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Depending on your career goals, certifications may help prepare you for leadership opportunities in areas such as public accounting, management accounting, auditing, fraud examination and information systems. The School of Accounting can help you explore certification pathways and understand how they align with your interests and career plans.
Different certifications support different career paths. Your goals, interests and professional aspirations can help determine which credential makes the most sense for you.
The CPA is often considered the gold standard for professionals interested in public accounting. Earning the CPA designation demonstrates advanced accounting knowledge and is widely recognized by employers across the profession.
Accounting faculty can help you:
If you earn a BSBA with a major in Accounting from CMU, you will meet Michigan's educational requirements to sit for the CPA Exam.
Students planning to become licensed CPAs should know that the requirements for taking the CPA Exam are different from the requirements for CPA certification. In Michigan, CPA certification generally requires 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting.
CMU's School of Accounting is approved by the Michigan Board of Accountancy. Students can also use CMU's accelerated MBA with an accounting concentration to help meet CPA certification requirements while earning both degrees on an accelerated timeline.
Students interested in pursuing CPA licensure should begin planning early to ensure they understand educational requirements, coursework considerations and state-specific licensing requirements.
Interested in helping organizations make strategic business decisions?
The CMA is an internationally recognized credential for management accountants and financial managers. It focuses on financial planning, analysis and performance management and is often a strong fit for students interested in corporate or private accounting rather than public accounting.
Accounting faculty may nominate up to 10 accounting majors each year for CMA Exam Scholarships through the Institute of Management Accountants, helping students take the next step toward certification.
Do you see yourself working inside an organization rather than in public accounting?
The CIA is a globally recognized credential for professionals who evaluate risks, controls and business processes. It can help strengthen your understanding of corporate governance and enhance your credibility as an internal auditor.
Want to investigate fraud, uncover financial misconduct or work in forensic accounting?
The CFE designation is designed for professionals who focus on the prevention, detection and deterrence of fraud. It is often pursued by individuals interested in careers with organizations such as the FBI, public accounting firms, corporations and government agencies.
The CISA credential combines auditing, accounting and technology.
Students interested in information systems, cybersecurity, technology risk and IT governance may find the CISA especially valuable. It is often pursued by professionals who work at the intersection of business, accounting and technology.
Certification preparation is only one part of professional development. Internships, networking opportunities, student organizations and faculty mentorship can help you explore career paths and identify credentials that align with your goals.
