Professional Accountancy, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

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(48 hours)

This program is designed for individuals who have earned a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than accounting and who are seeking functional competency in the accounting field. The program is specifically related to the professional accounting area and should not, therefore, be considered as equivalent to the comprehensive business degree programs offered by USI. In combination with a previously earned baccalaureate degree, this program meets the academic eligibility criteria for admission to take the Indiana Certified Public Accounting examination.

The University of Southern Indiana has attained a reputation for excellence in accounting; its accounting graduates have achieved a competitive rate of success in passing the CPA examination. Local and national accounting firms, private industry, and governmental agencies recruit USI accounting graduates. The Certificate in Professional Accountancy program is a logical extension of that area of strength for individuals seeking a career transition into the field of accounting.

Admission Requirements - Candidates must apply to the University and gain regular admission as a special student and be accepted as a candidate for the Certificate Program by the Romain College of Business Accounting Department.

Program Requirements - Certification candidates must fulfill the following specific requirements:

Forty-eight credit hours in business courses with a minimum of 24 credit hours in accounting courses plus 24 credit hours in business courses other than accounting courses (previously earned courses may be applied; however, at least 24 credit hours must be completed in residence at USI).
Certificate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in USI coursework needed for the certificate; a course grade below C is not applicable toward meeting certification requirements.
Under direction of an assigned program advisor, candidates will complete an individually approved curriculum based on the following outline:

Required Courses (48 hours)

ACCT 201 - Accounting Principles I Credits: 3
ACCT 202 - Accounting Principles II Credits: 3
ACCT 303 - Intermediate Accounting I Credits: 3
ACCT 304 - Intermediate Accounting II Credits: 3
ACCT 311 - Introduction to Federal Income Taxation Credits: 3
ACCT 315 - Cost Accounting Credits: 3
ACCT 401 - Advanced Accounting Credits: 3
ACCT 415 - Auditing Theory and Practice Credits: 3

Business Electives (24 hours)

In consultation with an advisor, select 24 credit hours of business electives, excluding accounting courses. No more than 6 hours of computer information system (CIS) or computer science (CS) courses can be used. No more than 6 hours of business law (BLAW) can be used.

Additional Information

Upon completion of the preceding program requirements, the candidate should apply for the certificate at the College of Business office.
Individuals who meet requirements of the State Board of Public Accountancy of Indiana are eligible to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination of Indiana. Those who wish to engage in public accounting should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations issued by the Indiana Board of Accountancy (www.in.gov/pla/accountancy.htm). Students planning to practice outside of Indiana should consult the CPA board of the appropriate state.