Certificate in Tax Practice
Program Overview
The Certificate in Tax Practice provides nine units of graduate level tax research and tax foundation skills and knowledge to students who already have either an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting. This certificate can also assist someone seeking nine units to help meet the required 150 units to become a CPA. It can help with career advancement and passing the CPA examination.
Courses include: (units)
- BUS 223A Tax Research and Decision Making (3)
- Courses on taxation of business entities and personal and business transactions.
You will need to complete all courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 (B), with no course grade less than a C (2.0). A C- grade or below in any class is considered failing. Only three units of coursework with a grade of C can count toward the certificate.
You must complete all courses at SJSU to earn the Certificate in Tax Practice.
Note: San José State University cannot issue an I-20 to secure an F-1 visa to enter or remain in the United States for this program.
Admission Requirements
What are the admission requirements?
Educated Within the United States
4 year bachelor's degree in accounting from a US instiution. If your degree is in a different area, you can apply if you have completed the following undergraduate accounting courses in the US: Intermediate Accounting I and II and introduction to income taxation.
A GPA of 3.0 or better with an absolute minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
There is no conditional admission to the certificate program.
Educated Outside the United States
If you earned an accounting degree from a higher education institution outside the United States, you must hold the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.
How much is the Tax Practice Certificate?
Tuition is $731 per unit, or $2,130 per 3-unit course. The total cost for the certificate will be $6,579.
Beginning Fall 2025, fees will increase to $768 per unit.
The above costs do not include books, supplies, etc. Tuition fees are subject to change.
Registration Information
How can I get started?
Pre-Enrollment Instructions
1. Submit the pre-screening form, as early as possible.
2. We will evaluate your form and notify you of the results.
If you are notified that you are eligible, please continue following the Registration
Instructions (below).
What are the registration instructions?
If you are notified that you are eligible, we will send you registration instructions.
Who should I contact with questions?
Catherine Dougherty
Program Coordinator
Email: catherine.dougherty@sjsu.edu
Annette Nellen
Program Director
Email: annette.nellen@sjsu.edu
