The Accounting Certificate focuses on the accounting skills and knowledge needed in business. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for entry-level accounting jobs in a variety of business settings or may move seamlessly into the Business Administration Career associate degree program.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Certificate

In the accounting program you will learn how to analyze, calculate, interpret, and report financial information. You will become comfortable with software to run both manual and automated accounting systems and learn the complexities of ethical issues in business.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

3 Semesters

27-28 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

Associate of Science

Business Administration Career

The Business Administration Career associate degree program will prepare you to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. The program provides a skills-based curriculum that equips graduates with the knowledge and background needed for a rewarding career in business and industry.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Fall)

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: ACC).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in three semesters.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss associate degree (Program Code: BB for career goal; or Program Code: BT for transfer goal).
Financial Accounting IACC 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Introduction to Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 111F/S/SU3 
Principles of MacroeconomicsECO 215F/S/SU3Coreq: ENG 101
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total12 

Semester 2 (Spring)

  • Apply to associate degree (Program Code: BB for career goal; or Program Code: BT for transfer goal).
  • ACC 231 strongly recommended for career goal (Program Code: BB); ECO 216 required for transfer goal (Program Code: BT).
  • For the ACC Program Specific Elective, for career goal or transfer goal, choose any one of the following courses not already selected: ACC 211, ACC 225, ACC 231, BSL 101, ECO 216, FIN 111, FIN 221, or FIN 250.
  • For the ACC Program Specific Elective (200-level), for career goal or transfer goal, choose any one of the following 200-level courses not already selected: ACC 211, ACC 225, ACC 231, ECO 216, FIN 221, or FIN 250.
Financial Accounting IIACC 102F/S/SU3ACC 101, CIS 111
Computerized Accounting ORACC 231F/S3ACC 101, CIS 111
Principles of MicroeconomicsECO 216F/S/SUCoreq: ENG 101
ACC Program Specific Elective---F/S/SU3 
ACC Program Specific Elective (200-level)---F/S/SU3-4 
  Total12-13 

Semester 3 (Summer)

  • ACC 222 required for transfer goal (Program Code: BT); alternatively, for ACC Program Specific Elective (200-level), for career goal (Program Code: BB), choose any one of the following 200-level courses not already selected: ACC 211, ACC 225, ACC 231, ECO 216, FIN 221, or FIN 250.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Managerial Accounting ORACC 222F/S/SU3ACC 102
ACC Program Specific Elective (200-level)--- 
  Total3 
Total Credits Required:  27-28 

Program Goals:

The Accounting Certificate focuses on the accounting skills and knowledge needed in business. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for entry-level accounting jobs in a variety of business settings or may move seamlessly into the Business Administration Career associate degree program.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Analyze, calculate, interpret, and report financial information accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in both manual and automated accounting systems.
  • Apply accounting principles which relate to accounting support functions.
  • Demonstrate a grasp of the complexities of ethical issues in business and in particular the practice of accounting.
  • Use the Microsoft Office Suite® and QuickBooks® software effectively.
  • Communicate effectively using written, oral, and non-verbal techniques, including the use of appropriate technology in the gathering and presentation of information.
  • Complete a 150-hour structured learning experience in which students apply skills and knowledge from the classroom to a work experience.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 52.0302.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.