Belhaven University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational liberal arts courses with a focused accounting curriculum designed to build technical competence and professional judgement. You will study core areas in financial reporting, managerial accounting and taxation alongside supporting subjects such as business law, finance and ethics. Coursework emphasises real-world application through case studies, software labs and an experiential internship or practicum.

• Introductory and Intermediate Financial Accounting – principles of financial reporting, preparation and analysis of financial statements.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting – budgeting, cost behaviour, performance measurement and decision-making tools for managers.
• Federal Taxation – fundamentals of individual and business tax rules, tax planning and compliance basics.
• Auditing and Assurance – audit processes, internal controls, risk assessment and professional standards.
• Accounting Information Systems – accounting software, databases, spreadsheets and an introduction to enterprise resource planning (ERP) concepts.
• Business Law and Ethics – legal environment for business and ethical issues specific to accounting practice.
• Advanced Accounting Topics and Electives – topics such as governmental and nonprofit accounting, forensic accounting, or advanced financial reporting.
• Capstone or Internship – a supervised internship with a local firm or a capstone project integrating technical knowledge and professional skills.

Entry requirements

Belhaven seeks students who demonstrate academic preparedness, character and fit with the university's Christian mission. Admission to the Bachelor's in Accounting and Related Services typically requires evidence of secondary school completion and academic records. Competitive applicants will present preparation in mathematics and written communication.

• Completed secondary school diploma or equivalent with official transcripts.
• Academic preparation: coursework in algebra and college-preparatory English is recommended.
• Typical entrants offer a competitive cumulative GPA; exact expectations vary by application pool.
• Application materials: completed application form, high school transcripts and any college transfer records; a personal statement or essay is often required.
• Additional items: letters of recommendation and an interview may be requested; international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised testing or equivalent documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of accounting and finance roles and for further professional certification. The curriculum provides the technical foundation and practical experience employers seek.

• Public accounting roles: staff accountant, tax associate, audit associate, with a pathway toward CPA or other professional licences where jurisdictional requirements are met.
• Corporate accounting and finance: financial analyst, staff accountant, controller-track positions, budgeting and internal reporting.
• Specialist areas: forensic accounting, tax preparation and planning, non-profit and governmental accounting.
• Business and advisory roles: management positions in small and medium enterprises, bookkeeping and consultancy, and entrepreneurship.
• Graduate study and certification: many graduates continue to master's programmes in accounting or business, or pursue professional qualifications (CPA, CMA, etc.) as part of career advancement.

Why study at Belhaven University

Belhaven offers a distinctive blend of liberal arts education and professional preparation within a Christian learning environment. The accounting programme emphasises ethical leadership, personalised faculty mentoring and practical experiences that connect classroom theory to workplace practice.

• Small class sizes and close faculty interaction that support mentoring and professional development.
• Integration of faith and learning with an emphasis on ethical practice in accounting and business.
• Opportunities for internships and local employer engagement to build real-world experience and professional networks.
• Training in commonly used accounting tools and software alongside traditional accounting theory to improve workplace readiness.