As the popular saying goes that “everything is bigger in Texas,” it is no surprise that there are numerous large universities that are offering accredited accounting graduate programs in Texas with a wide variety of specialty areas.
Situated in the south-central region of the nation as the second most populous and second largest state in the United States, Texas is well-known for having a big diversified economy with leading industries in agriculture, electronics, energy, aerospace engineering, petroleum, and biomedical sciences.
If you are seeking to take advantage of the current economic boom in the “Lone Star State” and find unparalleled job opportunities at the 57 Fortune 500 companies within its borders, the following are the first half of accredited graduate schools that offer accounting degrees approved by the AACSB International within Texas.
Baylor University
Hankamer School of Business
First established in 1845 by the Republic of Texas as the state’s first institution of higher learning, Baylor University is a private research institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas on a vast 1,000-acre urban campus in Waco within just 100 miles from Dallas. As the world’s largest Baptist university with over 12,500 students, Baylor is ranked as the 75th best college in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. The Hankamer School of Business is also specially recognized for being the 65th top business school in the U.S.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Built upon an undergraduate accounting education to provide a vehicle for satisfying the 150-hour requirement to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination in most states, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is focused on providing students with the technical background and complementary professional skills needed for careers in public accounting. Within the required 18 hours of graduate accounting coursework and 15 hours of graduate business electives, students are required to select a concentration in Accounting Information Systems, Auditing, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, or Taxation for obtaining success in specialized fields of professional accountancy.
Master of Taxation (MTax)
With the goal of adding to the undergraduate accounting educational experience by developing a technical taxation knowledge base as well as enhanced communication and problem-solving skills that are essential for tax consulting careers in public or private industries, the Master of Taxation (MTax) program requires the completion of at least 18 hours of graduate taxation coursework and 15 hours of graduate business/accounting electives. Furthermore, the MTax degree is also offered as a 162-credit five-year program when combined with the BBA in accounting to waive certain elective credits and accelerate the pathway towards graduation.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
One Bear Place
Mail Stop #98001
Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-3411
terry_maness@baylor.edu
Program Website
Texas A&M University
Mays Business School
Standing proudly as an academic and athletic powerhouse with the legacy of being the first comprehensive public institution in the state back in 1876, Texas A&M University is located on an immense 5,200-acre urban campus in College Station in the heart of central Texas. Home to over 40,000 students, TAMU is named the 69th best college, 25th top public school, 18th best value university, and 5th best college for veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Among its top-ranked grad schools, the Mays Business School is nationally distinguished for being the 37th best business school in the entire United States.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting
Focused on technical accounting knowledge as well, as the successful development of communication, teamwork, analytical, and leadership skills, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting program is primarily designed to provide a unique advanced business education for those with an undergraduate degree in accounting. Depending on career interests, the 39-hour non-thesis program offers two concentration tracks in Assurance Services/Information Management or Tax Consulting/Financial Planning. After obtaining a strong foundational knowledge in financial statement analysis, public policy, financial markets, information systems, accounting ethics, business law, taxation, and auditing, graduates will have fulfilled the 150-hour educational requirement for taking the CPA examination.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
4113 Horticulture St.
Mail Stop #4353
College Station, TX 77843
(979) 845-5014
tzimmerman@mays.tamu.edu
Program Website
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
College of Business
Strategically located on a tropical 240-acre palm tree-lined urban campus on Ward Island in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi is the area’s premier public research doctoral-granting institution. With federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Texas A&M Corpus Christi enrolls a diverse community of more than 10,000 students on the cultural border with Latin America. As one of the top business schools in the Gulf of Mexico region, the College of Business aims to provide high-quality programs that advance knowledge in business, further career advancement, and develop more productive citizens for today’s changing global environment.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Intended to provide an opportunity for advanced graduate study in accounting to prepare professional accountants to fulfill high-level leadership positions in accounting firms and other business enterprises, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program satisfies all minimum educational requirements for taking the CPA examination for individuals with an undergraduate accounting major. With the goal of preparing accountants to recognize ethical and governance financial issues as well as resolve them in an ethically responsible manner, the 30-credit program requires coursework in financial management, organizational behavior, marketing, statistical analysis, tax consulting, auditing, assurance services, information systems, and strategic cost management.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5808
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
(361) 825-2655
sharon.polansky@tamucc.edu
Program Website
Texas Christian University
Neeley School of Business
Situated on a 277-acre suburban campus in the vibrant business hub of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a leading comprehensive private Christian research institution of more than 8,500 students. As the world’s largest religious university affiliated with the Disciples of Christ Christian Church, TCU is ranked as the 82nd best college in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. With full accreditation through the respected AACSB International, the Neeley School of Business is also nationally recognized for being the 76th top business school.
Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) / Master of Accounting (MAcc)
In order to provide the academic knowledge and professional experiences needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving financial environment, the Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) is designed to provide a seamless pathway for students to successfully complete a BBA and Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree within five years. Not only will the 150-credit program fulfill the academic requirements needed to take the CPA examination in Texas, but it will also give students the chance to refine critical thinking skills, take part in professional development experiences outside the classroom, gain superior accounting knowledge, and participate in enrichment opportunities to become creative team leaders.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
2800 South University Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76219
(817) 257-7223
PPAccounting@tcu.edu
Program Website
Texas State University
McCoy College of Business Administration
Rapidly emerging as one of the state’s leading comprehensive public institutions for cutting-edge research, Texas State University is located on a scenic 457-acre suburban campus at the headwaters of the San Marcos River in the rolling hills of central Texas at the midway point between Austin and San Antonio. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Texas State is ranked as the 51st best college and 13th top public school in the West. As one of the graduate schools to receive accreditation from the AACSB International, the McCoy College of Business Administration is also recognized for having the nation’s 146th best business master’s programs.
Master of Accountancy (MAcy)
In order to qualify graduates for meeting the current 150-hour requirement needed to sit for the uniform CPA examination in Texas and beyond, the Master of Accountancy (MAcy) program is designed to provide a broad education in business fundamentals, research methodology, accounting practices, and accounting theories to graduate students. With a unique emphasis on the ethical implications of auditing, accounting, and financial reporting, the program consists of 30 semester hours to enable students to explore the social as well as environment effects of accounting information on decision-making. Students may also be able to receive credit for participating in a minimum of 320 hours of accounting internship to obtain valuable hands-on experience to supplement classroom learning.
Master of Science in Accounting and Information Technology (MsAIT)
With the primary objective of preparing graduate students for successful professional careers in the management of accounting information systems and/or consulting, the Master of Science in Accounting and Information Technology (MsAIT) program is focused on building the increasing technological competencies that are placed on accountants in modern organizations. After completion of the 35-credit non-thesis program, graduates are well-prepared to pursue the roles of auditor, IT auditor, information security specialist, and information systems consultant with a thorough understanding in advanced information technology related to the accounting function.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
McCoy Building Room 431
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 7866
(512) 245-2566
accounting@txstate.edu
Program Website
Texas Tech University
Rawls College of Business
Located on a vast 1,839-acre urban campus in the lively college town of Lubbock within the major business center for western Texas and eastern New Mexico, Texas Tech University is a large comprehensive public research institution with more than 33,000 students. Consistently recognized as one of the “Best in the West” by the prestigious Princeton Review, Texas Tech is ranked as the 161st best college and 88th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the Rawls College of Business is named the 87th best business school in the entire United States for earning an accounting degree.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Available for highly motivated and academically successful graduate students who are seeking advanced specialized knowledge in the field of accounting, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program enables students to choose a concentration area in Auditing/Financial Reporting or Taxation. Since the program fulfills the 150-hour requirement for taking the CPA examination, the curriculum may take one or two years depending on students’ previous coursework in business and accounting. The program is highly focused on preparing students for public practice by spending two months working in a supervised internship with a CPA firm, industry, or governmental unit within the Dallas and Houston markets.
Ph.D. in Accounting
As a highly research-oriented full-time program that generally takes four years to complete after a master’s degree, the Ph.D. in Accounting is infused with all of the latest ideas and methodologies to prepare qualified doctoral students for serving as educators and/or researchers in accounting academia. With research in all areas of accounting, financial management, auditing, assurance services, cost/managerial accounting, information systems, and taxation, the doctoral program consists of advance coursework, research seminars, written comprehensive examinations, and original dissertation research with a faculty mentor.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
2500 Broadway St.
P.O. Box 42101
Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-3188
randi.rivers@ttu.edu
Program Website
University of Houston
C.T. Bauer College of Business
Serving more than 40,700 students on a diverse 594-acre urban campus in the nation’s fourth largest city, the University of Houston is a leading tier-one public research institution. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UH is ranked as the 180th best college and 108th top public school in the entire nation. Consistently recognized as one of the best accounting schools for awarding degrees to minority students by Diverse Issues in Higher Education, the C.T. Bauer College of Business is also nationally acclaimed for being the 92nd best business school with the 61st best part-time graduate business programs.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSAccy)
For students entering with a four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline from an accredited institution, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSAccy) program provides a broad-based business education that equips students with the necessary technical knowledge, critical thinking abilities, global awareness, communication skills, analytical problem-solving perspectives, and financial risk assessment techniques expected by employers. While the program may require up to 75 semester hours depending on previous business education, those with a BBA in accounting from an AACSB-accredited institution can finish within just three semesters for a total of 36 semester hours.
Ph.D. Program in Accounting
Designed to put graduates ahead of the pack and provide a competitive edge worldwide, the Ph.D. Program in Accounting is focused on equipping qualified doctoral students with the capacity to produce publishable accounting research as well as the sufficient knowledge and presentation skills needed to competently teach a full semester course at the university level. Within the research-oriented program aims to training scholars to contribute to academia, students are required to complete a minimum of 68 credit hours beyond master’s programs, including advanced accounting coursework, written examinations, and dissertation research.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
4800 Calhoun Rd.
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 743-2255
kjnewberry@uh.edu
Program Website
University of Houston – Clear Lake
School of Business
Strategically positioned on a serene 524-acre suburban campus in the thriving town of Pearland in the greater Houston market with some of the most well-known energy companies and the largest medical center in the world, the University of Houston – Clear Lake is an innovative upper-level comprehensive public research institution of around 8,100 students. As one of the accredited graduate schools through the prestigious AACSB International, the School of Business is nationally acclaimed for offering the 91st best online graduate business degree programs in the entire United States.
Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) in Professional Accounting
With the goal of helping undergraduate students gain the necessary skills to take advantage of increased job prospects and meet the changing business demands of the accounting industry, the Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) in Professional Accounting program enables a seamless pathway towards earning both degrees concurrently. Once students fulfill at least 42 semester credits at a community college, they are eligible for entering the program with junior-level standing. For completion of the dual degree program, students must successfully complete 36 hours in business core, 18 hours in undergraduate accounting courses, and 36 hours in professional accounting to receive both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) in Professional Accounting with Track in Management Information Systems
Designed to combine information technology practices with broad-based business and accounting principles to develop better management abilities needed for leading a thriving organization in today’s complex digital marketplace, the Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) in Professional Accounting program also offers a track in Management Information Systems. Within the upper-level degree program that is available specifically to transfer students with junior-level standing, students are required to complete coursework in cost accounting, statistics, business finance, financial information systems, management theory, organizational behavior, federal taxation, auditing, business ethics, and advanced accounting.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
As a one-year master’s degree program that is designed to meet the professional accountancy career development needs of individuals with strong business backgrounds, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program provides all of the academic competencies required for graduates who are interested in taking the uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Within the 36-hour minimum graduate program, students may decide to choose an Information Systems sub-plan to specialize their studies. Regardless, all master’s students must complete advanced coursework in business ethics, individual income tax, corporate taxation, accounting information systems, fraud examination, audit risk assessment, management science, and strategic financial management.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
Bayou Building Room 3237
2700 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 283-3104
busadvoff@uhcl.edu
Program Website
University of North Texas
College of Business
As a major comprehensive public research institution that has been a catalyst for transformation in one of the largest and most dynamic regions of the nation, the University of North Texas is situated on a 875-acre urban campus in the city of Denton within minutes from the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Home to more than 36,000 students as the country’s 25th largest public university, UNT has been named as a “Best in the West” college by the prestigious Princeton Review for over a decade. The College of Business is also highly regarded for having the 17th best online graduate business degree programs in the entire United States by the U.S. News and World Report survey.
Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) in Accounting
As a five-year dual degree program that requires the completion of at least 154 credit hours in both undergraduate and graduate accounting coursework, the Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) in Accounting program is designed to provide a broad-based general business education with a specialized base of knowledge for entry into the accounting profession. Whether students are interested in becoming a public accountant, internal auditor, or management accountant, the dual program enables them to be awarded the bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting simultaneously for an accelerated pathway towards success.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) – Audit Concentration
Ideal for qualified graduate students who wish to serve as bank examiners, budget accountants, budgetary control analysts, controllers, cost accountants, external auditors, internal auditors, inventory control specialists, public accountants, and underwriters, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program offers an Audit Concentration. Designed to provide a proper foundational base of knowledge and skills for entry into the accounting profession, the 36-hour degree program is consist with recommendations from professional accountants and accounting educators to produce well-prepared professionals for the public and/or private sectors.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) – Management and Entrepreneurial
With the goal of providing an appropriate knowledge base for obtaining entry-level roles within the thriving accounting industry within either the public or private sectors, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program also offers a Management and Entrepreneurial Concentration. In the 36-hour program, students will engage in coursework on accounting research, information systems, accounting law, professional ethics, business analysis, valuation, corporate governance, and managerial accounting. Upon completion, graduate are well-prepared for fulfilling the accounting roles of actuary, budget accountant, chief financial officer, controller, financial analyst, or management accountant.
Master of Science in Taxation (MTax)
Consisting of 36 semester hours covering general and specialized tax topics, the Master of Science in Taxation (MTax) program is highly focused on providing the knowledge and skills that students will need to successfully pursue a career as a tax specialist in public accounting, industry, or government. With all courses being taught by tax practitioners and lawyers who have obtained expertise in the field, the program provides a comprehensive and applicable tax education for achieving success in today’s rapidly changing global environment. After graduation, students may choose to enter the role of tax accountant, tax compliance specialist, tax lawyer, tax specialist, tax supervisor/auditor, or tax preparer depending on career goals.
Ph.D. in Accounting
Designed to prepare qualified graduate students of outstanding accounting abilities for careers in research and education at the university level, the Ph.D. in Accounting program is highly focused on developing expert technical and research competence specifically in the specialized accounting area of business. Following a demanding rigorous four-year curriculum in preparation for assuming scholarly academic positions, students must pass a qualifying examination for admission to candidacy, submit a dissertation proposal, conduct original dissertation research with a faculty advisor, and defend the dissertation in front of a committee for completion of the degree requirements.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
1307 West Highland St.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 565-3080
christine.ellis@unt.edu
Program Website
Not only will pursuing a master’s degree in accounting help you satisfy the 150-hour requirement for taking the CPA examination in Texas, but it will also provide you with a higher salary potential, more opportunities for career advancement, stronger job security in an unsettling economy, and increased specialized career options. Therefore, check out these top-notch accredited accounting graduate programs in Texas to start building a successful accounting career in the booming metropolitan areas of the “Lone Star State.”
See also: Graduate Schools Accredited in Accounting in Texas – Part 2