Program Description
The Edwards Certificate in Accounting for Decision Making (CADM) is a three-course program that introduces students to the fundamentals of accounting and financial literacy. Pursue this program as a stand-alone option or in conjunction with another degree to advance your business accounting acumen and support strategic financial decision making.
Program Benefits
- Gain a competitive edge and enhance career prospects by developing the skills needed to make confident financial decisions.
- Grow your financial knowledge in a supportive and engaging environment, regardless of your area of study.
- CADM is a part-time program, so you can continue to work or pursue a full-time degree while completing the certificate.
This certificate is ideal for students who:
- are enrolled in the Edwards School of Business but do not major in Accounting;
- are pursuing degrees in colleges outside the Edwards School of Business;
- desire a stand-alone certificate focused on enhancing financial literacy; or
- will use accounting information in the workplace but will not be primarily responsible for its preparation.
Please note: CADM is a specialized program and not intended to serve as a pathway to enter the Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) program. Students interested in entering the B.Comm. program, and who wish to obtain a certificate prior to enrollment, may want to consider the Certificate in Business or the Certificate in Entrepreneurship.
Students completing the CADM program alongside another degree should consult with their college advisor to understand how the courses fit within their program requirements.
What You'll Learn
Anyone who wishes to be involved in business, either managing or providing governance/oversight, will benefit from increased financial literacy and accounting acumen.
The CADM program provides students with practical skills, including learning how to interpret financial statements, understanding the role of accounting in business operations, and navigating the Canadian tax system. As accounting and financial literacy are fundamental across industries, students equipped with these skills will be better prepared to handle financial decision making in the workplace, regardless of their field of study.
The program is intended to be applicable to a broad range of students, including but not limited to: entrepreneurs, health care practitioners (e.g., pharmacists, therapists), engineers, agribusiness specialists, economists, and future educators.
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Required Courses (9 Credit Units)
- COMM 225.3 - Introduction to Accounting and Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs*
- COMM 325.3 - Corporate Reporting and Decision Making**
- COMM 326.3 - Taxation and Business Decisions**
* COMM 225.3 is not transferrable to the B.Comm. program. Students who have completed COMM 201.3 and COMM 210.3 may use it in lieu of COMM 225.3.
** COMM 325.3 and COMM 326.3 may be used for credit in the B.Comm. program for students pursuing any major except for Accounting. These courses cannot be used for credit toward a B.Comm. major in Accounting.
Apply for Admission
Apply
CADM applications are open at two points in the calendar year.
| Start Term | Application Deadline |
| Winter | Dec 1 |
| Fall | May 1 |
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High School
- Grade 12 standing or equivalent
- Less than 18 credit units of transferable post-secondary courses
- Successful completion of Foundations of Math 30 (Pre-Calculus 30 recommended, but not required)
- Minimum average of 70% on five subject high school average - learn how we calculate your admission average
- Proficiency in English
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Post-Secondary
- 18 or more credit units of transferable post-secondary-level studies
- Successful completion of Foundations of Mathematics 30 (Pre-Calculus 30 or university-level equivalent is recommended, but not required
- Minimum average of 60% on 18 or more transferable credit units or the cumulative weighted average from a recognized and/or accredited post-secondary institution; average calculated on all attempted courses (without breaking up an academic session) which are transferable to the University of Saskatchewan
- Proficiency in English
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Mature Admission
- Proof of age (21 or older)
- A written submission demonstrating capacity to undertake university-level studies
- Less than 18 credit units of transferable post-secondary coursework
- Transcripts of any secondary or post-secondary coursework
- Copies of supporting documents covering any non-credit programs completed
- Resume
- Proficiency in English
- Learn more about mature admission
Note: Upon first admission to the CADM program, students must complete requirements within a five (5) year time period. Under exceptional circumstances, the School may grant an extension. Students returning to the CADM program after an absence of five (5) or more years may be placed under the curriculum requirements in effect on the date of readmission.
Money Matters
Tuition and Student Fees
In 2025-26, domestic students will pay $1,040.70 per 3-credit unit class. For current domestic tuition information, visit the USask tuition website.
All certificate students must pay on-campus student fees. These fees are subject to review and revision at any time and are non-refundable after the add/drop deadline for a given term.
Textbooks
Textbook expenses vary depending on the requirements of each course. Generally, students should expect to budget between $100 and $200 per class for texts and materials.
Ready to Study With Us?
If you would like more information on the Certificate in Accounting for Decision Making, please contact us:
Students & Faculty Services Office
Edwards School of Business
University of Saskatchewan
Room 185, 25 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
S7N 5A7