Hey All, I have completed my BBA, and am about to receive my MBA from AIU online. Although I have been happy with the utility I have received so far from earning the degrees, I would like to have earned more accounting credits. In both the public and private sectors in NJ (the state where I live), I have noticed a big demand for accountants. I currently work for the State government, and would like to compete for jobs in the accounting series because those titles have higher salaries. To compete in this series, one must have at least 24 semester credit hours in accounting. What I would like to know, does anyone know of a school that offers an accounting certificate program that yields 24 semester credits, that can be done online? I have tried my local community college, but they only offer a program that yields 16 credits. I also looked at my local 4-year college, but their administration is not friendly towards those not enrolling in full-time degree programs. So, this is why I am looking at an online option. I found one program--Strayer University--that offers what I am looking for. Although their tuition is a lot better than AIU, it is expensive for me because I have to start paying back the student loans I accrued while attending AIU. I am defininently still considering Strayer, but I would like to know if any members know of any schools that offer what I am looking for at a relatively inexpensive price. Thanks in advance for your time. Rob
Rob, do the credits have to be accounting or can they be related? I know in the federal sector we normally list a required degree, say Accounting, and then state that it must include 24 hours of xxxxx. this xxxxx very often has some latitude, normally only the HR folks can provide this information since they have bulletins that provide the current state of flexibility. also UMUC has a certificate program,18 hours, but has other courses to make 24 hours. Not any better price wise. http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/certificates/cert02.html Good luck,
Hi there, Why you did not enter to an accounting program for your MBA directly? If you do not mind me asking. That right there would have given you the necessary credits in accounting. That is what I did. When considering my options as your self for getting the certificate, I went for the MBA because, it was as expensive as getting the degree, so I did. It will very difficult to find an option without expending more money.
Why you did not enter to an accounting program for your MBA directly? If you do not mind me asking. That right there would have given you the necessary credits in accounting. That is what I did. When considering my options as your self for getting the certificate, I went for the MBA because, it was as expensive as getting the degree, so I did. It will very difficult to find an option without expending more money. Vinipink, Hindsight is 20/20. If I could go back in time, I would have decided to get my Bachelor's Degree in accounting in the first place. At the time, I paid little attention to the concentration, and was more focused on getting the degree itself. At this point, I am trying to complement my degrees with credits in advanced accounting. Besides better employment opportunies within the government, I may also take the NJ CPA exam and explore the idea of private practice. I fully realize that I will have to expend more money. I am just trying to explore all of my options, in the hopes that I can find something that is relatively inexpensive (keyword: relatively) Anyway, thanks for the feedback
Hi, UCLA Extension has a pretty comprehensive online accounting certificate. Tuition is not too terrible either. Tony
Tony, Thanks for the link to UCLA extension. The program looks like it will fit my needs. The online program seems like it is easy to navigate and manageable, yet challenging at the same time. Unfortunately, the price for the accounting classes is not clearly stated anywhere on the site. But, in looking at the prices of other business-related classed, the price seems very affordable. So, I am definently going to contact them to get more information. Thanks again for the help. Rob
No problem, Rob. I have been helped countless times on this board and try to return the favor anytime I can (which isn't very often.) Another option you might want to consider is the USQ Master of Professional Accounting . This program is designed for those without undergrad degrees in accounting, and, the last time I checked, the cost is competitive with the UCLA certificate. One caveat, if you are planning to sit for the CPA exam, you would probably have to jump through a couple more hoops. As always, check your state's requirements. Good luck, Tony
