Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management Graduate Certificate in CPA Preparation program is designed to provide study in advanced accounting topics. You'll have the chance to review material designed to help you fully understand what is expected in specific sections of the CPA examination. Studies can be completed online, at a DeVry University campus, or through a mix of both formats. CPA preparation courses are intended to address procedures and concepts in auditing, business financial management, financial reporting, federal taxation regulations, and professional ethics. Other courses might cover financial accounting theory, international practices, accounting software, fraud investigations, entrepreneurial finance, and project management. You can decide between an Advanced Accounting or Professional Leadership track.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Strong math and analytical skills, a bachelor's degree, and an understanding of general accounting principles and practices are important for those seeking to enter the Graduate Certificate in CPA Preparation program. Before you enroll in a DeVry University degree program, you may need to satisfy minimum requirements before beginning the program, including having already earned a high school diploma or equivalent.

What Are the Course Requirements?

You must complete 30 credit hours to meet the requirements of this graduate certificate program. This reflects 12 credits in accounting courses, nine credits in CPA preparation coursework, and nine credits in a selected track. CPA Prep Course Requirement Examples could include:

• Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Issues
• International Accounting and Multinational Enterprises
• Forensic Accounting: Ethics and the Legal Environment
• CPA Exam Preparation: Auditing and Attestation
• CPA Exam Preparation: Regulation
• Advanced Studies in Federal Taxes and Management Decisions
• Auditing: An Operational and Internal Perspective Including Fraud Examination
• Accounting Fraud Criminology and Ethic

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management Graduate Certificate in CPA Preparation program and successfully taken state CPA exams, you could explore employment opportunities in a variety of professional settings. You might seek work as a senior accountant or auditor in corporate finance departments, accounting firms, government offices, or tax preparation companies. You might also operate your own accounting office.

Other possible career options include:

• Financial Analyst
• Treasurer
• Financial Manager

Advanced Degrees

After you have earned the Graduate Certificate in CPA Preparation, you might wish to further expand your understanding of accounting theories and concepts by pursuing a master's degree. You would typically need a graduate degree if you are seeking senior management or executive positions in the field. Graduate studies often provide focuses on managerial accounting practices, managerial decision-making processes, accounting research methodologies, and financial analysis.

Master's degree options include but are not limited to:

• Master of Science in Accounting
• Master of Accounting and Financial Management
• Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting