Accounting Major

The major is designed to provide entry-level knowledge, skills and concepts for careers in accounting. These careers are generally divided into four broad areas, corresponding to particular employment environments: management accounting, government accounting, accounting education, and public accounting. The career can include such activities as auditing, budgeting, data processing, controlling costs, providing tax advice, meeting tax requirements, and designing and analyzing financial systems.

Practicing accountants generally acquire one or more certifications available to members of the profession. The most common certification is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), conferred by the State Board of Public Accountancy of the state in which the individual maintains his or her license. Other certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and others.

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy has set the minimum educational requirements for taking the CPA examination at 150 semester hours. Students aspiring to an accounting career should give serious consideration to pursuing advanced studies at the graduate level to enhance their potential for a successful accounting career. Accounting students should be aware that requirements to sit for the CPA examination in Texas may change at any time. CPA requirements are determined by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). Students should visit the TSBPA website frequently and check with their advisor on a regular basis to ensure that the courses they are taking will qualify them to sit for the CPA exam.

Students who have not yet received an undergraduate degree should inquire about the Professional Program in Accounting (PPA), a five-year integrated curriculum of undergraduate and graduate coursework designed to prepare students to qualify for the professional certifications and resulting in the awarding of both the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree and the Master of Accountancy (MAcc). For more information about the Professional Program in Accounting click here.

Business Core Requirements
Degree Requirements
Why Major in Accounting?