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.
- Operations Management Certificate (Accredited Six-Sigma Training Program)
- 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; weekly synchronous class meetings in the evening |
| Average Completion Time | 16-20 months |
| Start Date | Certificate series begins January of even 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 2023-24 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
Prerequisite Courses
- Financial Accounting (3 credits)
- Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
Certificate Requirements – 24 credits
All accounting certificate courses meet Monday and Thursday evenings, from 6-9:30 p.m. Students may attend at the U-District location or virtually.
Year One
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Instructor | Course Dates |
| BU 334 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4 | Mitchell Whitehead | Jan. 2-March 1, 2024 |
| BU 335 | Intermediate Accounting II | 4 | John Kiepe | March 4-May 3, 2024 |
| BU 332 | Cost Accounting | 3 | Dan Myers | May 20-July 19, 2024 |
Year Two
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Instructor | Course Dates |
| BU 336 | Introduction to Taxation | 4 | Jillian Robison | Aug. 19-Oct. 18, 2024 |
| BU 466 | Principles of Auditing | 3 | Lindsay Diaz | Oct. 21-Dec. 20, 2024 |
| BU 357 | Financial Management | 3 | Dan Myers | Jan. 6-March 7, 2025 |
| BU 240 | Business Law | 3 | Brooke McDaniel | Jan. 6-March 7, 2025 |
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