What can I do with a bachelor's in accountancy?

Graduating with your BSBA in Accountancy will give you the expertise you need to start or advance a career in accounting, finance, business and more.

• Complete the education requirements needed to qualify for the CPA exam (more information in the Become A CPA section below)
• Develop your understanding of business practices and research skills in tax, accounting, and auditing—all skills that will help you achieve your career goals, support your business’ bottom line and more
• Learn more than just accounting; acquire valuable transferable knowledge in other business areas, from marketing to economics
• Study data analytics and other tools currently used by auditors and other accounting professionals

BECOME A CPA

Graduates will also be prepared to successfully complete the CPA examination in Kentucky and other states. The CPA designation is a further mark of excellence for those pursuing careers in accountancy, and is a requirement for careers in public accounting. UofL's BSBA in Accountancy awards students with 120 credit hours that cover both of the sub-requirements needed to qualify for the CPA exam by the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy (minimum of 27 credit hours in accounting and 12 credit hours in business-related subjects).

Requirements may vary from state to state, and the BSBAA program may meet the educational requirements for examination or licensure in states outside of KY. Since these requirements occasionally change, we highly recommend you read more information about the exam and the requirements at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website.

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Online BSBA in Accountancy Application Deadlines

How to Apply to the Online BSBA in Accountancy Program

1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
5. Create a financial plan

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Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy Admissions Requirements and Materials

• High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
• Minimum high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Composite ACT score of 25 or higher; and MATH ACT score of 22 or above

• Minimum high school GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Composite ACT score of 22 or higher; and MATH ACT score of 22 or above

• Final high school transcript (same requirements as above)
• Composite ACT or SAT scores (same requirements as above); Minimum math exam scores can be substituted with the successful completion of college algebra or higher
• Minimum college GPA of 2.8

• Minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
• MATH 111 College Algebra – QR (or equivalent) or completion of MATH 180 Elements of Calculus (grade B- or better)

*Your Application Portal
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 to be admitted in good standing. Complete the credit transfer pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.

Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.

See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.

Online BSBA in Accountancy Courses

The online Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Accountancy from UofL is a 120 credit hour program, offered 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length. The program is organized into the following curriculum components:

1. General education classes – all undergraduate degrees require completion of the university-wide General Education Program (31 credit hours)
2. College of Business requirements (47 credit hours) + 6 credit hours from General education classes (3 credit hours in Math and 3 credit hours in Economics) for a total of 53 required credit hours.
3. Core accounting courses and electives (42 credit hours)

• College of Business Requirements

  Courses	Hours
  CAMP 100 Campus Culture/Business Students	1
  MATH 180 Elements of Calculus OR MATH 205 Calculus 1 (campus only)*	3
  Select one of the following: PHIL 222 Contemporary Moral Problems PHIL 225 Business Ethics PHIL 321 Ethics PHIL 323 Medical Ethics	3
  BUS 301 Business Communication	3
  BUS 201 Career Development	1
  ACCT 201 Principles of Financial Accounting	3
  ACCT 202 Principles of Managerial Accounting	3
  ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics	3
  ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics	3
  BSTA 201 Business Statistics	3
  CIS 205 Information Systems in Organizations	3
  FIN 301 Corporate Finance	3
  MKT 301 Principles of Marketing	3
  MGMT 301 Management and Organizational Behavior	3
  CLAW 301 Legal Environment of Business	3
  CIS 305 Data Analysis for Decision-Making	3
  MGMT 401 Operations Management	3
  General electives	6
  Total Hours Required:	53

  
  

  *Math and Economics requirements attribute 6 hours to both general education and College of Business requirements.

Core Accounting Courses

Undergraduate Certificate in Franchise Management

*Students enrolled in the BBA or BSBA program in good standing, who successfully complete these four courses, can earn an undergraduate certificate in Franchise Management while still enrolled in their respective bachelor’s program.

Notes:

• Transfer students must take a minimum of 12 credit hours in their major within the College of Business.
• 6 hours of cultural diversity courses are required and may be incorporated within the degree program

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Course Descriptions

Undergraduate Certificate in Franchise Management

UofL online undergraduate business students can earn a Franchise Management certificate within their degree! This certificate cannot be taken as a standalone program at this time.

This certificate is designed to provide professionals interested in a career in franchising (whether a franchisee, working for a franchisor, or supplier in the industry) with the practical knowledge and experience about the franchise business model – all in just 4 courses.

Enrollment & Completion Requirements

• The Undergraduate Certificate in Franchise Management is currently available only for College of Business students in good standing and enrolled in the BBA or BSBA program.
• BBA and BSBA students select a Franchise Management minor, comprised of the required certificate courses.
• To receive the certificate, students must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average in the certificate courses.

Online BSBA in Accountancy Success Team

Online BSBA in Accountancy FAQs

• Does the BSBA in Accountancy help me meet the requirements I need to take the CPA exam?

  That depends on where you plan to become a CPA. The Kentucky State Board of Accountancy requires a minimum of 27 credit hours in accounting and 12 credit hours in business-related subjects to qualify for the CPA exam. The BSBA in Accountancy degree awards you with 120 credit hours that cover both of those sub-requirements. These requirements may vary from state to state, and the BSBA program may meet the educational requirements for examination or licensure in states outside of KY. Since these requirements occasionally change, we highly recommend you read more information about the exam and the requirements at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website.

• Does this program prepare me to become a CPA in other states?

  This program helps prepare you, but 150 credit hours are needed in all states in order to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Since this is a bachelor's degree, you will need to pursue 30 additional credit hours to be licensed. However, you may be able to sit for the CPA exam while you are taking these additional 30 credit hours, depending on your state's requirements. We strongly recommend that you inquire with your applicable state board of accountancy, or other licensing board to determine all of the educational requirements before enrolling in the program. Please view the information on our “Professional Licensure Notifications and Disclosures” page for more information: http://louisville.edu/online/About-Us/state-authorization-disclosures

• Once I’ve completed the BSBA in Accountancy and passed the CPA exam, am I a CPA?

  No, all states require 150 credit hours to become a licensed CPA. In addition to specific education requirements and passing the CPA exam, you may need to complete a period of work experience, pay application and licensing fees, pass a criminal background check, submit references, fingerprint submissions, etc. Please view the information on our “Professional Licensure Notifications and Disclosures” page for more information: http://louisville.edu/online/About-Us/state-authorization-disclosures. And be sure to go to the appropriate state board of accountancy (or other professional licensure agency of the local government) to learn about all of the requirements to become a CPA. The CPA is a state designation and is governed by the states and other jurisdictions. Make sure you know the requirements in your chosen location.

• I noticed UofL also offers an online certificate in accounting. Which program is right for me?
  Both the certificate and bachelor’s programs offer a viable pathway to advancing your education in accounting, sitting for the CPA exam or starting/advancing your career. Whether or not the program is right for you will depend on your previous education and background. Contact one of our enrollment counselors at online@louisville.edu or 1.800.871.8635 to find out which program best fits your goals.
• How long will it take me to complete my degree?
  The standard length for completion of the BSBA in Accountancy is 4 years. This is without taking any courses over the summer, at full-time status. However, with transferred credits and summer courses, your degree could be completed in a shorter timeframe.
• How will I know if my courses will transfer?
  Once you’ve applied to the program, credit transfer checks are a standard part of the admission process. However, if you want to get a feel for how many general education credits will transfer before applying, check out UofL’s unofficial credit pre-evaluation tool.
• Are there specific class times for the online courses?
  No! To help you balance your education needs with all that life demands, all courses are offered through an asynchronous format—meaning you complete coursework and class requirements at the time that’s best for you.
• Will the online exams be proctored?
  There is no mandated proctoring rule for the online accountancy courses. However this decision is ultimately left up to the discretion of the course instructor.
• Will my course textbooks be available online?
  While there’s no guarantee, we typically use textbooks available in print and eBook format.