Whether it’s the next step in your plan to earn a CPA license or simply a way to demonstrate your knowledge of accounting to your employer, the Certificate in Accounting will open the door to new opportunities. Since you can enroll at any time, you can begin today!
Cost
Application fee $50.00
Course Listings
Certificate applicants will complete five required courses for a total of 15 semester hours of credit. Courses may be taken in any order.
The courses required for completion of the certificate are offered through the Online Distance Learning (ODL) program. These courses are identical to those with the same titles in the undergraduate accounting program apart from the method of instruction. Faculty members approved by the Department of Accounting provide instruction for all courses. Students must successfully complete each required course with a grade of "C" or better to complete the certificate.
Required Courses
- ACCT 3121 Cost Analysis and Control
- ACCT 3221 Income Tax Accounting I
- ACCT 3222 Auditing
Advanced Electives (two required)
- ACCT 4235 Fraud Auditing and Forensic Accounting
- ACCT 4421 Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
Admission Requirements
- To qualify for the certificate program, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an accredited, four-year college or university prior to applying for the program. An official transcript must be sent in support of the program application to document the degree.
- Prior to enrollment in any certificate course, you must have successfully completed 6 semester hours of credit in intermediate accounting. Credits previously earned through LSU ODL for certificate courses may be applied to the certificate if they were earned within two years of your application to the certificate program. For an accounting course to qualify as a prerequisite for this program, a grade of "C" or better must be earned in that course.
- Complete an application and submit it with a non-refundable $50 application fee.
- Have official transcripts sent to the program office.
- Admission to the credit certificate program does not constitute admission to the University as a degree-seeking student.
Program Policies and Procedures
The certificate program is offered by Louisiana State University Continuing Education, in cooperation with the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business. The College of Business is accredited by the AACSB. The program is for individuals who complete significant intermediate and advanced college-level coursework in accounting and related disciplines. This certificate is designed for working professionals who intend to pursue CPA certification or an advanced business degree, and who need to earn additional undergraduate credits in accounting.
All courses for the certificate program are offered through distance learning by LSU Distance Learning Programs. Participants may enroll at any time in these courses, and no class meetings are required. Courses are delivered via online courses. The course content and instructors are approved by the LSU Department of Accounting.
Course Enrollment
- Certificate students may enroll in the courses at any time during the year.
- All prerequisite requirements must be satisfied.
- Persons interested in pursuing the certificate should apply no later than enrollment in a second certificate course.
- Certificate students must pay all course tuition and fees according to normal policies.
- Certificate students must enroll in three required courses and two electives for a total of 15 semester hours of credit.
Transfer Credit
- Students may transfer one equivalent course from an accredited college or university (transcript must be provided).
- To be accepted, transfer course grades must be "C" or better.
- The single transfer course limitation does not apply to courses completed through LSU Distance Learning. All relevant courses taken through LSU Distance Learning can be applied towards the certificate requirements, provided the courses were completed no more than 2 years prior to the date of application.
Time Limitations
Candidates for certificates must complete all requirements within a four-year period.
Program Contact for Additional Information
Accounting Certificate Program
LSU Distance Learning Programs
1225 Pleasant Hall
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
isaccountingcert@outreach.lsu.edu
