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Bookkeeping Certificate - Academic Plan

2026-2027

Total Credits = 29

Bookkeepers require proficiency with Excel and QuickBooks, solid interpersonal skills, and basic accounting knowledge. They perform tasks such as processing accounts payable and accounts receivable, inventory, reconciling bank statements, and payroll processing.

Program Outcomes

  • The student will develop the ability to analyze information objectively and make reasonable judgements.
  • The student will be able to recall the core technical concepts used in the profession.
  • Identify and define basic accounting terms and principles.
  • The student will demonstrate the ability to use software and technology tools in an effective and efficient manner.

Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Recommendations

Where requirements are listed as course categories (e.g. Electives, Arts/Humanities) rather than as specific courses, please note that depending upon course choice, prerequisites may be required.

*Grade C or better required

Required Course Prerequisite, Corequisite, or Recommendation
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1015 - Payroll Accounting Corequisite: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1001 - Fundamentals of Accounting, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1011 - Introduction to Financial Accounting, or Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1021 - Accounting Principles I
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1022 - Accounting Principles II Prerequisite: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1021 - Accounting Principles I with a grade of "C" or better
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1035 - Spreadsheet Application for Accounting Corequisite: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1001 - Fundamentals of Accounting, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1011 - Introduction to Financial Accounting, or Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1021 - Accounting Principles I and CIS 1018 - Introduction to PC Applications or CIS 1055 - PC Spreadsheet Concepts: Excel
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 2035 - Computerized Accounting for Small Business Corequisite: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1001 - Fundamentals of Accounting, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1011 - Introduction to Financial Accounting, or Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1021 - Accounting Principles I
CIS 1055 - PC Spreadsheet Concepts: Excel Required: Students must have Windows file management skills to create file folders, rename files, delete files, copy and move files.

Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time Track)

Year 1: Fall
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1015 - Payroll Accounting
3.0 Credits
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1021 - Accounting Principles I
4.0 Credits
BUS 1015 - Introduction to Business
3.0 Credits
CIS 1055 - Complete Spreadsheets: Excel
3.0 Credits
Elective (3 Credits)

Choose any 3 credit course from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, BTE, BUS, CIS, FIN, MAN, or MAR.

~Recommended Elective(s)~

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1031 - Income Tax
3.0 Credits
CIS 1018 - Introduction to PC Applications
3.0 Credits
FIN 1010 - Introduction to Finance
3.0 Credits
MAN 1028 - Human Relations in Organizations
3.0 Credits
MAR 1006 - Marketing Your Image
3.0 Credits
MAR 1060 - Customer Service
3.0 Credits
Year 1: Spring
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1022 - Accounting Principles II
4.0 Credits
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1035 - Spreadsheet Application for Accounting
3.0 Credits
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 2035 - Computerized Accounting for Small Business
3.0 Credits
BUS 2017 - Business Communication and Report Writing
3.0 Credits

Recommended Course Sequence (Part-Time Track)

Year 1: Fall
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1021 - Accounting Principles I
4.0 Credits
CIS 1055 - Complete Spreadsheets: Excel
3.0 Credits
Year 1: Spring
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1015 - Payroll Accounting
3.0 Credits
BUS 1015 - Introduction to Business
3.0 Credits
Elective (3 Credits)

Choose any 3 credit course from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, BTE, BUS, CIS, FIN, MAN, or MAR.

~Recommended Elective(s)~

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1031 - Income Tax
3.0 Credits
CIS 1018 - Introduction to PC Applications
3.0 Credits
FIN 1010 - Introduction to Finance
3.0 Credits
MAN 1028 - Human Relations in Organizations
3.0 Credits
MAR 1006 - Marketing Your Image
3.0 Credits
MAR 1060 - Customer Service
3.0 Credits
Year 2: Fall
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1022 - Accounting Principles II
4.0 Credits
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 1035 - Spreadsheet Application for Accounting
3.0 Credits
Year 2: Spring
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 2035 - Computerized Accounting for Small Business
3.0 Credits
BUS 2017 - Business Communication and Report Writing
3.0 Credits

Notes

  • Elective: Choose any 3 credit course from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, BTE, BUS, CIS, FIN, MAN, MAR.
  • Course availability is subject to change.
  • Recommended courses are listed above for certain electives; consult with the Academic Advising Office (advising [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.5664) or the Business Department for additional elective recommendations.
  • Refer to catalog for specific requirements and important information about this degree.