Online Fundamentals of Accounting Certificate Program

Generally, the Fundamentals of Accounting Certificate is designed for individuals who haven’t previously studied accounting. It will help business professionals develop a solid foundation in the principles and practices of accounting, including financial reporting, cost accounting, and taxation, through online introductory and intermediate accounting courses. This certificate is especially designed for small business owners, aspiring entry level financial accountants, aspiring entry level cost accountants, managers with budget responsibilities, and other individuals who use and rely on accounting information to make business decisions. Students are able to tailor the certificate to their specific needs by choosing one of the courses required to complete the certificate.

Students who complete the Fundamentals program will be ready to take advanced-level accounting courses, particularly those included in the Advanced Accounting Certificate Program.

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About the Online Fundamentals of Accounting Certificate Program

Fundamentals of Accounting Goals and Courses

Fundamentals of Accounting Tuition

Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the Tuition page.

Admission for the Fundamentals of Accounting

In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the Admission page.

Fundamentals of Accounting Registration Information

Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.

Find out more about the Fundamentals of Accounting Certificate


Program Courses:Course Detail
Introduction to Financial Accounting <> ACCOUNT 201-DL

Introduction to Financial Accounting covers the foundational concepts of accounting and the fundamental basics of financial statements, allowing students to identify, measure, and record accounting information, as well as communicate that information to external users. Specific topics will include the accounting cycle, accrual accounting, receivables, inventory and cost of goods sold, depreciation, debt vs. equity financing, and stockholders' equity. By the end of this course, students will be proficient in preparing financial statements and applying key ratios to analyze specific financial information. Students will join group discussions, complete online homework assignments and individual projects, and complete online examinations.

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.


View ACCOUNT 201-DL Sections
Introduction to Managerial Accounting <> ACCOUNT 202-DL

A continuation of the introduction to accounting, with emphasis on providing relevant and timely accounting information and analysis to managers for use in planning, decision making, and controlling strategic operational objectives. Topics include the classifications of costs and different ways of reporting and analyzing those costs; the operating budgeting process; capital budgeting; and job-order, standard, process, and activity-based costing systems. To enhance the overall understanding of the textbook material, practical business references will be made through the use of videos and selected article reading.

Prerequisite: ACCOUNT 201 Introduction to Financial Accounting or similar knowledge is expected.

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.


View ACCOUNT 202-DL Sections
Income Tax I <> ACCOUNT 208-DL

Introduction to the field of taxation, with attention to individual income taxation. Gross income, capital gains, deductions, and alternate tax methods. IRS forms used. Prerequisite: ACCOUNT 202.

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.


View ACCOUNT 208-DL Sections
Income Tax II <> ACCOUNT 308-DL

This course is a continuation in the field of taxation with particular attention to the field of corporate and business taxation at the Federal level. Corporate formation and capital structure, corporate income tax, other corporate levies, consolidated tax returns, partnerships, and S-corporations are among the topics covered. Some IRS forms will be used, but the emphasis will be upon a deeper understanding of federal tax law. Prerequisite: ACCOUNT 208 (Income Tax I).

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.


View ACCOUNT 308-DL Sections
Managerial Cost Accounting <> ACCOUNT 310-DL

Managerial uses of cost data in planning, controlling, and evaluating organizational activities and in making business decisions. Topics include discussion of activity-based costing, standard costs, inventory costing, and review of cost allocation techniques. In addition, contemporary topics, including pricing decisions, balanced scorecard, and capital budgeting techniques will be discussed, along with ethical and behavioral issues addressing both manufacturing and service sectors. Prerequisite: ACCOUNT 202.

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.


View ACCOUNT 310-DL Sections
Topics: Forensic Accounting ACCOUNT 390-DL

This course is designed for students who wish to explore the forensic accounting profession. Since most students have been or will be affected by fraud on a personal and/or professional level, this course is also designed for students who simply wish to know more about forensic accounting so that they are in a much better position to recognize fraud and know how to respond. Students completing this course will have a basic understanding of forensic accounting opportunities and career possibilities in this field. Students will apply accounting, research, and investigative skills and become knowledgeable about areas of the law relating to fraud examination and litigation services. These skills, when combined with this knowledge, will enable students to collect, analyze, and evaluate evidential matter and to interpret and communicate their findings.

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.


View ACCOUNT 390-DL Sections