Degree Overview: Graduate Certificate Programs in Accounting Information Systems
Majors Overview April 30, 2015Get information about graduate certificate programs in accounting information systems and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, continuing education choices, and job and wage outlook.
Information on Accounting Information Systems Certificate Programs
The wide range of potential elements in an information system includes people and procedures apart from hardware and software. While students enrolled in accounting information systems engage in the exploration of diverse portions of an information system, courses involving accounting software are available in all programs.
The primary focus of graduate certificate programs in accounting information systems (AIS) is on accounting managers and software. The secondary focus is often on risk and safety in different systems. The role played by accounting systems in the managerial decision-making process is the primary focus of coursework in some programs. It typically takes 12 graduate credits to complete the program.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a baccalaureate degree and an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or 3.0. Other certificate programs only require a certain number of undergraduate credits in accounting, in addition to a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the applicable courses.
Coursework
Coursework can vary by program. However, core coursework may commonly include topic areas such as the following areas of study:
•IT legal issues
•Financial accounting
•Current topics in AIS
•Research skills
•Auditing
•Analysis of profitability
•Accounting systems and decision making
•Computer security with assurance of software and hardware
•Information systems in accounting
Career Choices
Those who complete accounting certificates in conjunction with a degree in business or accounting may choose from popular career options such as:
•Financial manager
•Loan officer
•Cost estimator
•Auditor
•Financial or budget analyst
Continuing Education Choices
After completion of one certificate in accounting information systems, a recipient may wish to enroll in other certificate programs or earn a higher degree, such as a Master of Science in Accounting or Finance or an M.B.A. Others may seek continuing education in information technology. Schools also offer continuing education courses in information technology, business, finance, or accounting. Many community and state colleges offer these degrees and courses in online formats.
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, job growth rates of 13% have been predicted for accountants and auditors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $63,550 (BLS).
