Help Numbers Tell a Story
Learn to transform your passion for details into a career. Every sector needs accounting professionals, who are the keepers and protectors of financial records.
You’ll do more than just calculate budgets and bottom lines, though. You can become a key advisor to management and make a place for yourself in the C-suite, guiding business operations and serving as an ethical voice for rational decision-making.
You can network with successful graduates and business executives who know the quality and ethical framework behind a Belhaven education. Many of our graduates are offered accounting jobs before they even graduate.
When you complete the accounting major with a public accounting concentration, you are fully prepared to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in Mississippi. When you pass the CPA exam, a new world of well-paying job options opens up for you.
Why You’ll Love Accounting at Belhaven
Caring Faculty
Our faculty members will be your mentors. They’re experts in their fields, and they’re dedicated to helping you understand complex subjects. They’ll know you by name, and they’ll push you to succeed at the highest level.
Christian Worldview
You are challenged to think critically and analytically about who God is — and who you are — as we equip you to fulfill your calling to glorify God and be a blessing to the world.
Great Internships
Our well-prepared students are highly sought after. You’ll have internship opportunities with CPA firms and local businesses. When you’re done with your studies, you’ll already have a strong resume.
Top Business School
Colleges of Distinction recognizes us as a top Christian business school. The honor is based on faculty and program quality, a commitment to offering you real-world experience, and alumni job placement.
CPA Exam
Can be taken after completing the accounting major with the concentration
126k+ Jobs
Job openings projected each year for accountants, according to BLS.
Professional Experience
Offering amazing internship opportunities and seminars where you’ll connect with business leaders
$80,000 Wage
Median annual wage for accountants as of May 2023, according to BLS.
What Can You Do with an Accounting Degree?
An accounting degree is more than just numbers – it’s a gateway to dynamic careers where you can make an impact, solve meaningful problems, and shape the future of organizations. Explore how you can turn your passion for finance, analysis and strategy into a fulfilling career.
Shape the Future of Business
- Financial Analyst: Guide business leaders with insights that drive success by interpreting financial trends and forecasting future opportunities.
- Controller: Be at the helm of an organization’s financial health, ensuring accurate reporting and strategic growth.
- Cost Accountant: Optimize resources and help businesses grow smarter by analyzing costs and creating efficiency.
Make a Difference in Public and Private Accounting
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Build trust by delivering expert financial advice, auditing records, and preparing taxes for individuals and businesses.
- Forensic Accountant: Bring justice to financial crimes by investigating fraud and supporting legal teams with expert insights.
- Tax Specialist: Help clients navigate the complexities of tax laws to maximize their financial success.
Impact Communities and the World
- Government Auditor: Serve your community by ensuring public funds are spent responsibly and transparently.
- Nonprofit Accountant: Support causes you care about by managing the finances of organizations working to change the world.
- International Accountant: Expand your horizons with opportunities to work on a global scale, navigating international financial systems.
Embrace Innovation and Technology
- Data Analyst: Combine your love for numbers and technology to uncover trends and shape strategic business decisions.
- Systems Consultant: Lead organizations into the future by implementing cutting-edge accounting software and solutions.
- Environmental Accountant: Champion sustainability by evaluating the financial impact of green initiatives and eco-friendly policies.
Lead and Inspire
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Climb the corporate ladder to the C-suite, influencing the financial strategy of major organizations.
- Entrepreneur: Turn your financial acumen into a thriving business, whether as a consultant, small business owner, or startup founder.
- Professor or Mentor: Inspire the next generation of accountants and leaders by teaching and sharing your expertise.
Advance Your Skills and Credentials
An accounting degree is just the beginning. Many graduates pursue advanced certifications like the CPA, CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or advanced degrees such as an MBA, opening doors to specialized fields and leadership roles.
Plus students who enroll and complete at least 60 hours at Belhaven through to graduation, will be awarded a full tuition scholarship for one of our online master’s programs. The Free Master’s program helps you boost your career opportunities without costing you a dime.
What Are Belhaven Grads Doing?
- Accountant at Harper, Rains, Knight & Company
- Accountant at the Mississippi Department of Finance
- Accounting employee at the Export-Import Bank of the United States
- CPA and auditor at Deloitte
- CPA and senior auditor at BBVA Compass
- Employee in the tax division at Briggs & Veselka Co.
- Financial analyst at Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance
- Fraud, forensic, and litigation associate at Horne LLP
- Project accountant at L-3 Communications
- Property accountant at Sutherland Global Services
"I chose Accounting because of the career stability and the opportunities that accounting majors have."
"Getting my degree has allowed me to become a full time accountant. I cannot describe in words how grateful I am!"
"I wanted to come to Belhaven because I wanted to play basketball here. The excellent degree was an added bonus! Belhaven has opened my eyes not only to what it takes to be successful in the office, but also to what it takes to be successful in the eyes of God. Because of my degree from Belhaven University, I can take the CPA exam and eventually become a certified accountant."
"I chose to attend Belhaven because I wanted to take my baseball career to the next level, and Belhaven was a great fit with a strong business school that encourages personal interaction with professors and students. Upon graduating, I will be able to sit for the CPA exam and take my knowledge and experience into the workplace. "
"I was looking for a small Christian university that focused on academics and stressed the importance of a strong relationship with our God. During my time at Belhaven, this place has become a beloved home that I will always cherish. This is where new friendships have formed and other relationships have strengthened and endured. I cannot help but smile when I recall all the wonderful memories made here at Belhaven."
School of Business: Verified Excellence
Belhaven’s business school is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Why is this important?
Knowing the School of Business is accredited by the IACBE tells you that Belhaven voluntarily holds itself to a set of quality standards and is willing to allow outside business experts come to campus and verify Belhaven is doing what we say we are doing. Belhaven’s commitment to the accreditation process benefits you because it ensures you will be provided a quality education.
Accounting: What You’ll Study
Accounting Major
Public Accounting
- 4-year plan for Freshmen - Accounting, Public Accounting Concentration (pdf)
- 4-year plan for Transfers - Accounting, Public Accounting Concentration (pdf)
View the Professional Licensure Programs page for more information since the professional licensure requirements vary from state to state.
Double Major & Get Your 5th Year Free
Fuel your academic passions and expand your career options. Belhaven offers our freshmen a unique deal: double major, and we’ll pay the tuition if you need a fifth year in school. Double major in two arts programs, pair a business degree with a STEM major … the possibilities are endless!
Accounting Degree Student Perspective
Contact Us
Office of Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
For campus visit:
Jimmy Hood Welcome Center
855 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5