MPA
Meet the MPA Student Ambassadors
Ambassadors are current students who can answer questions about life at Texas McCombs, job searches, and life in the program. Student ambassadors don't address admissions questions but can share their experiences in the program. Contact an ambassador today!
Traditional MPA
Meet Craig
- Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Undergraduate Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Undergraduate Major: Finance
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “Finishing my finance degree, I realized the accounting coursework held my attention in a way the market work never did. McCombs stood out because its accounting faculty are studying how AI actually changes the profession, not just reacting to it, which tells me the curriculum will stay ahead of the tools I’ll be expected to use on day one. Combine that with the placement record and alumni reach, and the decision was easy.”
Meet Daniel
- Hometown: Dallas, Texas
- Undergraduate Institution: Dallas Baptist University
- Undergraduate Major: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program because of its reputation as one of the nation’s most prestigious accounting programs. I wanted to finish my academic career among the best, and the program’s rigorous curriculum and genuine investment in student development fulfilled that desire. The opportunity to pursue my professional goals within UT Austin’s vibrant campus culture and the growing city of Austin made McCombs the ideal choice for me.”
Meet Danielle
- Hometown: Dallas, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting, Finance, and International Business
- Career Interests: Accounting – Advisory
- “Growing up in Dallas, I often heard about UT Austin and the transformative opportunities it offered, so after graduating from Indiana University, I knew I wanted to further my education and attend its graduate school. I was specifically drawn to UT Austin’s MPA program because it brings students together from different undergraduate institutions and academic disciplines, including both at UT McCombs, and students from outside the business field. The opportunity to meet peers from diverse backgrounds, tailor my coursework to my interests, and join a supportive community that made me feel welcomed before I arrived in Austin made UT Austin stand out as the place I wanted to continue my education.”
Meet Erika
- Hometown: Saginaw, MI
- Undergraduate Institution: Grand Valley State University
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting, Finance
- Career Interests: External Auditing/Assurance
- “I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program because of its flexible curriculum and vast selection of electives. Being able to tailor my coursework toward my future career path, while being challenged to approach accounting from different perspectives was especially appealing to me.”
Meet Hank
- Hometown: Knoxville, TN
- Undergraduate Institution: Emory University
- Undergraduate Major: Business & Data Science
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program because of its strong academic reputation and the opportunities available through its extensive recruiting resources. I was also drawn to the community UT and Austin offer, and I felt McCombs provided the ideal environment to prepare me for a successful career in accounting.”
Meet Kasey
- Hometown: Forney, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: Texas Tech University
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting & Finance, Minor in Legal Studies
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “The MPA program at UT had everything I was looking for: a world-renowned education, exceptional faculty, and a community of driven peers. The school spirit was a huge plus, as it cultivates a strong sense of belonging!”
Meet Kavya
- Hometown: India
- Undergraduate Institution: St Joseph’s College of Commerce
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting and Data Analytics
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “I chose Texas McCombs because I wanted to build on my undergraduate foundation in accounting through a rigorous program with strong connections to the accounting profession. The MPA’s combination of technical coursework, professional opportunities, and access to the Texas business community made it the right environment for me to grow both academically and professionally.”
Meet Maiken
- Hometown: Morristown, New Jersey
- Undergraduate Institution: The College of William & Mary
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting & Finance
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “I chose the Texas MPA program because its flexible curriculum allows me to pair accounting courses with MBA electives, helping me broaden my skill set and explore new career paths. With accomplished faculty, talented students, and the energy of UT and the city of Austin, the program offers the ideal environment for me to grow academically and personally.
Meet Ray
- Hometown: San Jose, California
- Undergraduate Institution: University of Oregon
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “Having spent my entire life on the West Coast, I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program because I was excited to embrace a new challenge and grow both academically and personally in a new environment. Its outstanding reputation, extensive alumni network, and strong sense of community made McCombs the ideal place to push myself, build meaningful connections, and take the next step in my personal and professional journey.”
Meet Peder
- Hometown: Delano, Minnesota
- Undergraduate Institution: Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting Information Systems
- Career Interests: Government or Nonprofit
- “After studying accounting as an undergraduate, pursuing a master’s degree felt like a natural next step in continuing to build on the knowledge and skills I had developed. While I originally viewed the MPA as an important step toward meeting the educational requirements for CPA licensure, I came to see the program as much more than that. Even as those requirements change, I believe the MPA provides a valuable opportunity to deepen my accounting knowledge, expand my skill set, and challenge myself personally and professionally as I prepare for the next stage of my career.”
Meet Rowan
- Hometown: Farmington, Utah
- Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University–Hawaii
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Government or Nonprofit
- “I chose the McCombs MPA program because I know it provides a welcoming campus, great professors, and excellent opportunities as I begin my career. I wanted a place with all three of those things, and I knew that this was the right place for me!”
Meet Sarah
- Hometown: Cedar Park, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: Samford University
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “I chose to study accounting for my master’s degree because I want to continue building a strong technical foundation that I can rely upon throughout my professional career. Accounting is a nuanced and constantly evolving field, and I value the opportunity to continue learning so I can confidently navigate its complexities.”
Meet Sydney
- Hometown: Plano, Texas
- Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Radio, Television, and Film
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “The MPA program at UT is one of, if not the best in the country. Also, as a former Moody College student, I have heard that McCombs’ career services and alumni network are absolutely amazing. I knew that this program would both prepare me and aid me in being able to start my path to the career I want!”
Meet Yvonne
- Hometown: Taiwan
- Undergraduate Institution: National Cheng Kung University
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “After finishing my undergraduate, I realized there was a lot more in the accounting field for me to discover. Through my courses and internship experience, I became interested in how accounting can connect with areas like data analytics and technology. I wanted to keep learning and explore these interests further through a master’s degree.”
MPA Bridge
Meet Chase
- Hometown: Dallas, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Economics
- Career Interests: Accounting – Advisory
- “I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program for its rigorous, broad-based curriculum, world-class faculty, and elite reputation, as well as its strong integration with my economics degree.”
Meet Sophia
- Hometown: Austin, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: English
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “I had very little accounting experience before the MPA program, so I knew that McCombs would be the best place for me to build a strong foundation and develop a well-rounded view of accounting altogether.”
Integrated MPA
Meet Alejandra
- Hometown: McAllan, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Advisory
- “People recognize UT for its amazing football scene, capital city location, and difficult admission process. I recognized it as the top accounting program in the nation. I proudly say that I love school and getting good grades, and when doing my college search in high school that was all that mattered. I only desired to attend the McCombs School of Business at UT, in hopes of a smoother admission process into their MPA program. I wanted to be surrounded by people as nerdy for accounting as me and learn directly from experienced professionals. It was not a hard choice for me to be a part of the program, it was my goal.”
Meet Ben
- Hometown: San Antonio, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting & Government
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “There is no greater opportunity than learning from the best, alongside the best.”
Meet Charlotte
- Hometown: Houston, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “The Texas MPA program provides an experience that truly cannot be replicated. It brings together driven students and outstanding faculty who create a dynamic learning environment where every class feels like “game time.” I find myself excited to walk into the classroom each day. There is no greater opportunity than learning from the best, alongside the best.”
Meet Cole
- Hometown: San Diego, CA
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit
- “As the leading accounting program in the US, this institution represents the highest standard of excellence. My journey toward success has been shaped by a deep commitment to learning, growth, and the privilege of challenging myself alongside exceptional peers.”
Meet Ian
- Hometown: Houston, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “The plethora of opportunities in terms of academia, career prospection, and ability to grow is desirable, which ultimately led me here.”
Meet Jazmine
- Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit
- “I chose Texas McCombs MPA because it offered a unique opportunity and set me up for long-term success. The program’s support has been pivotal in my professional development.”
Meet Jocelyn
- Hometown: Cedar Park, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting & Canfield Business Honors
- Career Interests: Accounting – Advisory
- “I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program because of its unmatched curriculum, professors, and career opportunities. The program provides both the resources and flexibility to explore a wide range of industries while building strong connections within the MPA community.”
Meet Kathryn
- Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “I chose the Texas MPA program because it is the best launchpad for a successful career in business. Studying accounting has given me deeper insight into how businesses operate, and the Texas MPA community continues to challenge and support me in ways that will shape both my present and future.”
Meet Kayla
- Hometown: Plano, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Advisory
- “I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program for its unparalleled combination of rigorous academics and supportive community. The opportunity to learn from world-class faculty while engaging in enriching experiences outside the classroom made it a clear choice for me.”
Meet Lauren
- Hometown: Austin, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting & Plan II Honors
- Career Interests: Finance – Investment Banking
- “The smaller class sizes and close-knit group of professors showed me how much care the program has for its students, and that care sold the program to me.”
Meet Shreya
- Hometown: Round Rock, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Internal Audit
- “As a BBA student I felt a bit lost and didn’t know which career path I wanted. I chose MPA because of all the opportunities it presents, including specialized career and academic advising.”
Meet Tabor
- Hometown: Austin, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit (Assurance)
- “I chose the Texas McCombs iMPA program because I knew that I was very interested in accounting and had heard a lot about this program. After looking into it more, seeing the prestige and the resources that it provided made it a no brainer.”
Meet Tanya
- Hometown: Dallas, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “I chose Texas McCombs MPA for its collaborative, close-knit community, unmatched alumni network, and the opportunities it creates to grow alongside driven peers and give back.
Meet Thaily
- Hometown: Dallas, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Taxation
- “I wanted the best experience; learning from world-class professors.”
Meet Vivek
- Hometown: Lewisville, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – External Audit
- “I chose MPA because of its numerous career opportunities and versatility.“
Meet Xitlali
- Hometown: Dallas, TX
- Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Undergraduate Major: Accounting
- Career Interests: Accounting – Internal Audit
- “I chose the Texas McCombs MPA program due to the vast variety of curricula it offers. I am not bound to one thing, and coming in, I wanted to explore the various courses offered.”
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