Types of Accounting Certifications 

As an accounting major, you have a variety of options for certification. The “gold standard” is Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While there are over half a million licensed CPAs in the United States, the CPA credential is the most recognized and broad certification you can earn.  Being a CPA can open doors for many business career opportunities. If the CPA is not an option for you, View below some of the other credentials you can earn.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant allows you to provide audits, accounting advice, and tax services for your clients. While non-CPAs may also provide accounting and tax services, only CPAs can provide audit services for public companies. The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program will prepare you to take all four parts of the CPA exam with your cohort as part of the two-semester program. The MAcc program will also provide preparation materials and resources for the CPA exam. As a MAcc student, your tuition covers all CPA exam-related fees.

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Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditors are trained in risk management, including Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), risk response, and data analysis of company and individual risk measures. The Internal Audit Center (IAC) at KSU is a Center of Excellence in the Internal Audit Educational Partnership (IAEP) of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). With the KSU-IAC, students have access to education that prepares them for the field of internal auditing. 

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Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

As a Certified Fraud Examiner, you will analyze transactions and laws to eliminate fraud and white-collar crime around the world. CFEs have career opportunities in accounting and law firms and in corporations as Security and Risk Management Advisers. At Coles College, we help prepare you to meet the requirements for this essential certification in various accounting fields. 

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Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Become a Certified Management Accountant to work as an accountant or financial professional and excel in data analysis, decision support, and financial planning. CMAs serve in multiple senior roles like Controller, CFO, Budget Analyst, Finance Manager, and Cost Accountant. Check out our KSU CMA pathway to succeed in obtaining your certification.

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Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

It is the responsibility of the Information Systems Auditor to plan and carry out audits within an organization. Keep in mind that the CISA exam can be taken by students without a degree. However, you will need to pass an exam, have five (5) years of professional experience, and adhere to a code of ethics to earn the CISA certification. 

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