Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals
Fast-Track Your Career Through Accounting Fundamentals
Our intensive Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals program gives you the competitive edge to stand out to top-tier employers across California.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers the core spectrum of modern business finance – from financial reporting and managerial accounting to corporate taxation and accounting information systems – equipping you for immediate success in corporate environments, public accounting firms and government sectors.
Accreditation: San José State University's Lucas College and Graduate School of Business is proudly accredited by AACSB International, the gold standard of world-class business education.
Program Information
Modality
In-Person
Program Length
1 summer · 15 units
Cost Per Unit
$581* for Summer 2027
Applications Open
November 1 – April 1 for Summer start
Start Terms
Summer
How to Apply
General Requirements
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4-year bachelor's degree from a US institution.
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A GPA of 3.0 or better with an absolute minimum overall GPA of 2.5
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Completion of Financial Accounting (BUS 20 or equivalent) with a grade of B (3.0) or better within the past five years.
International Requirements
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An English language proficiency exam.
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The equivalent of a US bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.
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If you were educated outside the US and do not need a visa, you will need to apply for the program via Cal State Apply.
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GPA of at least 2.5
To begin in Summer:
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Apply between November 1 – February 1 if you are an international student.
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Apply between November 1 – April 1 if you are a domestic student.
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For US-educated applicants not seeking the MSAA degree, please initiate the pre-screening process to determine eligibility.
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Upon departmental review and approval, you will receive notification to proceed with registration using this registration form [pdf].
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Please also send copies of all official transcripts directly to SJSU Graduate Admissions.
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Applicants educated outside the U.S. who do not require a visa must apply through Cal State Apply by the April 1 deadline. Please note this program is exclusively offered during the Summer session.
Valuable Learning Experiences
Through accelerated, high-impact course work, you will gain the exact foundational expertise, practical portfolio skills and technical acumen needed for rapid career advancement or seamless transition into our premier Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics (MSAA) graduate program.
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Seamless Graduate Transition: Automatically fulfill all fundamental prerequisites required for admission into our premier, STEM-designated MSAA degree track.
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CPA Exam Readiness: Gain critical exposure to the essential pillars of modern business – from financial and managerial reporting to accounting systems and taxation.
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Silicon Valley Networking: Work closely with PhD-level researchers, elite corporate tax advisors and dedicated CPAs who bring decades of real-world educational and industrial experience into the classroom. You will benefit from premier mentorship that bridges cutting-edge business theory with actual Silicon Valley commercial practice.
Featured Courses
What Can You Do With a Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals?
A Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals lets you master advanced financial frameworks, build in-demand diagnostic skills and step confidently into stable accounting and fiscal management roles. It perfectly prepares non-accounting majors to meet the rigorous prerequisites required for entry into the AACSB accredited Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics (MSAA) program.
- In-Demand Skills: According to federal data, employment opportunities for financial professionals and accountants are projected to grow steadily as regulatory landscapes shift and global corporate compliance grows more complex.
- High-Value Markets: The Wall Street Journal reports that SJSU ranks #1 among all public universities for starting salaries in accounting, with major Silicon Valley tech hubs providing unparalleled job security.
- Bay Area Salaries: San José and San Francisco are listed among the highest-paying metropolitan areas in the nation for accountants, ensuring an incredible return on investment, earning an average annual salary of $97,000 - $149,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Accountant / Financial Analyst
- Audit Assistant
- Controller / Finance Lead
- Corporate Tax Associate
- Risk Assurance Consultant
Top Companies
- Apple
- Deloitte
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Kaiser Permanente
- KPMG
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Top Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Corporate tech
- Finance
- Government and nonprofit
- Healthcare
- Public accounting and auditing
Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Graduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our Graduate Program Coordinators.
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Costs and Financial Aid
What you need to know about tuition, fees, financial aid and cost per unit.
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