Transaction Services, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The online Graduate Certificate in Transaction Services is designed to meet the needs of business and accounting professionals, as well as career changers. It is completely online, and students can complete the certificate at their own pace. Courses are offered in an asynchronous fashion, but may include optional synchronous interactions with other students and faculty.

Program Outcomes

The online Graduate Certificate in Transaction Services is designed to meet the needs of business and accounting professionals, as well as career changers. The program focuses on the technical accounting knowledge and the professional communication skillset necessary for individuals interested in transaction services (e.g. mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, bankruptcies, and other deal transactions) support roles, including accounting and tax implications of mergers and acquisitions, the role of accounting in the various stages of transactions, and advanced accounting data analysis.

Career Outlook

With growing complexity in the field of accounting, accountants with specialized education and experience in accounting, data analytics, and financial modeling are in high demand. The program authenticates additional education and training which will enhance a student’s professional portfolio. The certificate program can assist existing audit professionals advance their skillset and knowledge to transition into transaction services, or can help recent graduates advance their skillset to obtain transaction services support roles earlier in their careers.

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

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$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.

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.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

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.

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.

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.

Course Information

Core Courses

ACC 807 Using Financial Statement Data for Decision Making- An Analytics Approach (3 credits)
ACC 850 Accounting and Tax Implications of Mergers and Acquisitions (3 credits)
FI 845 Financial Modeling and Simulations (3 credits)
ACC 891 Special Topics in Accounting & IS (Transaction Service Capstone) (3 credits)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Previous work experience must have education and/or experience in accounting or finance or related field
Have recommended minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0
Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
Submit all required materials to the application portal.

Transaction Services

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

12

Total Credits

$817.25

Credit Hour

1 year

Minimum Duration

Joe Courtade Moon

Director of M.S. in Accounting and Data Analytics