Accounting

Prepare for A Career in Accounting

Program Overview

Accountants are in high demand, and Bellarmine Accounting graduates get hired. The Bachelor of Arts in Accounting prepares you with technical expertise, business insight, and the communication and ethical foundation needed for success in public accounting, corporate finance, nonprofit leadership, and beyond.

Students can complete the 150 credit hours required for the CPA exam through flexible options such as minors, dual majors, or an accelerated BA/MBA, and those with a prior degree can pursue a Certificate in Professional Accounting. It is a practical, career-focused path to strong outcomes and long-term opportunity.

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At a Glance

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

School

W. Fielding Rubel School of Business

Modality

On Campus

Hours

120

Real World Experience in Year One

Bellarmine Accounting students gain real-world experience early and often. Juniors can complete full-time “busy season” audit or tax internships during the spring semester, while students from freshman through senior year have opportunities for part-time roles with major corporations and CPA firms. Working alongside experienced CPAs, students build practical skills, professional networks, and a strong foundation for career success.

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Strong Outcomes. Clear Path to the CPA.

Many Bellarmine Accounting students complete the 150 credit hours required for the Uniform CPA Exam through strategic options like adding a minor, pursuing a dual major, or enrolling in an accelerated BA/MBA pathway — positioning themselves for licensure, leadership, and long-term career growth.

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“My experiences at BU led me to my career at Deloitte, the largest professional services network in the world, and helped me develop many of my closest friendships along the way.”

John Escosa, CPA, MBA – Deloitte & Touche LLP

$60K+

Starting Salary (Zip Recruiter, 2026)

50

Study Abroad Destinations

12:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Internships

Bellarmine Accounting students have opportunities to complete full-time “busy season” audit or tax internships during the spring semester of their junior year. Freshmen through seniors have opportunities to be employed by major corporations and CPA firms in part-time positions while attending school. Interns gain real-world accounting experience and work with experienced CPAs.

The following are some of the organizations that have provided internship positions for Bellarmine Accounting students:

A. J. Wissing, PSC
Atria Senior Living
Blue & Co. LLC
Crowe Horwath
Dean Dorton
Deloitte & Touche
EY
Freibert Bigg
Humana
KPMG
LG&E
Messer Construction
Mountjoy Chilton Medley
Papa John’s International
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Republic Bank & Trust
Strothman & Company
The Learning House
Texas Roadhouse
UBS Financial Services
Yum! Brands

Career Opportunities

All of the “Big 4” CPA firms, along with leading regional and local firms, recruit on campus and hire Bellarmine Accounting students, many of whom secure positions before graduation. Accounting consistently ranks among the highest-paying majors outside of Engineering, with Louisville-area starting salaries typically ranging from $45,000 to $65,000, and manager-level salaries of $75,000 to $115,000 within five to seven years, offering strong immediate opportunity and long-term earning potential.

Accounting Association

The Bellarmine University Accounting Association (BUAA) connects students with employers from their first year through graduation and career placement. Members gain early access to recruiters, firm representatives, and networking opportunities that lead directly to internships and full-time positions.

The Accounting Association is a highly active, student-led organization, and students are encouraged to join as freshmen. Recruiters expect participation at meetings and events, and active involvement—especially serving as an officer—provides a significant advantage when securing competitive positions after graduation.

CPA Exam Pass Rates

Bellarmine University, a fully accredited AACSB business school, reports one of the highest overall CPA Exam pass rates in Kentucky according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). First-time test takers from Bellarmine average a 65.8% pass rate—the highest in the state based on NASBA data. For graduates who take the exam within one year of graduation, the pass rate increases to 85.7%.

2019 Uniform CPA Exam Pass Rates
	Overall	AUD.	BEC.	FAR.	REG.
Bellarmine	55.4%	66.7%	78.9%	50.0%	35.7%
Kentucky	53.0%	52.1%	60.6%	46.1%	53.8%
United States	52.8%	51.0%	60.0%	46.3%	56.3%

2016–2019 Uniform CPA Exam Pass Rates
	Overall	AUD.	BEC.	FAR.	REG.
Bellarmine	53.46%	52.48%	66.02%	49.52%	49.70%
Kentucky	50.18%	48.98%	57.30%	46.26%	49.10%
United States	51.36%	48.96%	57.10%	45.84%	51.01%

Faculty

See profiles of all Rubel School faculty here.

Name	Title	Email
Keith Richardson	Professor of Accounting
Robert J. Eger	Professor of Accounting; Chair, Department of Accounting
Kyuha Cho	Assistant Professor of Accounting
Drew Hamilton	Instructor of Accounting
Alisha Harper	Associate Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Accounting right for me?
Accounting is an excellent path if you are detail-oriented, analytical, and comfortable working with numbers while communicating ideas clearly. Accountants play a critical role in business decision-making across every industry.

Employment for accountants and auditors continues to grow nationwide
Accounting consistently ranks among the most in-demand business degrees
Graduates enjoy stable careers with strong long-term earning potential

What employment options are available with an Accounting degree?
Graduates pursue careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and consulting. Many students complete 150 semester hours to meet CPA eligibility requirements and begin careers with regional and national firms.

Do I have to apply separately to the Accounting program?
No. Admission to Bellarmine University is all that is required. Separate admission to the Accounting program or the Rubel School of Business is not required.

What courses are required to complete the program?
View complete degree requirements in the official catalog:
Accounting Program Requirements

When do students begin taking Accounting courses?
Students begin their professional coursework during freshman year with two Principles of Accounting courses, followed by Financial Accounting I sophomore year.

Can I transfer credits into this program?
Transfer courses must be approved by the Department Chair within the Rubel School of Business.

How much time should I expect to study outside of class?
Students typically spend approximately two hours studying outside of class for every one hour spent in class, though this varies by individual learning style and course load.

Bellarmine On Business Podcast

Bellarmine University’s Rubel School of Business produces the Bellarmine on Business podcast. Each monthly episode features lively discussions with faculty and/or alumni. Episodes focus on the economy, finance, marketing, HR, the law, business strategy, and more. Learn more >>