Application Deadline
We’re currently accepting applications and will be reviewing them in the order they’re received. We’ll accept applications until Monday, June 01, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, or until the program fills, whichever comes first.
Application Steps
Step 1: Gather the following materials
- A brief letter (250-word maximum) that describes:
- Your reasons for taking the program
- The two prerequisite courses you took
- Relevant work experience, if any
- Your ability to dedicate a total of approximately 40 hours per week to classroom and independent study
- A resume that highlights your education and any applicable experience
- A copy of your undergraduate transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) and any additional transcripts needed to demonstrate that you have met the prerequisite courses in financial accounting and managerial accounting
Step 2: Apply
Complete your application and submit the materials listed in step 1, along with your $50 nonrefundable application fee.
After Applying
We’ll contact you within two weeks of receiving your application materials to let you know if you’ve been accepted to the program.
If you’re accepted, we’ll send you details about your course, including information on paying your course fee. Your course fee is due four weeks before the first class.
Related Resources
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Academic credit in an introductory financial accounting course AND an introductory managerial accounting course (such as ACCTG 215 and ACCTG 225 at the UW). These courses are typically five quarter credits each.
Note: If you’ve taken a hybrid financial/managerial accounting class (like ACCTG 219 at the UW), you may still apply to the program, but caution is advised. Hybrid courses are typically shorter and provide less training in critical topics than the separate introductory courses do. You’ll be required to remedy any deficiencies in your accounting knowledge through independent self-study before the program begins. The certificate program moves quickly, so students need to focus on learning new material rather than revisiting introductory topics. See the financial and managerial accounting topics you’ll need to know.
Admission Requirements for the Summer Intensive Option
The above admission requirements represent the minimum to be admitted to the accounting program. The summer intensive version of this program is very demanding and requires a full-time study effort for 11 weeks. All applicants must have the willingness and ability to dedicate more than 40 hours per week to classroom and independent study.
The typical student in the intensive program has earned a GPA of 3.3 or above in their financial accounting prerequisite course and also has some relevant business knowledge from prior work experience or coursework. Unless you’ve completed both accounting prerequisite courses within the last year, we recommend that you review that material before starting this program.
English Proficiency
If you're not a native English speaker, you’ll need to have at least basic English language skills to enroll. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements.
International Students
Only the summer intensive option for this certificate qualifies for F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
You must have access to a computer, and we recommend a high-speed internet connection.
Earning the Certificate
You earn the certificate by adhering to the program's attendance policy and completing all required courses (Financial Accounting I–III, Accounting Information Systems, Audit, Cost Accounting and Taxation). Students must earn a grade of at least 2.7 in each course (unless granted a waiver by the program director and department chair) and maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.7 for all courses combined. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.