Learn more about Texas McCombs’ Master in Professional Accounting, including the program formats, career outcomes, benefits of the program, and more.

About the MPA Program

Why choose a Master in Professional Accounting?

An MPA is a one-year, specialized master’s degree designed to help you build real-world expertise and step into more advanced roles sooner.

While a bachelor’s degree can lead to entry-level roles, the MPA gives you a clear edge – not just today, but as you move up the ranks in your career. With advanced technical expertise, stronger analytical and communication skills, and access to top employers, graduates are better prepared for complex business challenges and positioned for faster career growth and leadership opportunities.

In short, it’s not just about getting your first job — it’s about expanding your long-term career options and earning potential.

Do I need a master’s degree to succeed in accounting?

Not necessarily, but a Master in Professional Accounting can make a meaningful difference in your career outcomes. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree because they bring deeper technical knowledge and are more prepared to contribute from day one. An MPA from McCombs gives you access to over 400 recruiting companies, helps your resume stand out during the recruiting process, and can help you move ahead faster compared with candidates who have only an undergraduate degree.

What skills will I gain in the accounting master’s program?

Students develop advanced capabilities in financial reporting, auditing, tax, and data analytics, along with experience using tools such as Tableau and Power BI. The curriculum also emphasizes professional judgment, communication, ethics, and emerging areas such as AI in accounting. Students can also choose from nine specialization paths, including: Business Advisory/Management Consulting, Corporate Accounting/Financial Analyst, External Auditing/Assurance, Forensic Accounting, Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting, Internal Auditing, Investment Banking, Tax Consulting, and Wealth Management/Investment and Tax Consulting.

Is the MPA STEM-designated?

Yes, the MPA is STEM-designated, reflecting its emphasis on analytics, data, and technology in modern accounting. This designation may allow eligible international students to apply for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.

Why choose Texas McCombs for your master’s in accounting?

Texas McCombs combines top-ranked academics with direct access to industry. Students learn from faculty with real-world experience, receive individualized career support, and join a collaborative cohort environment.

With connections to more than 400 employers and a location in Austin — a major hub for tech, finance, and consulting – the program is designed not just to educate, but also to launch and accelerate your career.

MPA Career Outcomes

What careers can you pursue with an MPA?

MPA graduates pursue roles in consulting, corporate finance, and public accounting (including audit, tax, advisory, and financial analysis areas). They work in non-profits, regulatory environments and large corporations. Many go on to leadership positions such as controller and chief financial officer (CFO).

What are career outcomes and salary expectations?

The MPA delivers strong career outcomes:

• 97% of students receive job offers before graduation.
• Median starting salary is approximately $80,000, with variation by industry and role.
• Graduates are hired by top employers across accounting, consulting, financial services, and corporate sectors.

How does MPA help with career advancement?

The MPA jump-starts your trajectory by combining specialized expertise, structured recruiting access, and professional and technical skill development. Students benefit from connections to leading firms and corporations and acquire communication and leadership skills needed to move quickly into higher-responsibility roles

Does the MPA help with CPA licensure?

Yes — while the MPA is first and foremost a career accelerator, it also provides a more direct and structured path toward CPA licensure.

According to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy,there are currently two primary pathways to becoming a CPA in Texas:

1. Pathway A: A bachelor’s or graduate degree, 150 semester hours of college credit, and one year of work experience.

2. Pathway B (starting in 2026): A bachelor’s degree, 120 semester hours of college credit, and two years of work experience.

The MPA fulfills the educational requirements for Pathway A by helping students reach the 150-hour requirement while gaining advanced, technical accounting expertise as well as the time and knowledge necessary to prepare for the CPA exam.

Students also benefit from:

• Coursework aligned to CPA exam (and other professional designation) content
• Strong recruiting pipelines that help secure required work experience
• Time and support to prepare for and often complete CPA exams before or soon after starting full-time roles

Even with the newer pathway option, many students choose the MPA because it offers a more efficient, supported, and career-aligned route — combining education, exam readiness, and employer connections in a single program.

MPA Program Formats

Which MPA program format is right for me?

Choose the program that fits where you are in your academic journey:

• If you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree before starting the MPA program,the traditional MPA (tMPA) is a full-time, one-year program designed for both UT and non-UT students from any academic discipline.
• If you’re a current accounting undergraduate student at UT Austin,the integrated MPA (iMPA) lets you earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a streamlined 4+1 format.
• If you’re currently pursuing a non-accounting undergraduate degree at UT Austin, the MPA Bridge Program gives you a head start on your MPA graduate courses in your senior year and provides the foundation you need to transition into the MPA and succeed

Regardless of your starting point, all three pathways lead to the same MPA degree — giving you the skills, experience, and network to build a high-growth career in accounting and finance.

How long does it take to complete the MPA?

Most students complete the program in one year. Integrated MPA and MPA Bridge students integrate some graduate coursework into their undergraduate timeline, while traditional MPA students complete the program as a focused, full-time experience.