursue employment opportunities in corporate for-profit or nonprofit organizations,
• work for a government accounting or regulatory agency (e.g., OPM Series 510 for U.S. federal positions), or
• qualify to sit for the Uniform C.P.A. exam and become licensed to practice public accounting in the State of Maryland, 

the Accounting Certificate can play a role in your academic preparation. Through one-on-one advising, our experienced faculty help you plan a course of study based on your goals. 

Classes are scheduled to meet the demands of working students, with ALL courses offered online. Class sizes are small, and our accomplished faculty bring years of both academic and practical work experience to the classroom.

Program Outcomes

Program Advising

Explore the Accounting Career Pathways above to learn about what academic preparation (certificate, associate's, bachelor’s, or master's degree) is required for various jobs in accounting. Review the Careers section below to explore job titles. Note that most accounting positions require a bachelor's degree or higher because of the essential and multidisciplinary nature of the accounting function in businesses. 

For this reason we advise students who have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree and who want to work in the field to enroll directly into MC’s Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Business and plan to transfer to a 4-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. 

Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in accounting to pivot into an accounting career pathway, prepare for the Uniform C.P.A. exam, or earn additional credits needed to meet the 150-credit education requirements for licensure, should enroll in the MC Accounting Certificate. 

To enroll in the Accounting Certificate:

1. Review the Accounting Certificate Advising Guide (PDF, ) .
2. Decide on one of the Accounting Career Pathways. (Don’t worry, you can change pathways at any time.)
3. Review the suggested courses for the pathway you’ve chosen: Accounting Certificate Advising for Career Paths (PDF, ) .
   1. If you are interested in qualifying for the CPA Exam or licensure, review the requirements at: Maryland CPA Exam.
   2. Complete the CPA Planning Worksheet located on the page, following the directions provided. 
4. Create an Accounting Certificate Planning Worksheet (PDF, ) based on the Accounting Course Schedule of Offerings (PDF, ) and have it reviewed by an academic advisor.
5. See the Curriculum section below to apply and register for classes.
6. Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans. The program advising guide outlines the certificate requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process. 
7. Find a Program Advisor 

Careers

For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.

• MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
• Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.

Curriculum

How To Apply and Register

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