Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Learning the universal language of business.
Accounting is the language that defines transactions so that they can be used to describe business activities in a commonly understood format. Learning the language allows you to communicate and understand the financial operations of all types of organizations. As an accounting major, you will learn how to create, maintain, and audit a detailed and accurate system for the finances of a business or organization. Accounting students study accounting theory and learn how to analyze the financial position of a firm or organization.
What You'll Learn
A Bachelor of Science in Accounting will provide the foundation to understand how to create, maintain, or evaluate the financial record of any organization.
This 120-hour program teaches students to show proficiency in accounting technology, demonstrate research skills, defend proposed solutions to accounting problems, and improve communication skills.
Areas of study covered in the program include:
- Auditing
- Corporate Accounting
- Government Accounting
- Information Systems
- Tax Planning/Compliance
- Assurance and Tax
The BS in Accounting program meets the Louisiana educational requirements to take the CPA exam. To apply for a Louisiana CPA license, students must also complete an additional 30 hours beyond the accounting BS program. Many students choose to earn the additional 30 hours by enrolling in LSU’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program. The State Board of CPAs of Louisiana will evaluate each application in its entirety to make a final decision regarding licensure. Additional non-educational requirements such as work experience and character references may apply. For more information, visit the Louisiana state board’s website.
The LSU Department of Accounting offers the accounting research and ethics courses that are required by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Students completing both BS and MAcc degrees can meet the educational requirements to take the CPA exam as a Texas candidate as long as the required accounting research and ethics courses are taken as part of the coursework. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy will evaluate each applicant in its entirety to make a final decision regarding licensure. Additional non-educational requirements such as work experience, fingerprinting, and character references may apply. For more information, visit the Texas state board website.
Students who are interested in being licensed as a CPA in any other state besides Louisiana or Texas should contact the respective state board before enrolling in LSU’s accounting program. LSU has not determined whether this program meets the educational requirements for licensure in other states. Please contact accounting@lsu.edu for more information.
Career Path
The career possibilities are endless with an accounting degree. What you learn at LSU will help you thrive as an accountant in a small business or a major company. Regardless of your path, accountants are some of the most influential decision-makers in a company.
Career options include:
- Accountant
- Tax Professional
- External Auditor
- Financial Manager
- Budget Director
- Forensic Accountant
- Internal Auditor
- Investment Strategist
Potential Employers
The type of employers that hire our graduates include public accounting firms, government agencies, banks/financial institutions, energy companies, healthcare industry, manufacturing companies, and consulting practices.
Employers who hire our graduates include:
EY
ExxonMobil
KPMG
Deloitte
PwC
Halliburton
Chevron
Entergy
$77,250
Median Salary for Accountants
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
7%
Employment Growth for Accountants and Auditors
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020-30)
"I chose LSU because I heard that it had an excellent accounting program, and I believe that accounting is a discipline that could afford me an opportunity to get a meaningful job after graduation. I have not been disappointed. My accounting professors were very knowledgeable, and helped me grow as a student and transition into a professional in the field of public accounting."
— Hayden Livaudais, Class of 2021
Internal Auditing Minor
Enhance your degree with a minor in internal auditing from a world-renowned program.
The internal auditing minor is open to all LSU students. Students who minor in internal audit are exposed to activity-based learning that teaches them how to add value, facilitate change, assess risk, enhance corporate governance, and improve business processes. As one of five schools in the world (one of two in the U.S.) deemed a “Center for Internal Audit Success” by the Institute of Internal Auditors, LSU is known worldwide as a premier university for internal audit education.
Your Next Step
To apply for a Louisiana CPA license, students must complete 30 hours beyond the BS accounting program. Many students choose to earn the additional 30 hours by enrolling in LSU’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program.
Contact Us
Department of Accounting
2800 Business Education Complex
501 South Quad Drive
225-578-6202
accounting@lsu.edu
Laura Wiley
Accounting Undergraduate Advisor
2800D Business Education Complex North
225-578-6227
laurawiley@lsu.edu