Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Department
Department of Accounting and Finance
College
College of Business
Overview of the program
The overall educational objective of the undergraduate
accounting program is to provide students with the basic
competencies necessary to succeed in a variety of entry-level
positions within the profession or to succeed in graduate school.
Specific educational objectives of the program include:
- The program will recruit and retain students who are
primarily from Southeast Louisiana and who possess a high
potential for success.
- Students will be able to demonstrate competencies in the
development, measurement, analysis, validation, and communication
of financial and other information.
- Students will develop oral and written communication skills
and critical thinking skills.
- Students will develop an appreciation for the role of ethics
in both the profession and the business world.
- Students will be exposed to the unique aspects of global
business and accounting issues.
- Students will be equipped to understand and use technology.
- Students will have opportunities to develop an appropriate
sense of "professional citizenship."
- Students will be exposed to activities that help them work in
groups.
- Graduates of the program generally will find placement in local, regional, and national CPA firms: industry firms; and not-for-profit, and government entities in the Southeast Louisiana region.
Strengths of the program
- The Department has excellent reputation. As an example, the
Department has separate AACSB Accounting Accreditation. This is
a recognition that is based on peer review and that is held by
only the elite accounting programs in the country.
- A well qualified and involved faculty.
- Most faculty members are doctorally qualified and all have
professional certifications.
- Facultymembers areactively involved with
professional organizations: for example the Society of
Louisiana CPAs, Institute of Management Accountants,
Association of Government Accountants, American Society of
Women Accountants.
- Excellent student organizations like Beta Alpha Psi, and
student chapters of IMA and NABA.
- Excellent internship program.
- Research opportunities.
- Special computer labs/equipment
Preparing for a job in the program
Functional competencies, including:
- Decision modeling
- Risk analysis
- Measurement
- Reporting
- Research
Personal competencies, including:
- Professional demeanor
- Problem solving and decision making
- Interaction
- Leadership
- Communication (written and oral)
- Project management
Broad business perspective, including:
- Strategic and critical thinking
- Industry and sector perspective
- International and global perspective
- Resource management
- Legal and regulatory
An overall ability to leverage technology (technology related skills) in all of the areas listed above.
Careers in the program
- Public Accounting - audit and assurance services, financial
statement preparation, tax planning and compliance, and other
forms of financial consulting.
- Industry Accounting - internal audit, work in the various
phases of financial statement preparation and managerial
reporting.
- Government Accounting - e.g., working for the Office of the
Legislative Auditor - this can involve investigative work.
- Other Managerial Roles - often accounting positions are
used as springboards to higher management positions including
CFO and CEO.
- FBI and other law special law enforcement jobs with IRS and others
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
$35,000 to $45,000Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Beta Alpha Psi (Honorary Accounting Fraternity) Southeastern's chapter of the Beta Alpha Psi has won national superior chapter status for seven consecutive years.
- Student Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants
- Student Chapter of the National Association of Black
Accountants
All of these organizations offer students the opportunity to hear speakers describe different types of accounting jobs,to hear speakers discuss the interview process,to meet (network) with future employers, and tolearn more about technical aspects of the profession and perform service.
Related fields that might interest you
- Finance
- Management
- Economics
- Law
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the programHelpful qualities for accounting majors include:
- A logical and analytical mind
- Sound judgment and professional-type demeanor
- An ethical approach to dealing with business and people
- Ability to work with people including leadership qualities
- Ability to communicate well in written and oral form
- Familiarity and comfort with technology
- A general interest in both domestic and global business-related issues
Contact Information
Department of Accounting and Finance
SLU 10468
Hammond, LA 70402On Campus: Garrett Hall, Room 61
Telephone: 985-549-2052
Fax: 985-549-2891
E-mail: accounting@selu.edu- The Department has excellent reputation. As an example, the
Department has separate AACSB Accounting Accreditation. This is
a recognition that is based on peer review and that is held by
only the elite accounting programs in the country.
