Shape the Future of Local Business
You picture your future clearly. You see yourself using your knack for problem-solving and interest in business to drive the East Texas economy forward. Rooted in data, technology and research, the Master of Science in professional accountancy program at The University of Texas at Tyler’s Soules College of Business helps you look ahead. Continue preparation beyond the bachelor’s level to qualify for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination at one of the state’s leading institutions in terms of CPA pass rates.
You have two paths forward. Apply after completing your bachelor’s, or fast-track your success in the Soules College of Business’s BBA in accounting to master’s in professional accountancy integrated degree program.
The MS in professional accountancy is a STEM program: international students who complete all requirements are eligible for up to three years of Optional Practical Training (U.S. employment), instead of only one year.
Why Earn a Master’s in Professional Accountancy From UT Tyler?
You might have completed a Bachelor of Business Administration, spent some time in the workforce and are now looking toward the next stage. Or, after earning a bachelor’s degree in another field, your career has evolved into a more finance-heavy role, and you’re seeking a credential to expand your skills. As a third possibility, you know exactly what you want: an accounting degree that equips you to take the CPA exam.
However you describe your aspirations, The University of Texas at Tyler will get you where you want to be:
- High CPA Exam Pass Rates: Our graduates consistently exceed national and state average pass rates.
- Affordable: We invest in your success and what you bring to the business community of East Texas. Accounting Degree Review named our program among the Top 10 Most Affordable nationwide. UniversityHQ also listed UT Tyler among the Top 100 Most Affordable Accounting Colleges in 2022.
- Comprehensive, Hands-on STEM Preparation: Courses fulfill all hours and requirements to sit for the CPA exam and explore the intersection between accounting, digital forensics, cybersecurity and data analytics. Beyond the classroom, the Soules College of Business is home to the financial analytics lab, a state-of-the-art training environment with real-time global data for learning or advancing your skills in accounting software programs, big data analytics and visualization techniques. Students become familiar with Capital IQ, Eikon, IDEA Data Analytics Software, QuickBooks and other accounting software programs and databases.
- Mentorship: We rise as one. In the master’s in professional accountancy program, this means forging connections in classes with no more than 25 students, where you’ll be taught by world-renowned accounting scholars. Through this dynamic environment, your instructors encourage your aspirations, and you’ll have the chance to grow your professional network.
What You’ll Learn
The Master of Science in professional accountancy is a 30-credit-hour program most students complete in a year. Those on the integrated FLEX track begin graduate-level coursework during their fourth undergraduate year to earn two credentials in five years.
The program is split between 18 credit hours of required accounting courses and 12 credit hours of required STEM courses covering related data analytics, business intelligence, digital forensics and cybersecurity topics.
Building off your bachelor’s degree, this research-emphasizing sequence introduces you to transactions of taxable and tax-exempt entities, cost accounting and management and advanced auditing, business, legal and information system topics. Students also receive preparation to take the CPA exam.
Students grow their confidence in:
- Data preparation, cleaning, modeling, visualization and other data analytics techniques used in finance and auditing.
- Creating data, pivot tables and charts.
- Using a range of Excel formulas for analyzing and drawing insights from financial data.
- Answering complex accounting questions through research using the Financial Accounting Standards Board Codification, the Governmental Accounting Research System and tax research online databases.
- Preparing journal entries and financial statements for consolidated and international business organizations.
- Examining the relationship between product and service costs, quality, effectiveness and efficiency.
Those starting the program without a bachelor’s in accounting or similar knowledge base may be required to complete prerequisite coursework before beginning the required course sequence.
Review All Master's in Professional Accountancy Requirements
Review All FLEX Program Requirements
Visit the Department of Accounting, Finance & Business Law
Careers in Accounting
Look toward a career in public, corporate, nonprofit or government accounting, where your data and visualizations will shape strategic decisions and outline the path forward.
To get you here, UT Tyler’s program plus your bachelor’s degree and/or any prerequisite courses fulfill all Texas State Board of Public Accounting (TSBPA) requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination. Understand how your degree and previous coursework help you meet these requirements.
As you think about your future, a master’s in professional accountancy gives you an edge in a field crossing multiple industries and roles predicted to see 4% growth through 2032. Enter the profession with a respected credential, or show you’re ready to take on additional responsibilities.
