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Accounting Schools in Texas

Accounting schools in Texas offer diverse concentration and specialization options to support students at all levels of postsecondary education. The accounting programs available teach students the foundational aspects of corporate and public accounting and often include specialized topics such as forensic accounting, accounting technology, and corporate accounting, to match the growing range of career opportunities in this field. As an alternative to traditional on-campus programs, you may wish to consider an online or hybrid degree, which may provide greater scheduling flexibility. Continue reading for information on how to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state, graduate programs in accounting, and employment opportunities in Texas.

Quick Facts

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with accounting degree programs.

Table of Contents

Steps to Become a CPA in Texas

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) oversees the process for becoming a CPA in the state. There are eight main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in Texas.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Submit the Application of Intent to take the CPA Examination.
  3. Complete national and state fingerprint background checks.
  4. Submit the Eligibility Application and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  6. Complete the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct Exam.
  7. Apply for a license.
  8. Receive a license.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

Individuals hoping to become a CPA in Texas must complete a bachelor’s degree or higher. The applicant must complete at least 150 semester hours of university or college education including 30 credits of upper-level accounting courses, with at least 15 of the upper-level accounting credits delivered through face-to-face methods; 24 credits of upper level business courses; and three credits of business ethics. The accounting courses may include:

  • Financial accounting and reporting including a maximum of nine semester hours of intermediate accounting, advanced accounting, and accounting theory
  • Managerial or cost accounting beyond the introductory level
  • Auditing and attestation services
  • Internal accounting control and risk assessment
  • Accounting research and analysis
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Taxation (maximum of 12 semester hours)
  • Financial accounting for government or not-for-profits
  • Accounting information systems (maximum of 12 semester hours)
  • Fraud examination
  • International accounting and financial reporting
  • Accounting internship program (maximum of three semester hours)

At least two semester hours of upper-level accounting or tax research and analysis and/or taxation are required.

2. Submit the Application of Intent to take the CPA Examination.

Once the requisite education has been completed, candidates should submit the Application of Intent package to obtain approval to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam in Texas. Approved applicants will receive further instructions on scheduling the Uniform CPA Exam. Note that candidates must sit for at least one section of the Uniform CPA Exam within two years of submitting this application.

3. Complete national and state fingerprint background checks.

All initial applicants for the Uniform CPA Exam must complete fingerprint background checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division. Instructions and information about the fingerprinting process are sent to applicants upon receipt of the Application of Intent package.

4. Submit the Eligibility Application and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

CPA candidates in all 50 states must take and pass the Uniform CPA Exam to qualify for a license, which comprises four independent sections. The Uniform CPA Exam is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Once the Application of Intent is approved, Texas candidates must submit the online eligibility application to be able to take each section of the exam. Once the eligibility application is approved, the applicant must write that section of the exam within 90 days. All four sections of the exam must be passed within an 18-month rolling period from the date that the first section was passed.

5. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

All candidates for CPA licensure in Texas must complete the required work experience to qualify for a license. Candidates must complete one year of full-time experience, which is no fewer than 2,000 hours. Applicants also have the option to complete their hours part time on a timeline between one and three years. In all cases, the experience must be performed under the supervision of a CPA who has experience in the non-routine accounting area where the candidate is working. Experience hours may only be counted in specific roles and areas; more details can be found on the TSBPA website.

6. Complete the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct Exam.

Finally, candidates must pass the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct Exam. Those who successfully pass the Uniform CPA Exam will automatically be emailed a copy of this exam along with the rules of professional conduct to study. The exam has an open-book format. Note that this exam is in lieu of the AICPA exam required in many other states.

7. Apply for a license.

Once the TSBPA receives notification from NASBA that a candidate has passed all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam, they will send the successful candidate an application packet for a license. All forms within the packet must be completed and returned to the TSBPA along with the $50 CPA Certificate fee in order to receive a CPA license.

8. Receive a license.

The application packet will be reviewed by a member of the Qualifications Team. If it is complete, the candidate will be approved and registered as a CPA and assigned a unique CPA number. The TSBPA will send approved candidates a letter with a license notice. Applicants must pay the final registration fee before they can use the CPA title. Approved candidates will also be invited to attend a swearing-in ceremony that is held twice per year. At the ceremony, a wall certificate will be distributed; if a candidate cannot attend the swearing-in ceremony, the wall certificate will be mailed.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Once licensed, Texas CPAs must complete at least 120 hours of continuing education (CE) during any three-year period, with a minimum of 20 hours occurring during each calendar year. CE should be provided by an approved CE sponsor or are subject to approval by the TSBPA. Documentation of CE requirements must be kept for at least five years. CE credit can also be earned for writing articles or books, presenting at conferences, or teaching advanced courses. CPAs who have been certified for less than 12 months do not have any CPE credit requirements until the second year of certification. CE and annual renewals are submitted through the TSBPA online portal. Renewals are accepted up to six weeks prior to the submission deadline. Exact renewal dates vary depending on the applicant’s birthday. Renewals are processed on the next business day if all requirements are met.

Texas CPA Salary and Job Outlook

Texas has the second-highest employment rate for accountants and auditors, with over 114,000 professionals currently working within the state.10,11 Overall, Texas CPAs earn average annual salaries ($79,360) slightly below the national average of $79,520.11 However, salaries are higher in metropolitan areas, such as Midland, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth, where accountants earn an average of $86,880, $83,350, and $82,480 per year, respectively.11 According to Projections Central, the job outlook for accountants and auditors in Texas is optimistic with an 18.8% increase in positions projected between 2018 and 2028.12 This is nearly three times as fast as the national projected growth rate of 6.4% during the same time period.12

Texas CPA Salary by Metro Area

Metro AreaNumber Employed11Average Annual Salary11
Austin-Round Rock11,430$76,500
College Station-Bryan1,120$58,860
Corpus Christi1,200$72,510
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington40,620$82,480
El Paso1,580$62,310
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land32,120$83,350
Midland1,490$86,880
San Antonio-New Braunfels8,330$75,240

Top-Ranked Schools with Master’s in Accounting Programs in Texas

Forbes’ Best Business Schools* 2019

  • University of Texas-Austin (#18)
  • Rice University (#26)
  • Texas A&M University (#33)
  • Southern Methodist University (#45)
  • University of Texas-Dallas (#46)

*With master’s in accounting programs.

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors* 2020

  • Baylor University
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Texas A&M University-College Station
  • University of Houston
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Texas at Dallas

*With master’s in accounting programs.

Public Accounting Report’s Top 50 Master’s Accounting Programs 2019

  • University of Texas (#1)
  • Texas A&M University (#9)
  • Baylor University (#41)

US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2021

  • University of Texas-Austin (#1)
  • Texas A&M University-College Station (#13)
  • Rice University (#32 tie)
  • University of Texas-Dallas (#40 tie)

Texas Master’s in Accounting Program Comparison

Below we have compiled a table including information about all not-for-profit Texas colleges and universities offering a master’s degree in accounting. The graduation rate is for first-time undergraduates seeking a bachelor’s degree, but since it is widely considered to be an indicator of a school’s overall success, we have included it for comparison. Also please note that tuition per credit is based on in-state, on-campus tuition; per-credit rates may vary for out-of-state and online students.

School NameAccreditationCPA Exam Pass Rate6Master’s in Accounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate13Grad Rate1Online Options?Tuition per Credit
Abilene Christian UniversityAACSB57.5%Master of Accountancy (MAcc)N.Av.61%$1,291
Amberton UniversityN.Av.MBA-AccountingN.Av.N.Av.Yes$265
Angelo State UniversityACBSP77.3%Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc);
MBA-Accounting
N.Av.40%$779
Baylor UniversityAACSB82.0%Master of Accountancy (MAcc);
Master of Taxation (MTax)
52.7%78%$1,856
Dallas Baptist UniversityAACSB; ACBSP38.1%MBA-AccountingN.Av.58%$1,053
Houston Baptist University60.0%MBA-AccountingN.Av.44%$550
Lamar UniversityAACSB36.4%MS-Accounting68.3%34%$518
Midwestern State UniversityAACSB77.8%MBA-AccountingN.Av.45%Yes$287
Our Lady of the Lake UniversityACBSPN.Av.MS-AccountingN.Av.42%$925
Prairie View A&M UniversityAACSB30.0%MS-Accounting (MSA)93.1%36%Yes$424
Rice UniversityAACSB75.0%Master of Accounting (MAcc)37.3%93%$2,685
Saint Edward’s University38.1%Master of Accounting (MACT)N.Av.64%$1,610
Sam Houston State UniversityAACSB60.9%MS-AccountingN.Av.54%$435
Southern Methodist UniversityAACSB80.6%MS-Accounting (MSA)64.2%81%$1,303
Stephen F Austin State UniversityAACSB31.8%Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA)N.Av.52%YesN.Av.
Tarleton State UniversityACBSP33.3%Master of Accounting (MAcc)N.Av.49%Yes$758
Texas A&M International UniversityAACSB50.0%Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc)100%47%$748
Texas A&M University-Central TexasACBSPN.Av.MS-AccountingN.Av.N.Av.Yes$313
Texas A&M University-College StationAACSB89.0%MS-Accounting47.7%82%$874
Texas A&M University-CommerceAACSB55.3%MS-AccountingN.Av.43%Yes$354
Texas A&M University-Corpus ChristiAACSB40.9%Master of Accountancy (MAcc)N.Av.37%Yes$291
Texas A&M University-KingsvilleAACSB16.7%MBA w/ Certificate in Renewable Energy, Accounting, and Logistics;
MBA w/ Certificate in Taxation
N.Av.39%Yes$634
Texas A&M University-San AntonioN.Av.Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA)N.Av.N.Av.$332
Texas A&M University-TexarkanaAACSBN.Av.MS-Accounting (MSA)N.Av.34%Yes$301
Texas Christian UniversityAACSB80.8%Master of Accounting (MAc)75%83%$1,790
Texas Lutheran UniversityACBSP33.3%Master of Accounting (MAcy)N.Av.55%$1,055
Texas Southern UniversityAACSB0.0%MBA-AccountingN.Av.23%$348
Texas State UniversityAACSB63.4%Master of Accounting (MAcy)39.3%54%$338
Texas Tech UniversityAACSB65.8%MS-Accounting (MSA)56.8%61%$601
Texas Wesleyan UniversityAACSBN.Av.MBA-AccountingN.Av.30%Yes$1,036
Texas Woman’s UniversityACBSP32.4%MBA-Accounting;
BBA/MBA-Accounting*
N.Av.43%Yes$276
Trinity UniversityAACSBN.Av.MS-AccountingN.Av.76%$1,000
University of DallasAACSB46.7%MS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting
N.Av.71%Yes$1,250
University of HoustonAACSB65.9%MS-Accountancy (MSACCY)60.3%61%$866
University of Houston-Clear LakeAACSB44.4%MS-AccountingN.Av.N.Av.$529
University of Houston-DowntownAACSBN.Av.Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA);
MBA-Accounting
N.Av.29%$400
University of Houston-VictoriaAACSB57.1%Master of Accountancy (MA)N.Av.19%$352
University of the Incarnate WordACBSP22.0%MS-Accounting (MSA)N.Av.51%$1,000
University of Mary Hardin-BaylorACBSPN.Av.MS-Accounting (MSA);
MBA-Accounting Analytics
N.Av.51%Yes$970
University of North TexasAACSB67.4%MS-Accounting;
MS-Taxation
62.5%56%$378
University of St. ThomasAACSB38.5%MS-Accounting (MSA);
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA);
MBA-Accounting
N.Av.68%$1,163
University of Texas at ArlingtonAACSB72.7%MS-Accounting;
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA);
MS-Taxation
N.Av.51%$1,318
University of Texas at AustinAACSBN.Av.Master in Professional Accounting (MPA);
Integrated MPA*
38.1%86%$482
University of Texas at DallasAACSB58.1%MS-Accounting40.6%70%$974
University of Texas at El PasoAACSB40.0%Master of Accountancy (MAcc)88.9%37%$417
University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyAACSB44.1%Master of Accountancy (MAcc)77.4%46%Yes$396
University of Texas at San AntonioAACSB63.1%Master of Accountancy (MACY)93.3%42%Yes$735
University of Texas at TylerAACSB56.5%Master of Accountancy (MAcc)N.Av.42%$441
University of Texas of the Permian BasinAACSB47.8%MBA-Accounting;
Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA)
N.Av.40%Yes$255
West Texas A&M UniversityAACSB58.5%BBA/Master of Public Accounting (MPA)*;
Master of Public Accounting (MPA)
81.1%45%Yes$277

  • * indicates combined program.
  • — indicates none.
  • N.Av. indicates no data available.

Select Schools in Texas with Master’s in Accounting Programs

Traditional Programs

St. Edward’s University

St. Edward’s University’s Master of Accounting (MACT) program qualifies students to take the Uniform CPA exam and to take on leadership roles in business. Students can complete the 30-credit program on a full- or part-time basis, but must take at least one course per semester. New applicants are accepted in the fall, spring, and summer terms. It is also possible to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the MACT in five years with an accelerated format. Students without a bachelor’s degree in accounting must complete 21 hours of prerequisite courses before starting the MACT curriculum. Graduates are qualified to work in public, private, government, and non-profit accounting as well as in financial services positions. Courses in the program include Advanced Federal Taxation, Advanced Accounting Problems, Fraud and Forensic Accounting, and Special Topics in Accounting. An optional internship for course credit is highly encouraged and provides real-world learning opportunities. Students and alumni receive support from the school’s Career and Professional Development department, which offers career counseling, networking, and other professional assistance.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) through its Mays Business School that focuses on developing technical and qualitative expertise in accounting and related fields of professional knowledge. This non-thesis program requires 37 to 39 credit hours to complete and offers two tracks of specialization in Assurance Services/Information Management and Tax Consulting/Financial Planning. Student degree plans include such courses as Corporate Tax, Development of Accounting Thought, and Financial Management, as well as a Graduate Professional Accounting Seminar. Admission to the program is competitive and based on students’ academic and extracurricular activities as well as any applicable work experience. The Mays Business School also offers a Master of Science (MS) in Finance that may be of interest to future financial services professionals, as well as an Energy Accounting Certificate (EAC). The rigorous MSA program attracts recruiting managers from the Big Four, who frequently hire graduates from the program. The program is accredited by the AACSB.

Texas State University-San Marcos

Texas State University-San Marcos offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Accountancy (MAcy) program that provides a broad education in the principles and practices of accounting. In addition to a general degree, concentrations are offered in Auditing, Information Technology, and Taxation. Students learn fundamental accounting concepts as well as the social and environmental effects of accounting information, emerging with a well-rounded understanding of accounting in the modern world. Along with an undergraduate degree in accounting, this program can qualify students to meet the 150-hour requirement to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam. Core courses in the curriculum include Advanced Accounting, Auditing, and Corporate Governance and Ethics. Students may optionally complete internships for course credit, which may increase competitiveness in the job market upon graduation. Financial aid programs, including grants and graduate assistantships, are available to qualified students.

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Public Accounting (MPA) program that gives students hands-on experience through internships and workshops as well as study abroad opportunities. The traditional MPA (tMPA) is offered to those who have a bachelor’s degree, while the integrated MPA is for students who do not yet have a bachelor’s degree. Students in the integrated MPA program will earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in addition to the MPA. Admission is open to students of all undergraduate disciplines but students must complete required prerequisites in economics, accounting, and statistics prior to beginning. The MPA typically requires 31 to 42 credit hours to complete depending on previous coursework. Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting can complete a 31-credit tMPA in one year of full-time study. Concentrations are offered in Financial Reporting and Assurance; Managerial Accounting and Control; Taxation; and Generalist. Graduate courses in the program include Managerial Accounting; Legal Environment of Business for MPAs; Financial Accounting Standards and Analysis; and Information Technology for Accounting and Control. Students interested in teaching accounting may also be interested in the doctoral accounting program at the University of Texas, while those interested in becoming certified auditors may be interested in the Internal Audit Certificate Program. The University of Texas at Austin’s accounting master’s program has been highly ranked by US News & World Report.

Online and Hybrid Programs

Midwestern State University

The Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University offers an AACSB-accredited MBA with an Accounting concentration that can be completed fully online or in combination with classes at the Wichita Falls campus. The accounting concentration is designed for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and, in combination with an accounting undergraduate degree, meets the 150-hour educational requirements for the CPA Exam. Students learn about advanced business and accounting principles by studying case studies and hands-on applications of theory to real-world examples. The curriculum comprises 33 credits, with 24 credits of core courses and nine credits of approved electives. An optional study abroad experience in London, England is also available as an elective to give students international accounting experience. Students have access to additional business and accounting resources through various campus centers, such as the Small Business Development Center, Dillard Energy Center, and Center for Nonprofit Management and Leadership. The MBA program can be taken full- or part-time with most students completing the program in one to two years.

Texas Woman’s University

Although historically a female-only institution, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) offers a fully-online, ACBSP-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting to both male and female applicants. The 36-credit degree can be completed in 15 months through full-time study in an accelerated seven-week block format. No GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission. Additional coursework may be required for applicants who have not completed the required prerequisites in business and accounting. Required courses for the MBA include Global Business, Decision Analysis for Managers, and Financial Statement Analysis. In addition to accounting and business skills, the program teaches leadership and management techniques. Students also have access to the Center for Women Entrepreneurs, which is the only university center dedicated to women’s entrepreneurship and business ownership in Texas. TWU also offers a combined Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and MBA in Accounting track that can be completed in five years and meets the coursework requirements to take the Uniform CPA Exam.

West Texas A&M University

The West Texas A&M University College of Business offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Public Accounting (MPA) with a thesis option. The traditional version of the degree (for students with a bachelor’s degree) consists of 36 semester hours, including at least 18 hours in accounting and 18 hours in senior-level topics. The combined BBA/MPA comprises 150 hours. All coursework in the MPA can be completed online through asynchronous classes or online classes can be taken in combination with on-campus classes in Canyon. The program is designed for working professionals and is typically completed in two years, although students have up to six years to complete the degree requirements. Courses are offered during five semesters throughout the year for maximum scheduling flexibility. The degree is also offered as a five-year combined Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and MPA program, which requires 150 semester hours to complete. Students in the combined degree program are not eligible for the thesis option and must complete two additional electives instead. All students are required to take accounting seminars in Accounting Theory, Tax Research, and Auditing and pass a comprehensive written and oral exam in order to graduate.

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Texas

  • Maxwell Locke & Ritter: The largest locally-owned and managed accounting firm in the Austin metro area, which takes pride in helping its staff further develop their skills and career opportunities through mentorship and is frequently hiring.
  • Patten Thiebaud: A long-running local accounting firm based in Dallas specializing in tax services and wealth management.

Texas Accounting Associations

  • Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA): This professional organization provides professional development and training opportunities to members across regional 20 chapters. Members have access to free continuing education programs, networking opportunities, and educational resources.
  • Texas Association of Certified Public Accountants (TACPA): This professional organization runs a program called BoardWatch, which provides members with up-to-date information on CPA licensing regulations and changes. It also advocates for professional concerns and runs professional development events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is needed to become a CPA in Texas?

CPA certification is overseen by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). To become a CPA in Texas, you first need to complete 150 hours of university or college coursework including a bachelor’s degree and at least 30 credits of upper-level accounting courses, 24 credits of upper-level business courses; and three credits of business ethics. Then, you will submit your application to the TSBPA, take the Uniform CPA Exam, accumulate one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience), and pass the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct Exam. After fulfilling all certification requirements, the TSBPA will approve your application and issue you a unique CPA license number.

Will there be many openings for accountants in Texas in the coming years?

According to Projections Central, there will be an average of 15,480 annual openings for accountants and auditors in Texas between 2018 through 2028.12 Nationally, it is projected there will be 146,000 annual openings on average during the same time period.12 Texas, therefore, is projected to account for about 10% of all projected annual openings for accountants and auditors in the country during this time.12

How long does it take to become a CPA in Texas?

Due to the education and experience requirements, it takes many years to become certified as a CPA in Texas. First, you must complete 150 hours of university education, which is typically met by completing a four-year bachelor’s degree and at least a one-year master’s degree. Applicants must also take all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam, which generally take one year to complete, but must be completed within a two-year period. After completing the exam, one year of work experience must be accumulated. Applicants should also factor in administrative processing time as the TSBPA requires the submission of numerous documents to support the application. Overall, starting with postsecondary education, it will likely take most applicants at least seven years to become certified as a CPA in Texas.

How much do accountants make in Texas?

The average hourly wage for accountants in Texas is $38.15, and the average annual salary is $79,360, although salaries do vary across the state.11 For example, in the West Texas nonmetropolitan area, the average salary is $77,050, while in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, the average annual salary is $82,480.11

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Sam Houston State University
1905 University Ave
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-1111
https://www.shsu.edu/

Student Review: “My college experience at Sam Houston State University was great, however, the Accounting department at the College of Business Administration (COBA) was horrible. The Dean of the college had a “sink or swim” mentality and didn’t offer much in the way of tutoring or help. I visited him on several occasions and his attitude seemed to be “figure it out or change majors.” I took several courses from different professors while earning my degree. Only one of them was exceptional and took the time to make sure his students understood the material before proceeding. If you have a firm understanding of accounting principles, or you have access to a great tutor, then this is the accounting program for you. Otherwise, you will probably find yourself struggling through the courses without guidance. Proceed with caution!” -Jennifer B., student at Sam Houston State University
stars-2

Texas A&M University
400 Bizzell St
College Station, TX 77843
(979) 845-3211
https://www.tamu.edu/

Student Review: “I was a little hesitant on attending Texas A&M because I had been a lifelong Sooner fan. But after attending the school, I can definitely say I made the right choice. The campus is amazing and full of hospitality and tradition. The accounting program is located out on west campus and has a very nice building called Wehner. It is state of the art and really makes you feel as if you are in the business world. The professors are super helpful and willing to go the extra mile for their students. They make even the boring aspects very interesting. Overall, I am very glad I chose the Accounting program at Texas A&M.” -Ryan W., student at Texas A&M University

Student Review: “The Texas A&M Professional Program in Accounting provided me with an opportunity to graduate with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in just 4.5 years. The rigorous program balanced the need to understand accounting concepts and theory with real-world applications. Many of the professors in the program integrate fundamental concepts required to pass the CPA exam, and the entire program seeks to mold you into an educated, thoughtful citizen ready for a career in accounting. There is fantastic interaction with Big 4 and middle market accounting firms as they host mixers, career fairs, and fun events (golf outings, crawfish boils, paintball) in an effort to get to know students and as part of the recruiting process. I received a number of internship offers and ultimately selected the Dallas office of a top 25 firm.” -student at Texas A&M University

Texas State University
601 University Dr
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 245-2111
https://www.txst.edu/

Student Review: “I had a wonderful experience during my time at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. However, I went down a different path than most students. I went there at 18 years old, like a normal student. However, I found partying to be more important than school. I was put under a two-year suspension and had to move and work full time. I took a job that ended up being a great opportunity. At 24 years old, I decided to go back and finish up school. The school has a great program for working adults. They offer great programs for working adults and I was able to take night classes and took independent study for courses that were not offered at night. This allowed me to keep my full-time job and work on school when I was able to. I joined the “Non-Traditional Student Organization”, where I met my new, current boss. I was able to network with other adults from all over the state who were in situations similar to myself.” – student at Texas State University
stars-4

University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 283-7600
https://www.uhcl.edu/

Student Review: “I attended the University of Houston – Clear Lake. The experience of pursuing my accounting degree was fantastic, and I am proud to be a part of this accredited university. The program started off challenging. It was as if the faculty of the introductory accounting courses was determined to make absolutely sure that the students were, in fact, pursuing the correct field for them before they got too far into the program and may regret their degree choice. Though difficult, my professors were always willing to lend a helping hand to those of us in need. They were always available and I could contact them during office hours and while they were out of school. My professors expressed great knowledge to their students from their experiences in the workforce as well as their constant studies in order to stay up to date with the changing concepts and guidelines. Even though I am not going to participate in an internship program, I know that I have received the best education and am confident to know that I will have no problems obtaining an entry-level position.” -Veronica A., student at University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Texas at Dallas
800 W Campbell Rd
Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 883-2111
https://www.utdallas.edu/

Student Review: “The accounting program at the University of Texas at Dallas was the perfect program for adults returning back to school, such as myself. The class schedule was completely flexible with several evening classes offered as well as classes on the weekends. The professors were challenging and had high expectations of the students, which was appreciated. The night classes I attended were comprised primarily of adults, which made the environment a focused and serious one, allowing for the optimal learning environment. The professors also brought in a plethora of real-world knowledge that was successfully transferred into the classroom. I really appreciated the use of computers & technology in the classroom. This allowed for the working students to be able to access the course material and have correspondence with the professors from anywhere.” – Student at University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at San Antonio
1 UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
(210) 458-4011
https://www.utsa.edu/

Student Review: “I felt earning my degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio was pretty rough. Most of the teachers were hard to approach and made it seem like we should already understand this information with ease. However, I did have a couple professors who I thought were great as they gave us the necessary supplements to pass our standardized tests. There were a lot of people who dropped out of my classes and ended up switching majors, which was a little discouraging. UTSA actually ended up making a standardized test that students had to take before getting into Intermediate Accounting I to help filter some of the students. What made these courses easier was having online communication so all the students in classes could get together and converse. Students would get together and work multiple problems as a group. As most people say, the best way to learn is to practice problems over and over again. This method worked for me as well as many of my other classmates. I don’t think I’ve ever been so worried about any of my exam grades until it came to accounting.” -Andrew D., student at University of Texas at San Antonio

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Forbes Best Business Schools 2019: https://www.forbes.com/business-schools/list/2/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 385 Colleges, 2020 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2019.
4. Public Accounting Report 2019 Top 50 Master’s Accounting Programs: https://wpcarey.asu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/par-grad-2019.pdf
5. US News & World Report Best MBA Accounting Programs 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
6. National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. The NASBA Report on the CPA Exam: Candidate Performance on the Uniform CPA Examination, 2018 Edition. National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, Inc., 2019.
7. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International: https://www.aacsb.edu/
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): https://acbsp.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE): https://iacbe.org/
10. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2019 Occupational Employment and Wages, Accountants and Auditors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm
11. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Texas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm
12. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
13. US News & World Report Best Business Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools