The financial sector continues to be among the strongest areas of job growth in the nation. Frequent changes in accounting law and a new focus on ethics in accounting practice have expanded high-paying opportunities in the accounting field. The LSU Certificate in Accounting provides the credit courses needed to advance your knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting practices, and it can help you gain the knowledge and credentials necessary to further your career in this rewarding field.

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 Independent Study. Participants may enroll at any time in these courses, and no class meetings are required. Courses are delivered via both print-based correspondence courses and Internet-based online courses. The course content and instructors are approved by the LSU Department of Accounting.

• Complete an application and submit it with a non-refundable $50 application fee.
• Provide an official transcript documenting completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (B.S. or B.A.) in any academic area from an accredited college or university.
• Document completion of a two-course sequence (or the equivalent) in intermediate accounting by an official transcript or LSU Independent and Distance Learning records. This course sequence is a prerequisite for certificate program courses. For an accounting course to qualify as a prerequisite for another accounting course, it is necessary that a grade of "C" or better be earned in the prerequisite course.
• Admission to the credit certificate program does not constitute admission to the University as a degree-seeking student

Certificate applicants will complete five required courses for a total of 15 semester hours of credit. Courses may be taken in any order.

Students will take courses that are already part of the Independent and Distance Learning 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 Accounting Department 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 4022-Advanced Accounting
• ACCT 4235-Fraud Auditing and Forensic Accounting
• ACCT 4421-Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
• BLAW 4203-Commercial Transactions for Accountants

• 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.

• 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 Independent Study. All relevant courses taken through LSU Independent and 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.

• Candidates for certificates must complete all requirements within a four-year period.

• Certificates will be awarded to students who complete each course with a grade of C or better. Students who fail to earn a C or better in one or more courses will be required to repeat the course(s) to count toward the certificate.
• When a student has completed all required coursework, the certificate student must notify the program coordinator via the Notice of Completion option or in writing. Before a certificate will be mailed, we need to confirm the certificate requirments have been met and the students current mailing address.

• Julio Interiano, Program Coordinator
  LSU Independent and Distance Learning
  1225 Pleasant Hall
  Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
  isaccountingcert@outreach.lsu.edu

Admission

Admission to the certificate program is through application and payment of a $50.00 fee. To apply online, click here.

For additional information

Please e-mail Julio Interiano at isaccountingcert@outreach.lsu.edu