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.
- Certificate in Operations Management & Six Sigma Certification
- Accounting Certificate
- Software Development Certificate
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 2025-26 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