Obtaining the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license offers numerous advantages, including increased earning potential, greater job stability, and more career flexibility. CPAs are also highly respected and trusted professionals, holding a position of authority and responsibility in the business world. Furthermore, the CPA designation allows for specialization in various fields like forensic accounting or cybersecurity, providing opportunities for career growth and fulfillment.
The BBA in Accounting at Loyola fulfills the education requirements necessary to sit for the CPA Exam in Louisiana and most other states.
The education requirements to be licensed as a CPA is changing nationally. Currently, Louisiana requires the applicant to have passed all 4 parts of the CPA Exam, have earned an additional 30 credit hours beyond the 120 hours required to sit for the CPA Exam, and have completed one year of work experience under the supervision of a CPA.
As of July 2025, 22 states have enacted legislation allowing an alternative pathway to CPA licensure: a candidate must pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam, earn 120 credit hours, and complete TWO years of work experience under the supervision of a CPA. As of July 2025, Louisiana has not introduced legislation to adopt this alternative pathway to licensure, but is expected to do so soon. Our faculty are happy to answer questions about the current status of CPA licensure in Louisiana.
The educational requirements to sit for the CPA Examination in the State of Louisiana are as follows:
- Have a baccalaureate degree
- Have successfully completed 24 hours of specific accounting courses and 24 hours of business courses (including an acceptable business law course)
The specific 24 hours of accounting coursework that are required in the State of Louisiana are as follows:
- Intermediate – 6 hours
- Cost Accounting – 3 hours
- Income Tax – 3 hours
- Auditing [related to external reporting] – 3 hours
- Accounting electives – 9 hours [Accounting Electives above the basic and beyond the principles level]
- Total Accounting Courses (Undergraduate) – 24 hours
In addition to the above accounting requirements, the Board requires 24 general business credits, including at least one Business Law for Accounting course.
**If you intend to sit for the CPA Examination in another state, you will need to familiarize yourself with the educational requirements for that state.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
The Accounting major at Loyola meets Louisiana’s educational requirements for graduates to take the CPA exam in Louisiana. View all disclosures »