Program option
Course-based
Chartered Professional Accountancy (CPA) (GradDip)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
2 years
Credits
30 credits
Start term
Fall, Winter, Summer
Program overview
Taught by dedicated instructors with years of audit, consulting and accounting experience, the John Molson Graduate Diploma in Chartered Professional Accountancy (CPA) is built on a tradition of excellence and designed to meet the needs of the next generation of accounting professionals. Students can complete the program part-time in the evening over a period of up to two years, or fast-track by studying full-time with our Accelerated Pathway, where one can complete the program in as quickly as 16 months (including a one-term leave of absence). The John Molson CPA program has a long and proud tradition of excellence in graduate accounting education and posts remarkable first-time writer pass rates for the Common Final Examination.
Program structure
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits.
Please see the Chartered Professional Accountancy Diploma Courses page for course descriptions.
Graduate Diploma in Chartered Professional Accountancy (30 credits)
| 13.5 | credits: Foundational Development & Core Module |
| 3 | credits: Capstone I - A Module: Core Common Preparation |
| 3 | credits of elective courses, chosen from:
or any other additional and relevant 600-level ACCO, CPA or graduate-level course, subject to the approval by the Program Director. |
| 4.5 | credits chosen from one of the following two options, depending on students interests and career aspirations: Option 1: Capstone I-B Module: Licensure Preparation [Licensure Track] Students who plan to practice public accounting must take CPA 678 and CPA 679. Option 2: Applied Professional Accountancy Any other additional and relevant 600-level ACCO, CPA or graduate-level course, subject to the approval by the Program Director. |
| 6 | credits: Capstone II Module: Leadership Preparation |
Note: In addition to the required diploma courses in the program, students may register for one or more tutorial courses, with the permission of the program director. |
Admission requirements
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree. Students holding an undergraduate degree with a major in Accountancy, with high academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.30, or the equivalent, and demonstrated overall proficiency in specific courses) will normally have satisfied the prerequisite requirements.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Application process
Application deadlines
FALL
June 1
WINTER
October 1
SUMMER
February 1
Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available. Consult the list of programs open for applications.
U.S. & International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage U.S. and international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.
Alumni testimonials
Karen Hogan
BComm 93, GrDip 95
"My accounting professors were instrumental in fostering my passion for the field. They provided me with knowledge and skills that shape my work today."
Jason Parravano
BComm 11, GrDip 14
"The professors were great because a lot them were actually working in the field at the same time."
Tanya Greenidge
BComm 03, GrDip 05
"With one year of accounting studies under my belt, I applied for a job in the university’s financial services department."
Tuition & funding
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.
Awards and funding
Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. Course-based students may be eligible for a number of donor awards, and may consult with their department for program-specific opportunities.
Out-of-province students
Get $2,000 in special funding for graduate diploma programs. Learn more
