Business Certificates
Accounting
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Whereas the individual states regulate educational and experiential requirements for licensure of public accountants, the American Institute of Public Accountants (AICPA) prepares the mandatory, comprehensive, four-part Uniform CPA Examination. In Georgia, students may first take the CPA Exam after having completed the 120 hours of education required for the BBA in Accounting degree. However, most students defer taking the CPA exam until they are completing their Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree, which includes the additional accounting hours required for CPA licensure.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA designation, granted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), is meant for accountants and financial professionals in business. Requirements to become a CMA include: being a member if the IMA; passing all four parts of the CMA Examination; having a four-year degree from an accredited college or university; and having a minimum of two years of professional experience. Students may take the CMA Exam during their undergraduate education in accounting or another field.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) administers the CFE Examination and grants the CFE credential. Students who complete the Fraud Examination track are prepared to obtain the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. Students may, therefore, sit for the CFE exam prior to completing their undergraduate degree.
Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) established the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential exclusively for CPAs who demonstrate expertise in forensic accounting through their knowledge, skills, and experience. Students who complete the Forensic Accounting track in our Master of Accounting program are prepared to obtain the CFF credential.
Certified in Ethical Leadership
The Ethical Leadership Certification Program uses an online tool to teach students how to identify ethical issues, learn how to respond to ethical dilemmas, and enhance their ethical decision-making abilities. The program requires that students complete 6 modules and score at least 80 percent on each test administered at the end of the modules.
Economics
Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics (GCAE)
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics (GCAE) will allow students to meet the SACSCOC faculty credentials requirement of 18 graduate hours in the economics field of study, without completing the 30 hours required for the Online Master of Science in Applied Economics (MSAE). The GCAE program objective is to provide graduates with analytical capabilities in theoretical and applied economics. After completing the 9 credit core, students have a choice of courses that provide skills in market analysis, quantitative analysis, regulatory industry analysis, financial economics and economic development. These capabilities represent a unique combination of skills that are needed within society.
Last updated: 8/4/2022
