Certificate in Accounting

Gain essential skills in management accounting, performance measurement and resource allocation to make data-backed decisions. The certificate provides students with a strong foundation in the concepts covered on the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) exam, helping to prepare them for success.
A professor stands infront of a projector screen teaching with the head of a student in the foreground.

This certificate supports students earning a Bachelor of Science in Business by adding an accounting skillset to major-specific knowledge. Students add value to their degree by understanding how to make management and resource allocation decisions with accounting information, devise planning and performance management systems, and use financial information to implement organization strategy. The certificate also paves the way for students to successfully pass the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) exam.

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) shows that management accounting is moving away from the reporting and control functions. Today, managers must make strategic, data-backed decisions, effectively communicate both financial and non-financial data, and serve on cross-functional teams.

Certificate questions

Accounting certificate courses

Students who complete the following courses will satisfy the certificate requirements and will have the certificate noted on their degree transcript. 

Starting spring 2026, ACCT 513 Decision-Making for the Boardroom will replace ACCT 500 Special Topics in Accounting. Students who have previously completed the specific section of ACCT 500 Special Topics in Accounting: Decision-Making in the Boardroom before spring 2026 will still satisfy the certificate requirements. 

 

Courses

More information about the CMA

Knowledge acquired in this certificate supports the concepts tested on the CMA exam. The CMA is recognized in 150 countries and boasts a network of more than 140,000 accounting and finance professionals. The IMA’s 2023 Salary Survey reports a 21% higher median annual compensation for CMA’s versus non-certified peers. Of those surveyed, 71% said the certification improved their ability to transition across business areas, and 69% said enhanced opportunities for career advancement and promotion.

Students can sit for the exam while still in school. To earn the CMA certification, they must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and two years of relevant work experience. The University of Kansas can also nominate up to three students per year for a CMA Scholarship, covering the full cost of the program.