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Accounting Foundations

Accounting Foundations 

Graduate Certificate
  • Program Details
  • The MSU Value Promise

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    The MSU Difference

    As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

    MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

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    Online

    Course Delivery

    9

    Total Credits

    $817.25

    Credit Hour

    7-12 mo

    Minimum Duration

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    Joe Courtade Moon Headshot

    Joe Courtade Moon

    Director, M.S. om Accounting & Data Analytics

    Joe received his M.A. from New York University in Higher Education and Student Affairs in 2015, and his B.A. from Grand Valley State University in International Relations and Political Science in 2013. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Education Policy from Michigan State University.

    Prior to joining the Broad College, he has worked in a number of roles in academic advising, career services, and residence life, and has taught career education to undergraduate students.  He has also co-led study abroad programs to India and Haiti.

    Program Overview

    The Accounting Foundations certificate equips students with the essential tools and skills to understand accounting principles in a convenient format. The certificate can serve as professional development or as a stepping stone to accounting graduate programs or graduate certificates.

    The certificate is available online only.

    Program Outcomes

    Looking to develop foundational accounting knowledge and skill? Boost your knowledge and confidence in the accounting and business with a Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations from Michigan State University.

    We understand that professionals like you are balancing work and life. That’s why our Accounting Foundations graduate certificate is offered completely online. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills in the business and accounting sectors or seeking a career change, our Accounting Foundations certificate will fit your busy lifestyle.
     

    A Top-Ranked Education

    • 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
    • Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
    • #35 in Best Business Schools — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
    • #5 in Best Online Master's in Business Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
    • #4 Best Online Master's in Business Programs for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
    • #2 Best Online Master's in Accounting  — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
  • Course Information
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    Learning Experiences

    Students must complete the core classes, and choose one elective.

    Course Information

    Core Courses

    Both of the following courses (6 credits)

    • ACC 870 Principles of Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
    • ACC 872 Financial Reporting and Data Analysis (3 credits)
       

    Electives

    Complete one of the following courses (3 credits): 

    • ACC 871 Accounting Database Systems (3 credits)
    • ACC 873 Principles of Federal Income Tax Accounting (3 credits)
    • ACC 874 Performance Measurement and Control Systems (3 credits) 

    The program director can guide students regarding which course to choose depending on the individual’s interests and career goals. 

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    Key Dates

    Fall Semester

    Application Deadline

    This certificate operates on rolling admissions.

     

     

    Admissions Requirements

    To be eligible for this program, you must have:

    • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
    • Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0

    Application Deadlines:

    • While applications for our accounting foundations graduate certificate are accepted at any time, they should be completed no later than two months before your desired starting semester.

       
  • Tuition & Fees
  • Tuition & Fees per credit

    In-State Tuition
    Out-of-State Tuition
    $817.25
    $817.25

     

    Cost of Attendance

    The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

    Diverse and Inclusive Communities

    MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

    Interconnectedness

    MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

    Student Success

    MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

    Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.