The traditional approach to the MPA welcomes students with bachelor’s degrees in any academic discipline—from liberal arts to science or business education. As a Master in Professional Accounting student, you will join motivated, high-achieving classmates in a program that emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and the ability to communicate effectively—qualities that employers recognize, value and reward.

Created and taught by a nationally acclaimed faculty, MPA coursework is carefully crafted to prepare you for a career in public accounting, industry, not-for-profit organizations, consulting, financial institutions and academe. Texas MPA graduates are heavily recruited by nearly 200 organizations representing more than 25 different industries, in the U.S. and overseas. Most students accept a job offer before graduating.

There are specific prerequisites for the Master in Professional Accounting program. The MPA curriculum reflects a broad educational base, combined with technical depth in accounting. The required semester credit hours range from 36 to 42, depending on the student's undergraduate coursework. Students with an undergraduate accounting degree often complete the program in 36 hours. Students without an undergraduate degree in accounting or business normally earn the MPA degree by completing a 42-hour program. A 36-hour program can typically be completed in one year (fall, spring, and summer semester). A 42-hour program is typically completed in one year and a half (summer, fall, spring, and summer).

The Texas MPA provides students the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in one of four tracks: Financial Reporting and Assurance, Tax, Managerial Accounting and Control or Generalist. The additional academic training focuses on improving students' written, verbal communication and problem-solving skills, which executives in accounting and business organizations emphasize as key to career success. Students also interact with professionals in the field through speaker programs, receptions, team competitions, workshops and internships. In addition, the Texas MPA offers study abroad opportunities that prepare students for the global focus of today’s business world.

If your goal is to satisfy the educational requirements for the CPA exam, your MPA advisor will tailor your academic plan so that you are eligible to sit for the exam by the time you complete the program. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state. The state in which you plan to sit for the exam will determine whether you need to fine-tune your MPA coursework to meet your goals.