Recent Louisiana legislation creates an additional pathway to Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure, giving aspiring CPAs greater flexibility in how they prepare to enter the profession.
Through the new pathway, candidates may pursue licensure after earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with 120 hours, passing the CPA exam, and completing two years of qualifying work experience. The existing pathway requiring 150 credit hours, a passed CPA exam, and one year of qualifying experience remains available.
Louisiana Tech University’s School of Accountancy has positioned both its undergraduate and graduate programs to provide students with strong preparation regardless of the pathway they choose. The School’s new undergraduate Accounting curriculum, effective this fall, provides the coursework necessary for students pursuing Louisiana’s new 120-hour pathway. The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) offers a distinct graduate experience for students seeking advanced accounting expertise, intensive CPA exam preparation, and enhanced readiness for long-term professional success.
“The new pathway is a positive development because it gives students more choices,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “But becoming eligible for CPA licensure and preparing for a successful career in the profession are not necessarily the same thing. Our MAcc is not simply about accumulating additional credit hours. It provides students with deeper technical knowledge, focused CPA exam preparation, and an advanced level of experience that can benefit them throughout their careers.”
The MAcc curriculum has been updated to place a greater emphasis on CPA exam preparation while developing advanced technical, analytical, and professional skills expected by accounting firms and other employers. MAcc graduates have an exceptional record of placement with employers, reflecting the School’s longstanding relationships with the profession.
“We’re excited that our students now have greater choice in determining the path that best fits their professional goals,” said Dr. Emily Hunt, professor and interim director of the School of Accountancy. “Some students will be ready to enter the profession after completing their undergraduate degree and gain the additional experience required for licensure. Others will choose the MAcc to deepen their expertise and prepare more intensively for the CPA exam. Whichever path they choose, our goal is to ensure they are well-prepared for professional practice.”
The strength of those options builds upon a long history of excellence in accounting education at Louisiana Tech. The School of Accountancy was among the first accounting programs in the nation — and the first in Louisiana — to earn separate accounting accreditation from AACSB International. Today, Louisiana Tech remains among a select group of institutions worldwide to hold AACSB’s additional, specialized accreditation in accounting.
The School of Accountancy also continues to receive national recognition for the quality of its programs, including U.S. News & World Report’s best graduate program ranking. Combined with the School’s strong placement record and longstanding relationships with accounting firms and other employers, these distinctions reflect a program focused on meeting the educational requirements for CPA licensure while preparing graduates to succeed throughout their careers.
“The School of Accountancy has been a remarkable resource for students and gives us opportunities to meet potential employers and develop critical skills needed for the CPA,” said Accounting major Macaria Thomas. “As I am wrapping up my bachelor's degree this upcoming winter quarter, I feel confident that the master's program will be incredibly beneficial for continued CPA review and prep while also helping me stand out with future employers.”
The expanded licensure options enable students to determine which combination of education and professional experience best serves their individual goals. The undergraduate program provides a direct route for students who are ready to begin their careers, while the MAcc offers an opportunity to enter the profession with advanced knowledge, concentrated CPA exam preparation, and a graduate credential that provides value well beyond the requirements for initial licensure.
By combining flexible pathways with a nationally recognized accounting education, Louisiana Tech’s School of Accountancy is adapting to changes in the profession while maintaining the rigorous preparation and commitment to student success that have defined the program for generations.
For more information, contact Dr. Emily Hunt, interim director of the School of Accountancy, at ehunt@latech.edu.