Online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations
The online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations helps you take the next step in your career.
Designed for graduate students who want to complement other graduate work, small business owners wanting additional accounting knowledge and employees needing to enhance current skills — all will benefit from this certificate program that does not require an undergraduate degree in accounting.
Want to learn more?
Among The Top In The Nation
Boise State’s online programs are specifically created for online learning and offer the same support as our traditional degree programs.
Our master’s in accounting online program is ranked #58 in the nation for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs by U.S. News and World Report.
AACSB Accreditation
Boise State’s College of Business and Economics and the Department of Accountancy are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), putting them in the top tier of business schools and accountancy programs worldwide. Only 874 business institutions in 56 territories and countries have earned AACSB accreditation.
AACSB Accounting Accreditation
Boise State is also one of only 190 schools that hold AACSB Accounting Accreditation. This specialized accreditation signifies that our program meets rigorous criteria and standards for excellence in accounting education across engagement, innovation and impact.
Accounting Foundations Certificate at a Glance
What can I do with a Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations?
Certificate holders will gain knowledge in the foundations of accounting including financial statement preparation and analysis, tax procedures and planning, information technology and data analytics.
As a student, you will receive training in management, decision-making and business processes. You will learn how to research current accounting topics independently to stay up-to-date on new laws and technologies in your career field.
What classes will I take?
The Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations is offered online only with no in-person requirements. This 18-credit program includes six required courses. Review the following table for more details on course requirements.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ACCT 500 Foundations of Financial Reporting I | 3 |
| ACCT 501 Foundations of Financial Reporting II | 3 |
| ACCT 504 Foundations of Financial Statement Auditing | 3 |
| ACCT 513 Foundations of Cost Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 529 Foundations of Federal Income Taxation | 3 |
| ACCT 549 Foundations of Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
Course Descriptions
Official course descriptions and degree plans are published on the graduate catalog website.
To find a course, click the “Courses” tab and select the drop-down list that aligns with your desired course prefix (e.g. ACCT 500). You may also use the search bar to search for the course prefix.
How much does it cost?
Boise State Online offers reasonably priced tuition, ongoing support, financial aid options and degree paths that help ensure you reach your goals quickly and efficiently. Review the following table for details on program costs.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boise State Graduate Admissions Application Fee (non-refundable) | $65 |
| Courses (18 total credits @ $750 per credit*) | $13,500 |
| Books (estimate) | $360 |
| Graduation Application Fee | $25 |
| Approximate Total Investment | $13,950 |
| Other potential expenses may include a personal computer, webcam, headphones with mic, and internet access, which are all required for this program. | Varies |
| Room/Board*** | $5,688 |
| Transportation*** | $1,248 |
How much does it cost with a 15% scholarship?**
The following table is an example of the total program cost for a student completing the 18 credits required to receive the Online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations with a 15% per semester scholarship.**
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boise State Graduate Admissions Application Fee (non-refundable) | $65 |
| Courses (18 total credits @ $638 per credit*) | $11,484 |
| Books (estimate) | $360 |
| Graduation Application Fee | $25 |
| Approximate Total Investment | $11,934 |
| Other potential expenses may include a personal computer, webcam, headphones with mic, and internet access, which are all required for this program. | Varies |
| Room/Board*** | $5,688 |
| Transportation*** | $1,248 |
*The per-credit fees listed above are for the 2024-25 academic year. Future academic year per-credit fees may vary slightly and are finalized each May.
***Costs for room, board and transportation are used to calculate financial aid and are included to disclose the full cost of attendance. These costs are not required for students pursuing a fully online program.
Note to Boise State and other Idaho higher education employees: Fee waivers do not apply to this program.
Financial Assistance Options
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for qualified applicants. All scholarships offer the same discount—15% off tuition, saving students about $5,500. The 15% discount is applied incrementally to each course a student enrolls in; it cannot be applied all at once. Discounts and scholarships may not be combined.
With five scholarship options available, learn more about which one you may qualify for.
What support will I have?
We’re here to help! From deciding if an online certificate is right for you to figuring out what credits transfer from previous schools, talking to a student success coach is the best place to start.
What are the admission requirements?
To be considered for the online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Prerequisite Courses (or courses deemed equivalent)
- ACCT 205 Introduction to Financial Accounting
- ACCT 206 Introduction to Managerial Accounting
- FINAN 303 Principles of Finance
- Math 254 Intro to Statistics/BUSSTAT 207 Introduction to Business Analytics*
- In accordance with Boise State Graduate College policy, a student MUST apply and be admitted to a graduate certificate prior to completing the requirements.
*Students should be comfortable with and have experience using Excel. Your student success coach can discuss the specific requirements for the program with you.
Standard Admission
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.00 (4.00 scale)
- C- or better in prerequisite courses
This content is provided as a quick reference for planning. All official admission standards are published on the graduate catalog site.
Priority Application Deadlines by Semester
Applications may be accepted after the deadline if space is available in courses. Reach out to your student success coach for more information on the application process and timelines.
| Semester | Application Deadline | Courses Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | November 30* | Early January |
| Summer | April 15* | Early May |
| Fall | July 15* | Late August |
To Apply For This Program
Step 1 – Apply to Boise State University
Complete the Boise State Graduate Admissions Application. On the Degree Path page within the application, select “Accounting Foundations Graduate Certificate-Online” from the Program or Certificate drop down list.
Submit the Boise State University Graduate Admission Application online
Authorization
Boise State maintains authorization to offer online programs in Idaho and beyond. Detailed information about state authorization is available on the eCampus Center website.
Accountancy Program News
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Contact our enrollment and student success team for support by emailing us at OnlineMSA@boisestate.edu or calling (208) 426-5921.