Accounting Schools in Louisiana

This guide provides important information on accounting schools in the state of Louisiana. This page will help you navigate different schools to find the program that matches your education and career goals. Louisiana provides students with a wide variety of options for undergraduate and graduate level degrees in accounting. In this comprehensive guide, you will find information on specializations and course offerings to ensure you find a school to match your personal interests. Louisiana accounting schools also provide options for online distance learning.

Quick Facts

• 21 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Louisiana.¹
• 8 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Louisiana.¹
• 9 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
• 7 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 20 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 8 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*¹
• No programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.²
• No programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.³
• No schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.⁴
• 1 school ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016.⁵

*Public or private not-for-profit colleges and universities only.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Louisiana

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

• Tulane University (Freeman School of Business) #89

AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Louisiana

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) is a globally-recognized organization that provides accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. While over 800 business schools have been accredited by the AACSB, only 186 institutions hold AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs, having been found to meet the rigorous standards established by the AACSB.⁶ The following accounting programs in Louisiana have been accredited by the AACSB:

• Louisiana Tech (College of Business)
• Nicholls State University (College of Business Administration)
• Southeastern Louisiana University (College of Business)
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette (B.I.Moody III College of Business Administration)
• University of Louisiana at Monroe (College of Business and Social Sciences)
• University of New Orleans (College of Business Administration)

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

Each year, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.⁷ The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Louisiana in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Louisiana being 54.2%:

1. Louisiana State University 64.2%
2. Tulane University 62.2%
3. University of Louisiana Monroe 60.6%
4. University of Louisiana Lafayette 56.2%
5. Louisiana Tech University 54.2%
6. Loyola University New Orleans 53.6%

Schools in Louisiana with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of a broad range of business topics. Students will take courses in marketing, business law, and statistics before moving onto specialized accounting classes. Managerial Cost Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, and Governmental and Not-for-profit Accounting are all courses available for accounting majors. Emphasis is also placed on accounting internships for students to gain real-world experience prior to entering the job market.

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University offers an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that provides students with business fundamentals and advanced accounting knowledge. In this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of business administration before moving on to advanced accounting courses. Students explore business law, economics, and business communications to ensure a well-rounded education. Accounting courses at Louisiana Tech University emphasize technical skills and technological proficiency, as well as analytical reasoning. Students can expect to take classes in Managerial Cost Accounting, Auditing, and International Accounting. Students may also apply for a concurrent BS/Master of Accountancy (MACC) which can be completed in five years and prepares students for CPA licensure.

Nicholls State University

At Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, students can earn an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This student-focused program provides the opportunity for students to work closely with faculty to gain a thorough understanding of business and accounting concepts. Students who complete this 120-hour accounting degree are qualified to sit for the Certified Management Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor exams. This program also provides a Becker CPA Review Preparation course to prepare students for Certified Public Accountant exam. Management skills and decision making are emphasized early on in the program, providing students with the confidence to make strong financial decisions in the future. Students will also earn a comprehensive understanding of taxation, for individuals, business, and non-profit organizations.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University offers a 30-credit Master of Accountancy (MACC) which can be completed in as little as one year. This program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting who wish to complete the 150 credits required for CPA licensure in Louisiana. By focusing on technical accounting knowledge and strong analytical skills, LSU prepares graduates to pursue a career in professional accounting in the public, private, or non-profit sector. Students may choose to specialize in Internal Audit, Financial Reporting and Assurance Services, and Taxation Services. A study-abroad trip is offered to introduce students to international business and accounting practices.

Tulane University

At the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MACCT) that utilizes an industry-inspired curriculum to prepare graduates for a career in major corporations and public accounting firms. This program emphasizes experiential learning and internships for students to gain hands-on knowledge and expertise before entering the job market. Case-studies and group projects give students to opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Students explore business ethics, auditing, and financial accounting as the core curriculum. Electives offered at Tulane allow students to explore subjects such as Forensic Accounting and Energy Accounting and Valuation.

Popular Articles: Business Schools in Louisiana | Online MBA Programs in Louisiana

Online Accounting Programs

Louisiana State University

The E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that provides students with a technical understanding of accounting skills and technologies. Students gain experience working in a team environment to solve complex financial problems, preparing them for a career in a collaborative business world. Research skills and effective oral and written communications are also emphasized. This 120-hour program gives students a comprehensive overview of topics such as auditing, tax planning, and corporate and governmental accounting. Students work closely with faculty members who are active participants in the accounting field, giving them an insight into the current trends in the industry. Accounting students at LSU have the option to take general education and elective courses online.

University of New Orleans

At the University of New Orleans, students are able to earn an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program prepares graduates to pursue an advanced degree and entry-level work in business and accounting. Students focus on accounting concepts to develop analytical and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their careers. Proficiency in tax research, information systems, and cost and managerial accounting provide students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting practices and procedures. Students also gain experience in organizational management, business law, and marketing to understand how a business functions properly. University of New Orleans affords students the option to take many accounting courses online or as hybrid classes, providing students with flexibility in scheduling and learning style.

Louisiana CPA Requirements

To become a Certified Public Accountant in Louisiana, an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and a total of 150 hours of coursework are required. 24 hours of business courses and 24 hours of specific accounting courses must be completed to obtain licensure. A minimum score of 75 is required for all four sections of the Uniform CPA exam and you must pass all four sections within 18 months. Students must have one year of relevant work experience under a licensed CPA, as well as a personal reference to prove good moral character.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Louisiana

Louisiana accounting graduates are equipped to work in public and private accounting, for government entities, or to begin their own accounting practices within one of the state’s metropolitan areas. The energy industry is a major economic power in Louisiana, providing many jobs for financially minded graduates. Entergy Corporation and Tidewater Inc are multi-billion dollar energy companies headquartered in New Orleans. Major financial institutions are also headquartered in the state, including Whitney Holding Corporation in New Orleans. While New Orleans is a major business hub, there are opportunities throughout the entire state. Recent graduates who obtain CPA licensure are able to open individual practices, as well as working for the government or other local entities.

Louisiana Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.⁸

Schools with Accounting Degree Programs in Louisiana

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Louisiana State University
110 Thomas Boyd
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
(225) 578-3202
https://www.lsu.edu/

Student Review: “For the most part my experience at Louisiana State University has been positive, although I would not give the University a full five star rating because, while my classes have been challenging and informative, I feel as though little attention has been given to many of the real world problems modern accountants face. Furthermore, I feel as though our ethics training is lacking and under-emphasized. That being said, the program has been an overall success and I would recommend it.” -Nathaniel P., student at Louisiana State University

Related Accounting Degree State Pages:

• Arkansas
• Mississippi
• Texas

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
3. US News & World Report Best Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
4. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2018 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2017.
5. Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-best-undergrad-business-schools/
6. AACSB-Accredited Universities and Schools, Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
7. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2015 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2016 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Louisiana: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm