Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting

The Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (GDPA) is designed for students who do not have a degree in accounting. It is an economical and focused way for you to gain an understanding of and competence in the practice of accounting. With this diploma, you will be prepared for a career as an accounting professional in public practice, corporate management, nonprofit organizations, and government agency controllership.

The curriculum is designed for part-time study, allowing you to work while pursuing the diploma. It is possible to complete the program in three terms (fewer than 12 months). You may waive a maximum of three of GDPA courses if you have completed equivalent courses at an accredited school with a grade of B or better.

Curriculum

Required Courses (7 courses/21 credits)

• Graduate Financial Accounting I*
• Graduate Financial Accounting II 
• Cost Information, Decision, and Control
• Business Law**
• Issues in Federal Taxation I** 
• Multinational Financial Analysis and Control 
• Technology and Financial Information Systems* 

Electives/Concentration Options (2 courses/6credits)

Students may select to tailor their electives to their career goals by selecting one of the following career tracks

• Public Accounting
• Corporate Accounting
• Not-for-Profit Accounting
  

*Students without an accounting background, must also take Corporate Financial Reporting and Control before taking Graduate Financial Accounting. 

**These courses are waived in the Accelerated GDPA for lawyers or graduates of ABA-accredited schools.