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Certificates

Whitworth's undergraduate certificate programs set you on a path to success, helping you develop your professional skills, so your résumé will stand out in a pool of qualified applicants.

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Accounting Certificate

Looking to start a career in accounting or become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? Whitworth's accounting certificate is designed to prepare you for work in the field of accounting. In conjunction with Whitworth’s B.A. in Business Management or other applicable degree program the certificate provides the upper-level accounting credits needed in order to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam in Washington state. You can complete the accounting certificate on its own in just 16-20 months or earn it as part of a bachelor's degree program. 

Snapshot
Course Format Online
Average Completion Time 16-20 months
Start Date Certificate series begins fall of odd years
Cost $565 per credit.* Course materials provided at no extra cost.
Eligibility Available to School of Continuing Studies students & adult community members (23 and above).

*Anticipated tuition rate for the 2024-25 academic year; certificate courses can be audited for a reduced cost if credits are not needed, with purchase of course materials.

"At Whitworth, the students create strong bonds with each other. I see these bonds lasting a lifetime. The classes are filled with people and teachers who really want to see you succeed."

Ashley Vasquez '20

Certificate Requirements – 24 credits

All accounting certificate courses meet online.

Year One

Course # Course Title Credits Course Dates
BU 230 Financial Accounting 3 Aug. 18-Oct.19, 2025
BU 231 Managerial Accounting 3 Oct. 22-Dec. 21, 2025
BU 334 Intermediate Accounting I 4 Jan. 5-March 6, 2026
BU 335 Intermediate Accounting II 4 March 9-May 8, 2026
BU 332 Principles of Auditing 3 May 18-July 17, 2026

Year Two

Course # Course Title Credits Course Dates
BU 336 Introduction to Taxation 4 Aug. 17-Oct. 16, 2026
BU 466 Cost Accounting 3 Oct. 19-Dec. 18, 2026
BU 357 Financial Management 3 Jan. 4-March 5, 2027
BU 240 Business Law 3 March 8-May 7, 2027

 

CPA Requirements

In order to take the CPA exam in the state of Washington, candidates must meet the following education requirements:

At least 120 credits of college education, including:

  • A baccalaureate or higher degree
  • 24 credits in accounting subjects (15 at the upper level or graduate level)
  • 24 credits in business administration subjects