MBA in Accounting Program Overview
The Master of Business Administration in Accounting online program at LSUS is designed for both accounting professionals, managers who work closely with accounting professionals, or for those seeking a to pursue a career in accounting. For students with an undergraduate degree in accounting, this MBA program can help you satisfy the 150 credit hours needed in most states to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam while building on accounting knowledge such as analytics used in fraud examination or international accounting practices. Other students may choose those or traditional classes such as financial reporting or tax accounting.
MBA with an Accounting Concentration Online
In the concentration option, you will explore detailed accounting practices by enrolling in three accounting elective courses. Course work options include comprehensive accounting topics such as fraud detection through data analytics, international accounting, taxation for individuals and business, and intermediate financial accounting.
MBA with an Accounting Specialization Online
The MBA in Accounting specialization offers you a broad-based business foundation to prepare you for real-world business accounting settings. You will examine accounting topics by taking two accounting-specific electives and you will also expand on your general business knowledge by registering in an MBA elective of your choice.
In this Dynamic Accounting MBA program, you will:
- Gain an introduction to the sources and uses of managerial accounting and decision making
- Study the various technical applications in accounting, such as e-commerce and business data information systems
- Examine the analytical approach to marketing strategy
- Gain an in-depth study of financial accounting theory and practice
The College of Business at Louisiana State University Shreveport is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Less than 5 percent of all business schools worldwide meet AACSB International's demanding standards.
MBA in Accounting Career Opportunities
An MBA in Accounting equips you with the skills and expertise you need to qualify for leading accounting roles in any small or large business organization. As a graduate of this online program, you can be prepared for managerial roles that interface with:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Planner
- Auditing Manager
- Tax Manager
- Tax Consultant
- Budget Analyst

LSUS is ranked #3 in Best Online Business Degree Programs by Study.com (2019)
Tuition: MBA in Accounting
The MBA – Accounting online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included in the total tuition.
Per Credit Hour | Per 3 Credit-Hour Course | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$349.85 | $65.95 | $415.80 | $1,049.55 | $197.55 | $1,247.40 |
Calendar
The MBA – Accounting online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, featuring accelerated course work and multiple start dates per year.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
Start Date | App Deadline | Doc Deadline | Registration Begins | Early Registration & Final Tuition Deadline |
---|---|---|---|---|
10/26/2020 | 10/5/2020 | 10/12/2020 | 4/13/2020 | 10/21/2020 |
1/11/2021 | 12/7/2020 | 12/14/2020 | 11/9/2020 | 1/6/2021 |
3/15/2021 | 2/22/2021 | 3/1/2021 | 11/9/2020 | 3/10/2021 |
5/10/2021 | 4/19/2021 | 4/26/2021 | 4/5/2021 | 5/5/2021 |
7/5/2021 | 6/14/2021 | 6/21/2021 | 4/5/2021 | 6/30/2021 |
8/30/2021 | 8/9/2021 | 8/16/2021 | 4/5/2021 | 8/25/2021 |
10/25/2021 | 10/4/2021 | 10/11/2021 | 4/5/2021 | 10/21/2021 |
Note: All payments must be made no later than 11:30 p.m. CST. Payment for classes added after the Final Tuition Deadline will need to be made prior to 11:30 p.m. the next day. Students who register and/or pay after the Final Tuition Deadline may be subject to a $50 late fee.
Admissions: MBA in Accounting
The admission process is the first step toward earning your degree and preparing for more rewarding opportunities. We’ve streamlined the process so you can get started quickly and easily. Students interested in the MBA – Accounting online program must follow the admission requirements below.
- Submit the graduate application and $20 application fee
- Graduate degree from a regionally accredited university, OR
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university, with minimum 3.0 overall GPA or minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses, OR
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university, with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses, AND at least three years of professional work experience as verified by a professional resume,** OR
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university, with minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses, AND
- a minimum GMAT score of 450 AND
- a minimum score of 1,000 points based on 200 points times the GPA plus the GMAT score (for example, an overall 2.5 GPA and a 500 GMAT would result in a total of 1,000, which is acceptable)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended and any other required official documents
Official transcripts, official test scores, and other materials that come from third-party sources should be mailed to:
LSUSAdmissions and Records Office
One University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115
Transcripts may also be submitted via secure means—e.g., eSCRIP-SAFE—to admissions@lsus.edu.
Additional Information
View Graduate School Admissions +
To be considered for admission to any of our graduate programs, students must first meet the LSUS Graduate School admission requirements.
Graduates of colleges or universities accredited by the proper regional accrediting association may apply for admission to graduate study at LSUS. Admission is restricted to include only those students whose academic records indicate they can successfully undertake graduate work in the proposed area. Admission to graduate study at LSUS requires that all previously undertaken graduate work meets LSUS academic standards.
Unconditional Admission: For unconditional admission to graduate study, students must be in satisfactory standing at the last institution attended and meet all admission requirements of a degree program. The following categories of students are eligible for unconditional admission to graduate study at LSUS.
Students With a Graduate Degree From a Regionally Accredited University [+]
Unless specified otherwise by individual programs, graduate students who possess a graduate degree previously earned from a regionally accredited university are eligible for unconditional admission.
Students With an Undergraduate Degree and Some Graduate Course Work [+]
Applicants who have some graduate course work but do not possess a previously earned graduate degree must have a minimum 2.50 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on the undergraduate degree or a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours attempted in the undergraduate degree program and a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on any graduate work attempted, with no grades of D or F.
Students With an Undergraduate Degree and No Previous Graduate Course Work [+]
Applicants who do not possess a previously earned graduate degree must have a minimum 2.50 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on the undergraduate degree or a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours attempted in the degree program.
View International Admission Requirements +
International applicants must meet regular admission requirements for their selected program. In addition, you may be required to submit the following additional information.
- Submit graduate application and $30 application fee
- TOEFL/IELTS scores
- If your native language is not English, you must submit a score of at least 550 on the paper administered test, 80 on the internet-based version, or 213 on the computer-based version on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless a degree has been obtained from an accredited United States institution. Additional information regarding the exams can be found at teofl.org or ielts.org.
- Applicants may be exempt if they meet one of the following criteria:
- U.S. citizens (this includes U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa)
- Permanent resident
- Citizen of a TOEFL/IELTS exempt country. Exempted countries can be verified here.
- An official transcript (sent directly from the registrar) from all colleges/universities attended should be sent to the Admissions and Records Office. Transcript(s) should reflect all graduate and undergraduate work and any degrees previously awarded.
- Post-secondary level or college academic records from each institution attended outside the U.S. require an English-translated, course-by-course evaluation. All foreign credentials must be submitted in English to Admissions and Records using a member organization of one of the following two national associations of credential evaluation services:
- Foreign medical graduates may submit evaluations from:
Hand-delivered evaluations must remain in the original, sealed, unopened envelope to be considered official. Official transcripts may be mailed directly from the granting institution(s) to:
LSUSAdmissions and Records Office
One University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115
Transcripts may also be submitted via secure means—e.g., eSCRIP-SAFE—to admissions@lsus.edu.
Courses
The MBA – Accounting Concentration online curriculum consists of 30 credit hours, including seven core courses (21 credit hours) and three concentration courses (nine credit hours). The MBA – Accounting Specialization online curriculum consists of 30 credit hours, including seven core courses (21 credit hours), two specialization courses (six credit hours), and one elective (three credit hours).
Students must complete the following courses.
ACCT 701: Managerial Use of Accounting Data
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the sources and uses of accounting information used in the management decision-making process. Three hours of lecture.
ECON 705: Economic Analysis for Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Application of economic theory and tools to the management of the firm in a market industry. Market and industry demand and supply, as well as firm revenue, cost, production, and hiring decisions will be analyzed. Cases and academic articles are used to develop the concept.
FIN 701: Financial Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The study and application of advanced financial techniques for managerial decision making. Three hours of lecture.
ISDS 705: Management Information Systems
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of contemporary topics in information systems, to include: a survey of information systems analysis and design; informatics; e-commerce; business data communication; database management systems and knowledge-based systems; enterprise-wide systems; and information systems control. Three hours of lecture.
MADM 701: Organizational Behavior
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Developing skills to lead and manage change in organizations through an understanding of organizational process, individual motivation, and group behavior. Emphasizes the application of organizational behavior concepts to solve managerial problems in an integrative and ethical manner. Methods of study include readings, cases, exercises and self-assessments, research and seminar discussions. Three hours of lecture.
MADM 760: Organizational Strategy and Policies
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An integrating course with emphasis on formulating and implementing basic strategy and policy decisions. An analytic approach to strategic decisions pursued through readings, cases and participation in an integrated case analysis. Three hours of lecture.
MKT 701: Marketing Strategy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The role of marketing in business and society. Analyses of marketing management concepts and methods are developed through reports, discussion, and case study. Three hours of lecture.
In addition to the core courses, students pursuing an MBA – Accounting Concentration must take three of the following courses. Students earning their MBA – Accounting Specialization must take two of the following courses plus one MBA elective.
ACCT 705: Fraud Detection Through Data Analytics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A study of the principles of analytic tools for investigating and uncovering fraud and financial misconduct. The course covers data extraction and cleansing, as well as reactive and proactive analytical techniques to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in financial statements.
ACCT 710: International Accounting
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A study of accounting issues unique to international business activities and their reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The course surveys common international accounting issues impacting multinational organizations, such as currency translation, cross-border taxation, and international auditing. Includes coverage of the major reporting differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP.
ACCT 720: Taxation for Individuals and Businesses
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A broad exposure to the most common income tax principles impacting personal and business decisions. Coverage focuses on individuals, corporations, and partnerships.
ACCT 725: Intermediate Financial Accounting
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
In-depth study of financial accounting theory and practice, with emphasis on the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and related measurements, reporting, and expense/revenue recognition.
BADM 790 (CA): Cost Accounting
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course covers basic topics of cost accounting and introduces a business management approach to the development and use of accounting information. In today’s competitive marketplace, an excellent internal accounting system is essential for organizations to make better decisions. This course covers firms’ internal accounting systems and their use in decision-making, planning, and control. Major topics include cost classification, cost behavior, cost-volume-profit analysis, budget and variance analysis, and decision-making.
Students earning the MBA - Accounting Specialization must take one of the following elective courses.
MADM 710: Strategic Management of Human Capital
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course exposes students to the intersection of human resource management (HRM) and business strategy - the strategic management of human capital. The goal is to introduce students to core HR competency areas that are needed to be successful as a manager. The course explores topics of current importance in the context of strategic human resource management, such as strategic HR planning, recruiting and selection, EEO laws/ethics, compensation, and performance management.
MADM 715: Labor and Employment Law
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the developing body of modern employment law. Topics include the at-will doctrine, wrongful discharge, just cause, invasion of privacy, ERISA, COBRA, OSHA, workers compensation, sexual harassment, state and federal employment discrimination laws such as TITLE VII, ADEA, ADA, and other forms of protective legislation such as FMLA and FLSA.
MADM 720: Leadership Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Application and analysis of key communication theories and strategies. Journal articles and visual media are used to assess how communication strategies influence organizational goals and decision making. Effective responses to organizational challenges and dilemmas are evaluated through case studies on crisis management, conflict management, social and news media, as well as interpersonal communication.
MADM 730: International Business
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course in international business focuses primarily on the macro environmental concepts that impact the expansion of companies into more than one sovereign location, as well as addressing the expansion of international companies into local markets. The course will help explain the risks and challenges organizations face and explore strategic approaches.
MADM 740: International Experience
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course provides students with a deeper understanding of international business through cultural immersion.
MADM 751: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
With an emphasis on creativity and innovation, the focus of this course is on the study of the basic stages of the business start-up process: opportunity recognition, plan formulation, new venture creation and management, and growth.
MADM 752: Small Business and Family Enterprise
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This courses examines family and business systems by exploring relationships between individuals and the unique personal, interpersonal, wealth, and business issues faced by family-owned and managed firms.
MKT 705: Hospitality and Casino Marketing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course covers the key concepts in marketing of casinos and organizations in the hospitality industry. The course considers the unique marketing challenges inherent in organizations with combined hospitality and gaming facilities.
MKT 710: International Marketing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course in international marketing explores international, regional, and global theories of marketing outside the home country market. The course considers the implementation of marketing tactics and strategies under different environmental conditions and cultural influences.
MKT 720: Hospitality Analytics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a conceptual foundation of hospitality analytics including market segmentation, competition, budgeting, management contract and P&L, and revenue management and pricing.
ISDS 702: Quantitative Methods in Business
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative methods, management science, and statistics for business decision making, including statistical estimation and inferences, regression analysis, forecasting techniques, analysis of variance, linear programming, simulation, queuing, and network analysis. Three hours of lecture.
ISDS 710: Data-Driven Decision Making
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a conceptual and technical foundation of various business analytics, research methods, and marketing metrics. The purpose is to help students acquire practical business and marketing skills in data analysis via hands-on experience.
ISDS 715: Project Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 | Course Cost: $1,247.39
This course focuses on the domains, tasks, skills and knowledge associated with successful project management. This course provides preparation for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing a project throughout the entire process. The course provides educational preparation for becoming a certified project manager.
ISDS 720: Process Improvement
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 | Course Cost: $1,247.39
The course will explore several systemic methods that are commonly used to improve the overall performance of a company. A complete discussion of the Six Sigma DMAIC process (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) including the statistical and process mapping tools will identify and determine the relationship between process inputs and outputs and how these affect overall company performance. Critical metrics will be discussed and linked to the overall expected bottom line improvement.
ISDS 725: Visualization of Data for Business
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Application of data visualization tools to communicate complex data for business decision-making.
ISDS 730: Lean Transformation
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 | Course Cost: $1,247.39
This course explores lean transformation – the number one improvement methodology designed for creating and maintaining a sustainable organization. All types of organizations, including financial, healthcare, governmental, logistics, and manufacturing are committed to this improvement program. This course will provide knowledge and hands-on experience with the most powerful tools used for lean transformations.
MKT 715: Advanced Marketing Analytics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a conceptual and technical platform for various business analytics, research methods, and marketing metrics.
Students who lack recent educational or professional experience in accounting, finance, economics, or statistics may choose to take up to four optional one-credit foundation courses prior to or during the MBA degree program. Each course is offered independently on a Pass/Fail basis.
*Includes tuition and fees based on Spring 2020 pricing and subject to change without notice. Undergraduate students will also be required to pay an online flat fee of $50 per term.
**Professional experience is determined on a case-by-case basis using a resume and any requested supporting documents. Our Admissions Committee evaluates an individual's accomplishments, roles, and responsibilities to determine the total number of years of professional experience.