BBA Majors
Students pursuing a
Texas BBA degree are able to select a major course of study from nine academic options. In addition to a major, students can select to take additional coursework from the following areas:
Accounting,
Engineering Route to Business,
Finance,
International Business,
Management,
Management Information Systems,
Marketing,
Science and Technology Management, or
Supply Chain Management. Many students will elect to take up to 12 hours of additional coursework in one of these academic areas. For information regarding the number of BBA students relative to each major, see
BBA Student Profile.
Accounting majors develop a solid foundation in both general business knowledge and the specialty of accounting. Courses include financial, managerial, and tax accounting; financial statement analysis; and auditing and control.
Business Honors
Business Honors is both a major and a program. It provides an intellectual challenge for serious and accomplished students, and preparation for immediate entry into a business career or graduate studies. Honors students may design a general program of study or concentrate on one of the major programs in business. In addition to the business honors major, students in the Business Honors Program may choose an additional business major. A significant number of business honors majors also choose to pursue an undergraduate degree outside of the McCombs School of Business.
Students in the ERB major study the management of technological, engineering and scientific enterprises. This prepares them for management and sales positions in high-tech and engineering companies, positions in the manufacturing sector and careers in consulting. Students choose both an ERB business block (including Accounting/Finance, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management) and an ERB engineering block of courses (including Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical Systems Engineering, and Operations).
Finance majors study finance functions in business firms, financial systems, and financial markets as well as the roles of commercial banks, investment and security firms, and other financial institutions. To help prepare our students for finance careers, Finance majors may choose one of six tracks. Each track’s curriculum focuses on competencies for that particular finance career. Students who do not wish to select a specific specialization may choose to follow the General Finance Track. However, given market and recruiting demands for specialization within the finance world, it is highly recommended that students select a track offering specialization in a particular area.
Finance Tracks:
- Corporate Finance and Investment Banking Track
- Energy Finance Track
- Financial Markets/Banking Track
- General Finance Track
- Investment Management Track
- Quantitative Finance Track
- Real Estate Track
Finance majors can also specialize further by applying for the Financial Analyst Program (FAP). This year-and-a-half-long program provides an opportunity for a select group of outstanding business students to work closely with finance faculty and industry professionals to develop their skills and experience as analysts. Students are offered intensive, hands-on experience in applying the concepts of business analysis and valuation to decision contexts similar to those in the business world. The FAP may be combined with any of the finance track options.
The International Business major provides a combination of basic business knowledge with an interdisciplinary study of international agencies in the fields of industrial development, international trade, and foreign investment. International business majors are bilingual or multilingual, participate in study-abroad experiences, and specialize in business areas, such as marketing or finance.
Students in the Management major learn to apply acquired knowledge and skills to areas such as human resource management, entrepreneurship, project management, retail management, and consulting. Management majors may also choose Consulting and Change Management as a specialized track of study.
The MIS major prepares students to become professionals who fully appreciate the complexity of information system design. Graduates are expected to have both the technical and managerial knowledge to solve fundamental business forecasting, finance, and cost accounting problems.
The Marketing major prepares students for careers in personal selling and sales management, retail merchandising and management, marketing management, marketing research, and promotional strategy. Students acquire knowledge of product design, advertising, pricing, consumer behavior, and distribution management.
Students in the Science and Technology Management major study the management of scientific and technological enterprises. This prepares them for management or sales positions in high-tech, engineering, and manufacturing companies as well as careers in technology commercialization startups or consulting firms. Students have classes across the broad range of business areas with an opportunity to take electives in specific business majors to enhance an interest in a particular functional area. Likewise, students take a number of upper and lower division engineering courses that provide critical foundations in understanding mechanical, electrical, computer, and systems technology. This combination of business and engineering courses is intended to provide a graduate with the critical skills to be an effective “tech savvy” business manager in a technically oriented commercial enterprise.
The SCM major prepares students for careers in supply chain management, such as a buyer, risk management analyst, logistics planner, and staff consultant. Students acquire knowledge and apply information technology to coordinate all elements of the supply chain from sourcing parts to coordination of retailers to achieve a level of integration that results in competitive advantage.
Leadership Program
The Leadership Program is a comprehensive three or four-year experience that complements the business curriculum. Students gain and strengthen their leadership skills by linking classroom learning to their interests through leadership opportunities on campus and in the community. Students participate in interactive and intensive programs designed to challenge, engage, and develop ethical global citizens. If you are interested in connecting with our BBA students through any of the Leadership Program activities, please contact Stephanie Hinojosa-Galvan.
MPA Degree
The Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program at the McCombs School of Business has been widely recognized as one of the leading graduate accounting programs in the United States. Our program attracts academically talented, hard working, and ambitious students from around the world. McCombs' outstanding faculty includes some of the world's top researchers. These award-winning educators challenge students with a leading-edge curriculum. Our exceptional graduates possess the competence, sound judgment, and accounting proficiency to allow them to excel not only in public accounting, but also in industry, nonprofits, government, financial services, and consulting. Graduates have the tools and capabilities to make an immediate contribution to your organization:
- Solid analytical skills
- Critical problem solving skills
- A team perspective
- Polish and professionalism
- Effective communication skills
- Broad business knowledge
Two Approaches to the Texas MPA Degree
The traditional MPA is 12- to 18-month graduate program for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution. The traditional MPA approach welcomes students with undergraduate degrees in any field, from business to liberal arts, science or engineering.
The integrated MPA is a three-year program designed for students in the McCombs School of Business beyond their sophomore year who are in the process of earning their bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of the integrated approach to the MPA, students graduate with the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degrees concurrently.
Academic Tracks
Financial Reporting and Assurance Track
The Financial Reporting and Assurance Track focuses on interpretation, preparation, and certification of publicly disclosed financial and other data. The track includes financial accounting courses that focus on the formulation, analysis, and use of financial information. Additionally, courses in assurance investigate the relevance and reliability of this information, including suitable measurement criteria. Typically, 65 to 75 percent of MPA students select the Financial Reporting and Assurance Track.
Tax Track
The Tax Track combines specialized tax training and in-depth accounting knowledge. Tax courses emphasize the role of taxation in planning and structuring business transactions. Accounting courses provide a wide breadth of knowledge. Typically, 20 to 30 percent of MPA students select the Tax Track.
Managerial Track
The Managerial Track addresses how accounting and auditing information assists managers in making informed decisions in planning, evaluating, and controlling an entity. Students learn how to prepare reports for external groups such as shareholders, creditors, regulatory agencies, and tax authorities. Students often complete the Managerial Track in conjunction with the Financial Reporting and Assurance Track. Typically, 3 to 5 percent of MPA students select the Managerial Track.
Generalist Track
The Generalist Track prepares students who wish to combine a variety of courses and create a more personalized track. Students in this track often want the broadest possible background with exposure to courses in all of the other tracks. Typically, 3 to 10 percent of MPA students select the Generalist Track.
MPA Double Degree Programs
As the business world and the accounting profession take on global dimensions, experience abroad gives students valuable insight into international business practices. The Texas MPA gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of international programs. Two international Double Degree Programs give students the opportunity to earn both a Texas MPA degree and an additional advanced degree or certificate from premier international institutions.
MBA Degree Programs
Texas MBA Full-Time Program
The McCombs School of Business core curriculum provides full-time MBA students with a competence in general management by developing a rigorous skill set in finance, accounting, marketing, statistics, operations, economics, strategy, information technology, and management of people. Through the core curriculum, students are given abundant opportunities for collaborative learning and practical work experience in the classroom, with companies, and through student organizations.
MBA with Concentration
The Texas MBA offers concentrations in multiple academic areas. These market-driven concentrations help prepare graduates for unique employment opportunities. The McCombs School of Business offers concentrations in:
Department of Accounting Concentration
Department of Finance Concentrations
- Corporate Finance
- Energy Finance
- Finance (General)
- Investment Management
- Private Equity Finance
- Real Estate Finance
Department of Government, Business & Society Concentrations
- Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility
- Public and Governmental Affairs
Department of Information, Risk, & Operations Management Concentrations
- Information Management
- Risk Management
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
Department of Management Concentrations
- Innovation Leadership
- Management
Department of Marketing Concentrations
- Brand and Product Management
- High-Technology Marketing
- Marketing Analytics and Consulting
Interdisciplinary Concentrations
- CleanTech
- Consulting
- Entrepreneurship
- Global Business
- Healthcare
- Social Enterprise
MBA Dual Degree Programs
In order to enhance their expertise, some students choose to pursue a dual degree option in which the Texas MBA is completed in conjunction with a second graduate degree from another University of Texas at Austin college.
MBA Double Degree Program
The Double Degree Program offers Texas MBA students the unique opportunity to maximize their international education through the exploration and application of business concepts in a global context. Graduates of the Double Degree Program simultaneously earn two advanced degrees: an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin and a second MBA (or equivalent) from a partner university.
McCombs Global Connections Study Tours
Full-time MBA students have the opportunity to participate in international experiences through McCombs Global Connections. This program enables students to experience both the business and cultural environments of countries through corporate visits, factory tours, micro-consulting projects and collaboration with our partner schools. 2011 McCombs Global Connections study tours will be conducted in March and May. Destinations include Argentina, Chile, China, Europe, India, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. If you maintain an office in one of these regions and are interested in hosting a student group or project, please contact Susan Masson.
Working Professional and Executive Academic Programs
The core curriculum of the Working Professional MBA Program is designed to give all MBA students a solid foundation in business fundamentals and to endow them with general management competence. By design, each program allows professionals to earn their MBA while continuing to work. Through the core curriculum, students gain knowledge in areas including finance, operations, strategy, marketing, and people management. Students participate in a cohort learning environment designed to develop teamwork and leadership skills.
International Management Seminar/Global Trip
Working Professional MBA students participate in international experiences through the International Management Seminar/Global Trip component of their MBA curriculum. This course enables students to experience both the business and cultural environments of the countries they are visiting through corporate visits, factory tours, and collaboration with other entities. 2011 Global Trips will be held March 3-20, April 10-16, and May 1-7.
Texas Evening MBA Program
The Texas Evening MBA program prepares managers and professionals to manage and lead in a complex and competitive environment.
Texas MBA at Dallas/Ft. Worth and Texas MBA at Houston Programs
The Texas MBA programs at Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston allow professionals to gain the skills of the traditional MBA, while applying those skills to their current jobs and preparing for even greater responsibilities in the future.
Texas Executive MBA Program
The Texas Executive MBA program provides a knowledge base that prepares mid-career professionals for future general management responsibilities.
Texas Executive MBA at Mexico City Program
The
Texas Executive MBA at Mexico City is an innovative, dynamic, and challenging executive MBA program. The University of Texas at Austin and Tecnolόgico de Monterrey – Campus Santa Fe are proud to offer this dual-degree graduate program that awards an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Administration from Tecnolόgico de Monterrey – Campus Santa Fe.