Certificate in Accounting
Hours: 12 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Accounting at Fort Hays State University is designed for non-accounting majors seeking to acquire a strong credential in accounting. This certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills in the field, enhancing the student’s qualifications within their primary area of study or serving as a valuable standalone credential. The entire certificate is offered online, allowing students nationwide to earn it with flexibility and convenience, while maintaining the quality and competitiveness of top accounting credentials.
Why pursue a Certificate in Accounting at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Accounting aims to provide a flexible, practical, and comprehensive education in the field of accounting. It provides a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices, preparing students for entry-level positions or career advancement in the field. The online format allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments, delivering convenience without compromising quality.
What sets this certificate apart is its alignment with current industry standards. Faculty members, recognized experts in accounting, regularly update course content to reflect emerging trends and best practices. This approach ensures that students acquire the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge. The certificate’s rigorous curriculum and practical focus provide a valuable credential for those seeking to advance in accounting or enhance their qualifications with specialized expertise.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is ideal for non-accounting majors who wish to strengthen their qualifications with a solid understanding of accounting. It offers flexibility and practical experience, catering to the diverse needs of its students.
- Non-accounting majors seeking accounting knowledge
- Professionals looking to enhance their credentials
- Individuals pursuing a career change to accounting
- Students needing an accounting supplement to their primary field of study
- Non-degree-seeking students wanting a standalone credential
Real-World Applications
Students are equipped with practical skills essential for real-world accounting applications. From the outset, they engage in tasks that closely reflect workplace responsibilities, including preparing financial statements and analyzing balance sheets and income statements. These hands-on experiences build competence and confidence in performing key accounting functions across diverse business environments.
Additionally, the certificate incorporates case studies and projects that enable students to apply the concepts they have learned to real-world scenarios. This experiential approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are vital for success in any accounting role.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Staying current with the latest trends and advancements in accounting is essential for professional success. Fort Hays State University continually updates the certificate curriculum to incorporate emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and industry best practices.
In addition to curriculum updates, faculty actively participate in continuing education and professional development, bringing the latest knowledge and insights into the classroom. This proactive approach ensures that students are fully prepared to excel in a dynamic and competitive job market. As a result, they are equipped to lead, innovate, and stay ahead in their accounting careers.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Accounting emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to address real-world accounting challenges, including preparing financial statements and analyzing balance sheets and income statements. This practical experience helps students develop both confidence and proficiency in core accounting skills.
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamental accounting principles
- Financial statement preparation
- Cost accounting techniques
- Managerial accounting practices
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive online coursework
- Hands-on accounting projects
- Case studies and real-world applications
- Faculty-led discussions and mentorship
The core curriculum includes foundational courses that cover the principles of accounting. Students then have an opportunity to select two additional courses from intermediate accounting, cost accounting, and tax accounting, enabling them to explore specific areas of interest and build expertise.
ACCT 203: Principles of Accounting I
This course is a study of accounting as a means of communicating financial information about a business enterprise. Emphasis is placed on the basic concepts used in preparing and interpreting external financial statements.
ACCT 204: Principles of Accounting II
This course is a continuation of ACCT 203, focusing on the preparation and interpretation of accounting information to support management in informed decision-making.
ACCT 402: Income Tax Procedure
This course offers an in-depth examination of a wide range of federal tax concepts and types of taxpayers, including the role of taxation in the business decision-making process. This follows the AICPA model tax curriculum.
Discover the full Certificate in Accounting course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students who complete the Certificate in Accounting are well-prepared for a variety of rewarding careers in the accounting field. These positions offer opportunities for growth, stability, and professional fulfillment within a dynamic and essential industry.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers maintain financial records, handle accounts payable and receivable, and ensure the accuracy of financial documentation. They play a critical role in businesses’ financial health by keeping meticulous records of all financial transactions.
Accounting Assistant
Accounting assistants support accountants and auditors by performing clerical tasks, preparing financial reports, and assisting with audits and other accounting-related activities. They help ensure that accounting processes run smoothly and efficiently.
Payroll Clerk
Payroll clerks manage employee compensation, including calculating wages, processing payroll, and maintaining payroll records. They ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate financial data, prepare reports, and provide insights to help businesses make informed financial decisions. They play a vital role in strategic planning and financial management.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers a range of accounting programs, providing students with multiple pathways to enhance their business acumen. Whether pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree or additional certificates, students can expand their accounting knowledge and enhance their career prospects.
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration (Accounting)
- Certificate in Finance
- Certificate in Economics
The certificate can be completed in three semesters.
Students who complete the Certificate in Accounting can pursue roles such as bookkeeper, accounting assistant, payroll clerk, and financial analyst.
The entire certificate is available online, providing flexibility for students with various schedules.
This certificate is highly competitive within the Kansas Board of Regents system and stands among the top online certificates nationwide. It offers a blend of flexibility and practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Information about the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting
The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively and ethically across both public and private sectors. The department offers highly sought-after degree programs in accounting, finance, and international business and economics—each designed to prepare students for versatile and in-demand career paths.
Students benefit from career-focused internship opportunities, personalized mentoring from expert faculty, and the flexibility of fully online degree options. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of the business world, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate a competitive job market.
Additionally, the Robbins Banking Institute enhances professional development in the banking sector by offering a practical, real-time curriculum tailored for rewarding careers in finance and banking. With a strong emphasis on student success and growth, the department’s faculty provides dedicated support to help each student reach their full potential.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Accounting Club: This club provides accounting students with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, explore career paths, and prepare for professional success. The club helps members gain insight into the diverse opportunities within the accounting field and facilitates introductions to potential employers. Regular meetings often feature guest speakers, professionals with accounting degrees, who share real-world experiences and career advice.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): The ACFE organization brings together students from a variety of disciplines to promote awareness, detection, and prevention of fraud in the business world.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is open to all students, regardless of major or prior knowledge of economics. Its mission is to promote interest in and understanding of economic concepts through engaging activities and discussions. A hallmark project of the club is the creation of the “Student Price Index,” a collaborative research initiative that explores FHSU students’ economic expectations. Each year, club members also have an opportunity to travel to a major U.S. city, enhancing their academic and professional development through real-world experiences.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club is dedicated to supporting the professional, educational, and social development of students with an interest in finance. The club fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, and professionals in the business and finance sectors. Through guest speakers and educational trips across the U.S., members gain valuable insights into the finance industry and explore potential career opportunities.
- International Business Club: This club aims to enhance students’ understanding of global business practices and economic issues from a variety of cultural and international perspectives. Through discussions, activities, and international travel experiences, the club fosters professional, educational, and social development. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate globally minded citizen-leaders prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program, housed within the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU, is led by a faculty expert in financial planning. This initiative offers free, confidential financial guidance provided by a team of trained, financially knowledgeable student mentors dedicated to helping their peers manage personal finances effectively.
Through one-on-one sessions, Tiger Money Mentors assist students with a wide range of financial topics, including:
- Organizing personal finances and managing expenses
- Creating and maintaining a realistic budget
- Developing plans to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding student loans and exploring repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing credit reports
- And more!
- Certificate
- Minor
- Bachelor's
- MBA
- On-Campus
- Online
