La Roche University

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational liberal arts courses with a focused sequence of accounting and business classes. Students build technical competencies in financial reporting, management accounting and taxation while developing analytical, ethical and communication skills needed in practice.

• Core accounting modules: Financial Accounting, Managerial (Cost) Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Financial Reporting.
• Professional topics: Auditing and Assurance, Federal Income Taxation, Accounting Information Systems, Ethics in Accounting.
• Business and supporting subjects: Principles of Finance, Business Law, Corporate Finance, Economics, Statistics or Quantitative Methods.
• Data and technology: Spreadsheet and data analysis for accountants, introduction to accounting software and data analytics techniques relevant to accounting tasks.
• Experiential learning: Internship placement or practicum with local firms and organisations, case studies, and a senior capstone or research project integrating technical and ethical issues in accounting.
• General education: Courses across the liberal arts to strengthen writing, critical thinking and oral presentation skills required for professional practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent with a record of college-preparatory courses. Successful applicants typically demonstrate competence in mathematics and strong written communication. Typical application materials include an official transcript, a personal statement, and one or more academic references.

Recommended academic background: secondary-level mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus), English, and any business or introductory accounting courses where available. Standardised tests may be optional or considered where provided. International applicants should provide evidence of English language proficiency through an accepted test or previous study in English.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of accounting and finance roles. The degree also provides a foundation for further professional certification and graduate study.

• Public accounting and audit roles with regional and local firms
• Corporate accounting: financial accountant, management accountant, cost accountant
• Tax specialist or payroll accountant in firms and small businesses
• Government and nonprofit accounting positions
• Forensic accounting, internal audit and compliance roles
• Financial analysis, budgeting and controller-track positions
• Progression to graduate programmes (e.g. master's in accounting, MBA) or preparation for professional exams such as the CPA

Why study at La Roche University

La Roche offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring rooted in a liberal arts tradition. The accounting curriculum emphasises ethical decision-making and community engagement, reflecting the university’s values.

• Small classes that enable direct interaction with instructors and applied feedback
• Opportunities for internships and local employer connections in the Pittsburgh region
• Preparation for professional certification through coursework aligned with accounting exam requirements and practical experience
• Support from career services for résumé development, interview preparation and placement in internships or entry-level accounting roles
• Integration of technical accounting skills with communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning developed through the liberal arts core