Professional Development Certificate in Accounting

The Certificate programs within the School of Business and Management are not accepting new enrollments after February 1, 2024.

The Professional Development Certificate in Accounting (PDCA) provides updated contemporary perspectives of value creation using concepts from accounting, industry, and management. Learners will apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) while reading and producing elements of consolidated financial statements. They will expand their existing knowledge regarding the accounting cycle, financial statements, and cash controls suitable for small businesses. They will also learn how to use financial and operations data as part of managerial decision-making processes. This certificate program discusses the ethical and social dilemmas commonly encountered in financial, industrial, and other global markets. Learners will apply concepts and methods used in preparing financial statements and the accounting cycle.

Program Learning Outcomes

The objectives of the Professional Development Certificate in Accounting include the following:

1. Explore contemporary perspectives of value creation using concepts from accounting, industry, and management.
2. Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) while reading and producing elements of consolidated financial statements.
3. Expand knowledge regarding the accounting cycle, financial statements, and cash controls suitable for small businesses.
4. Understand how to use financial and operations data as part of managerial decision-making processes.
5. Illustrate ethical and social dilemmas commonly encountered in financial, industrial, and other global markets.
6. Apply concepts and methods used in preparing financial statements and the accounting cycle.

Required Courses (18 Total Credits Required)

ACT 4102	Principles of Accounting I	3
ACT 4104	Principles of Accounting II	3
ACT 4150	Managerial Accounting	3
ACT 4467	Auditing	3
BUS 3300	Introduction to Business	3
MGT 4124	Operations Management	3

This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation. As such, CalSouthern has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated this program as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means students enrolling in this program may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for this program. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for students.