The Accounting Fundamentals Specialist Certificate is for people who need basic accounting skills, as needed in managing an office, operating a business, or seeking entry-level jobs in accounting that do not require an accounting degree. The certificate will also benefit professionals with a degree in a non-accounting field who want to progress into a leadership role, especially those required to interpret financial data in making decisions.
LSU Certificates offer a cost-effective means to establish and publicize your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a specialization. Upon successful completion of a certificate, you will receive a digital badge from LSU Online & Continuing Education.
Our certificates are intended especially for working professionals and others who need a flexible means of taking courses and documenting the qualifications they give you. The courses in this certificate also earn you college credit, so your certificate could also start you on the path to a credit certificate or a college degree.
You may start any course for this certificate at any time. Admission to LSU is not required.
Prerequisites
- MATH 1021 College Algebra or equivalent
- A grade of “C” or better is required in each course to move to the next course in the program
Program Cost
This program is comprised of 3 courses, each with a base cost of $866. The total program cost will vary due to course-specific costs, such as proctoring and books. You can find comprehensive information regarding these fees and a syllabus on each course page.
Requirements
These online courses require access to a computer with Internet access, email, an Internet browser (Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox recommended), MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Format
The courses in this certificate are regular three-credit LSU courses offered through Online Distance Learning. You are allowed six months to complete each course; however, because courses are self-paced, you may complete a course in as little as four weeks. Each course includes a syllabus that explains the course requirements. The courses are completed entirely online.
What You Will Earn
After successfully completing all courses in the certificate program, you will be able to download an official LSU certificate. We recommend you print out this certificate and showcase it with pride!
Completers will also receive a digital badge that showcases your new skill set and provides employers with a reliable way to assess your capabilities. These badges serve as a visual representation of your accomplishments and can be shared on social media, personal websites, or professional networking sites. Badges are distributed through Canvas Credentials. For more information on digital badges, visit the LSU Digital Badge page.
English Proficiency Requirements
Continuing Education Programs
Continuing Education (CE) courses and programs offered online through LSU Online & Continuing Education typically include a combination of lecture and discussion as well as reading and writing assignments. You need an adequate command of English in all skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) to participate in classes.
If English is not your native language, you must meet one of the English language proficiency requirements below to be successful in our CE programs. If you intend to register for a CE course or program, you can determine whether you meet English proficiency requirements by self-assessment prior to enrolling. We want to empower you, the learner, to progress successfully. Completing this self-assessment will enable you to make a good decision on whether you can complete one of our programs.
Intermediate English Skills
Most CE professional development courses and programs require at least intermediate English skills, which are equivalent to a B2 level of English language proficiency on the Self-Assessment Form. When assessing yourself, be sure to read through each of the categories under Column B2 to make sure you meet proficiency requirements.
Advanced English Skills
Online Distance Learning courses and microcreds are for-credit courses and might require more advanced English skills, equivalent to a C1 level on the Learner Self-Assessment Form. Be sure to read through each of the categories under Column C1 to make sure you meet proficiency requirements.