MPA Distinguished Speaker Series

A distinctive feature of the MPA is the opportunity to interact on a regular basis with outstanding professionals from accounting practice and the business community, both from Texas and across the nation. Each fall semester the Department brings speakers to campus to make presentations to MPA students through two separate Lyceums.

The first Lyceum (ACC 151) is directed at students in their initial semester. Students at this stage generally have limited knowledge of accounting as a profession; consequently, this series of programs focuses on the wide variety of outstanding career opportunities available to MPA graduates. Students can then begin to consider their specific interests early in their MPA experience.

The second Lyceum (ACC 152) is designed for the more advanced students. Throughout the fall, prominent representatives of accounting practice, business, and government speak to students about a variety of important issues affecting professionals today. In this way, students gain insights about professional life and current issues — topics beyond what is usually covered in textbooks. MPA students enjoy becoming acquainted with some of the people whose names appear regularly in The Wall Street Journal, the Journal of Accountancy, and similar business periodicals.

An indirect benefit of the Lyceum programs is the opportunity it gives the Department to build relationships with prospective employers and other leaders in the accounting profession. This enhances the reputation of the UT accounting programs and adds to the employment opportunities for UT accounting students.