Program Details
Program Details
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Certificate
Radford University
Program Details
Certificate in Accounting
CertificateCertificate in Accounting
Radford University
The Department of Accounting, Finance & Business Law in the Davis College of Business and Economics (COBE) offers an accounting certificate for students possessing an undergraduate degree who would like to re-tool to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. Students entering this program would be seeking a career in accounting. The program would consist of 30 credit hours of work in accounting and could be completed in one year. Students who want to sit for the CPA exam must have an undergraduate degree, have completed at least 24 hours of accounting coursework beyond principles of accounting, and must have completed at least 24 hours of other business coursework. This certificate program satisfies the accounting coursework requirement.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students must have completed Fundamentals of Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting before beginning this certificate. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Radford University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who complete an approved VCCS transfer-oriented associate degree (AA, AS, AA&S, or a SCHEV-approved General Studies transfer degree) are considered to have satisfied Radford’s Core/REAL lower-division general education requirements. Students must still complete all other University, college, departmental, major-specific, prerequisite, and Radford residency requirements. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students earning a transferable associate degree while in high school through dual enrollment should apply through the freshman application process and are not guaranteed admission under Radford’s VCCS Guaranteed Admission Agreement. If admitted, they receive the benefits associated with the transferable associate degree once an official college transcript showing degree completion is submitted; the degree satisfies REAL/Core general education requirements. Students must still complete all other University, college, departmental, major-specific, prerequisite, and Radford residency requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Radford awards credit for AP, CLEP, and IB when official scores meet Radford criteria; AP/CLEP scores and IB courses are evaluated like transfer credit. Dual enrollment credit requires an official college transcript. Students may also seek prior-learning credit for professional work or life experience, military training, CLEP, departmental challenge exams, and national certification exams. Students should submit official scores, transcripts, or Joint Services Transcripts, and confirm with the Registrar/transfer team or academic advisor how awarded credit applies to their degree and major requirements. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
608
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
89%
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Radford University is a medium-sized public residential university in the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, with 7,837 students, 608 enrolled degree-seeking transfer students in Fall 2025, and an average class size of 20. Students learn across seven colleges and a growing Honors College, with 75 bachelor’s degree programs in 47 disciplines and academic options on the main Radford campus, Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, and online. Incoming freshmen on the main campus are required to live on campus for two academic years unless exempt; transfer and RUC students are welcome to live on campus but are not required. Students can get involved through 200+ clubs and organizations, Division I athletics, outdoor recreation opportunities, and transfer-focused options such as Tartan Transfer. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Generally, transfer students use the catalog year in effect when they first enroll at Radford University; under the VCCS/Radford GAA, students may request the catalog from the time of first post-high-school enrollment in an eligible VCCS associate degree, subject to GAA conditions. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic catalog year the student enters Radford University. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | VCCS/Radford GAA: Complete an eligible transfer-oriented associate degree, earn a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, be in good academic and disciplinary standing, follow normal transfer admission timelines, and submit official transcripts from all colleges attended plus a final official transcript showing associate-degree completion. There are no GAA testing requirements and Radford does not charge an application fee. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Business Management | Associate | Associates of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Accounting | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management - Project Management Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management - Digital Marketing Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Accounting | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Business Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Accounting | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Management Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management and Leadership | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia State University | B.S. in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Accountancy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Accounting-BSBA | Bachelor | BS in Business Admin. | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Marymount University | Accounting (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Business Administration Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Regent University | B.S. in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Accounting, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Accounting, Bachelor of Science (online) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Emory & Henry University | Accounting (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Business - Finance (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Business - Management (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Accounting (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Business - Marketing (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Acct & Inform Syst in Accounting & Business Analysis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting & Information Systems | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Acct & Inform Syst in Accounting and Information Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting & Information Systems | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, Major in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management, Major in Accounting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Business Administration Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13-2011.00 | Accountants and Auditors | Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 13-2022.00 | Appraisers of Personal and Business Property | Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 13-2031.00 | Budget Analysts | Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 25-1011.00 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 13-2041.00 | Credit Analysts | Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 13-2061.00 | Financial Examiners | Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 13-2054.00 | Financial Risk Specialists | Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 13-2081.00 | Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 13-2082.00 | Tax Preparers | Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
Cost To Complete