Boundless Opportunies. Long-Term Success.
Master in
Professional
Accounting
The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business
“The Texas MPA was the best choice, not only for the academic preparation I'm receiving,
but also for the professional opportunities that will be available to me after I graduate. All
my classes, every assignment and every team project adds value to my curriculum vitae.”
Lindbergh Mendoza, MPA ’08 Merida, Mexico
Latin American Joint Academic Program, Financial Reporting and Assurance and Managerial Accounting and Control tracks
“The wide variety of available classes, the excellent faculty, the devoted and dedicated
staff and the diligence and eagerness of the students to excel all contribute to the Texas The Texas MPA
MPA program’s high ranking.” Join a top-ranked program that will challenge and reward you.
Anita Csizmadia, MPA ’08 Oroshaza, Hungary (left)
ECO-MPA student, Member, MPA International Connection
The Master in Professional Accounting Program at The University Outstanding undergraduate students in the economics major at The
of Texas at Austin is one of the top programs in the nation, and University of Texas are eligible to apply for the ECO-MPA path,
“I really enjoy the caliber of MPA students, the smaller classes and the accessibility of the with good reason. Since 1948, the program has reflected an entre- which enables students to complete 12 hours of graduate accounting
professors and the advisors.” preneurial and forward-looking mindset—the Texas tradition of a courses in their senior year toward obtaining an MPA.
Diana Hwu, BBA ’08, MPA ’08 Houston, Texas (right) can-do attitude that began with early settlers and still pervades
Marketing Vice President, Beta Alpha Psi, MPA Student Ambassador today’s high-tech environment. As a result, the Texas MPA program The Texas MPA welcomes motivated students whose records reflect
constantly evolves to keep up with advances in the accounting pro- a balance of academic ability, communication skills and quantitative
fession, accounting education and the business world. skills. The admissions decision for the tradional approach takes into
consideration numerous indicators of future success, including an
Students can take two approaches to the Texas MPA degree. applicant’s GPA, GMAT scores, statement of purpose essay, prior
• he traditional MPA is a 12- to 18-month graduate program for
T academic courses, letters of recommendation, extracurricular and
students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year community activities, honors and achievements, and work history
accredited institution. The traditional MPA approach welcomes (if applicable). Overall ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic diver-
students with undergraduate degrees in any field, from business sity within the MPA program is also key, and entering classes are
to liberal arts, science or engineering. formed with this in mind. For the integrated approach, applicants
are considered based on academic performance and GPA during
• he integrated MPA is a three-year program designed for students
T their freshman and sophomore years at Texas.
in the McCombs School of Business beyond their sophomore year
who are in the process of earning their bachelor’s degree. Upon
completion of the integrated approach to the MPA, students gradu-
ate with the bachelor of business administration (BBA) and master
in professional accounting (MPA) degrees concurrently.
McCombs MPA Program ranked
#1 Graduate Program, Public Accounting Report (11/07)
#1 Accounting (Graduate), U.S. News (4/07)
05
“The strength of the Texas MPA lies in its ability to prepare students for many accounting
Boundless Opportunities careers without focusing on strict specialization in any one area.”
Succeed in a variety of professions or business settings. Oseloka Okagbue, MPA ’08 Kansas City, Missouri
Generalist track, Member, Black Graduate Students Association
As a Texas MPA, you’ll develop a reputation for competence, sound A 2007 survey of graduating Texas MPA students found
judgment and accounting proficiency—characteristics that senior 93% considered the McCombs MPA a good investment
executives recognize, value and reward. Employers say Texas MPAs 97% would recommend the McCombs MPA to a close friend
dive in, possess a strong knowledge base and quickly become a 95% would choose to attend McCombs again
valued asset to their workforce. 96% were satisfied with their MPA experience
Many graduates begin their careers in public accounting and end
up as executive officers in dynamic enterprises ranging from global A sampling of the many firms that eagerly recruit Texas MPA
enterprises to innovative startups. You’ll hit the ground running, graduates:
whether you’re seeking a position in the private or public sector—
professional services, finance, consulting, industry, government, Public accounting firms: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG,
not-for-profits—or aspire to be an entrepreneur. PricewaterhouseCoopers, BDO Seidman, BKD, Grant Thornton,
UHY Advisors
A Texas MPA prepares you for a wide range of careers, including:
Investment banking: Bear Stearns, Citigroup, Credit Suisse,
• Public accounting Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Lehman
• Finance Brothers, Lazard, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, UBS
• Investment banking
• Consulting Consulting: Accenture, Bain and Co., BearingPoint, Boston
• Industry Consulting Group, Hewitt Associates, McKinsey & Co., Protiviti,
• Public service, including government and nonprofit FTI Consulting
• Entrepreneurship
• Academia Industry: BP, Dell, Freescale Semiconductor, General Motors,
Halliburton, IBM, Lyondell Chemical Company, TXU Corp.
Public service: CIA, FBI, U.S. Government Accountability Office,
the U.S. State Department and various nonprofit, state and local
government organizations
“My Texas MPA education clearly gave me a significant head start compared to graduates
of other universities. It provided me the opportunity to stand out, which in turn led to me
being considered for my international assignment.”
Warren Marine, BBA ’89, MPA ’89
Partner, Audit Commercial Clients, KPMG, Munich, Germany
06
Innovative Curriculum
Gain broad-based accounting knowledge and hands-on experience.
The Texas MPA offers a flexible, challenging curriculum that takes
into account your experience, skills and career goals. Through par-
ticipation in case-based graduate level classes, you will expand your
creativity, think on your feet, and have the opportunity to apply what
you learn in the classroom to real-world situations.
Tailor your coursework to specific career goals by choosing one of
four tracks: Financial Reporting and Assurance, Managerial Account-
ing and Control, Taxation or Generalist. In each track, core courses
provide a solid accounting foundation while relevant electives pro-
vide specialized knowledge. Each of the tracks focuses on developing
written and verbal communication skills, which executives in busi-
ness organizations agree are vital to a successful career.
The Financial Reporting and Assurance track focuses on interpreta-
tion, preparation and certification of publicly disclosed financial and
other data. The track provides students with a solid foundation in
financial reporting and in the expanding area of assurance beyond
traditional audits of financial statements. Besides work in assurance
services and auditing, the track is an excellent foundation for other Professor Lillian Mills
professional services, such as forensic accounting, as well as consult-
ing opportunities. Industry is eager to hire for positions in financial ing courses that provide a wide breadth of knowledge, the track
reporting, internal audit, capital budgeting, project analysis and other leads to dynamic careers and leading certifications. The distinct
areas. In addition, financial management and assurance are also criti- tax-accounting blend is an excellent foundation for career mobility
cal functions in government and non-governmental organizations. within and outside of the tax field in all sectors of the economy,
from leading public/professional services firms, to industries of all
The Tax track is designed for students seeking employment in public types, to local, state and federal levels of government, as well as
accounting and private industry, or with governmental and regula- non-governmental organizations.
tory agencies. This track emphasizes the role of taxation in planning
and structuring business transactions. Complemented by account- The Managerial Accounting and Control track focuses on how
accounting and auditing information assists managers in making
informed decisions in planning, evaluating and controlling an entity.
Students in this track also learn how to prepare reports for external
groups such as shareholders, creditors, regulatory agencies and tax
authorities. Graduates of the track are qualified for positions within
professional services firms, such as enterprise risk management,
internal audit services, forensic accounting and litigation support.
In industry, careers may involve work in a variety of different depart-
ments within the organization, such as the controller’s office, internal
audit, treasury and finance, cost accounting, and planning and bud-
geting. Public service offers positions in government entities and
nonprofit organizations.
The Generalist track is for students who wish to design their own area
of specialization. Rather than completing a prescribed set of accounting
classes, you have the flexibility to select your own coursework beyond
the accounting core, including classes that cover the full range of
accounting offerings as well as a maximum number of non-accounting
graduate electives, including finance, information technology, strategy,
“I think the complicated accounting issues that our professors set before us to analyze management and international business, among others.
contribute most to the Texas MPA program’s No. 1 standing.”
Scott Derry, BBA ’08, MPA ’08 Pearland, Texas
Linebacker, Texas Longhorns football, Winner, Men’s Athletics Academic Award ’07, Member, University Accounting Association 09
CPA Exam Success Competition for the internships is intense, with only 13 applicants “The MPA Program is really amazing — it provides the opportunity to do whatever you want
The Texas MPA curriculum lays a solid educational foundation for the selected nationwide each year. A testament to the quality of the in life.”
Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination. If your goal is to Texas MPA, four students have been named to the internship in Lina Dimachkieh, BBA ’06, MPA ’06 Houston, Texas
satisfy the requirements for the CPA exam, MPA academic advisors the past five years. AICPA Sells Award winner, Harvard Law student
will help you plan your coursework so that you will be eligible to
sit for the exam by the time you complete the program. Eligibility A Global Perspective
requirements vary from state to state; your educational background As the business world and the accounting profession take on global
and the state in which you plan to sit for the exam will determine dimensions, experience abroad gives graduates a special edge as
whether or not you will need to fine-tune your MPA coursework to they enter the workforce. The Texas MPA gives you the option to
meet your goals. participate in four international programs: the European Double
Degree Program, the Latin American Joint Academic Program, and
McCombs CPA candidates typically have pass rates much higher than the summer International Accounting Programs in Paris and Hong
the statewide average on any given part of the exam. Our students’ Kong. Through study abroad, you will acquire an intimate knowledge
pass rates also tend to exceed the national averages for each part of of international business practices and a broad understanding of
the exam. In 2007, the average Texas MPA pass rate was 70 percent, foreign cultures—strong selling points with employers.
as compared to a national average of 44 percent. Since 2000, six
Texas MPA students have been among the 54 national recipients of Hands-On Experience
the prestigious American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Round out your Texas MPA education with hands-on experience
Sells Award for the highest cumulative scores on the four sections by interning at major business partners for course credit. A popu-
of the exam on their first attempt. lar internship approach spans half of a spring semester, enabling
additional degree progress through accelerated courses in the other
Prestigious Postgraduate Assistantship Opportunities half of the semester. Summer internships with numerous employers
Each year, the Department of Accounting nominates up to four are also available. Internships emphasize leadership, teamwork and
students for a prestigious one-year Postgraduate Technical Assis- client/management interaction and will give you a practical view
tantship with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and of organizations, practice areas and locations that may be suitable
the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The program career options. In addition, many students find that internships often
is open to all graduating accounting students in the United States. lead to eventual job offers from companies they’ve interned with.
Professor Michael Clement Professor Yanfeng Xue
10
“Studying abroad was a truly fantastic experience, and I would recommend it to any student. It
opens your mind to think outside the box and allows you to see worldly challenges from a differ-
ent perspective.”
Rouzheen Arianpour, BBA ’08, MPA ’08 Tyler, Texas
Member, Beta Alpha Psi, Recruited as staff auditor, Ernst & Young, Chicago, IL
Dynamic Partnerships
Collaborate creatively with classmates, teachers and professionals.
As a Texas MPA student, you will take your place in a diverse yet Academic Advising
close-knit community. You’ll share viewpoints and engage in group The Texas MPA academic advisors will help you plan your course of
assignments with classmates from wide-ranging backgrounds. You’ll study from day one. You will feel assured that you are on the right
connect with faculty members who are world-renowned for their path toward obtaining your degree and that your academic program
teaching and research, yet approachable both in and out of the is aligned with your goals. Your academic advisors will provide one-
classroom. Dedicated academic and career advisors will partner with on-one assistance with
you throughout your coursework and career search. Through the
MPA Distinguished Speaker Series, you’ll interact with prominent • Course selection
professionals in accounting, finance, government, trade and industry. • Registration
These creative partnerships are an integral part of what makes the • Degree planning
Texas MPA an exceptional experience. • CPA exam eligibility
• Graduation requirements and eligibility
Faculty
Texas MPA faculty members are widely known and well respected for Academic events and workshops include
their accomplishments. They have authored textbooks you will use
in the classroom, shaped the rules of financial accounting, testified • Orientation
before Congress, served on national and international standard- • Internship information sessions
setting bodies, and articulated new ideas that have influenced an • Registration workshops
entire generation of business professionals. Their cutting-edge • CPA exam workshops
research is reflected in the innovative curriculum they design. MPA • Graduate admissions workshop (integrated approach)
students consistently praise faculty for their ability to motivate, • Sponsored luncheons
challenge and make learning fun.
William Kinney Lisa Koonce
Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Regents Chair in Business Deloitte & Touche Professor in Accounting
• Recipient of the AICPA Distinguished Achievement in Account- • Member of the University of Texas Academy of Distinguished
ing Education Award Teachers
• Academic Fellow, Securities and Exchange Commission • Recipient of more than 10 University of Texas teaching awards
• Member, International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board • Author of more than 25 research articles published in top schol-
• Past member, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board arly journals
Advisory Council and Financial Accounting Standards Advisory • Leader in American Accounting Association committees and
“Communication with the MPA program staff prior to admission was very professional and Council activities
extremely helpful. The advisors are exceptional, the best I’ve ever encountered.”
Reid Schellhous, MPA ’08 Boston, Massachusetts
Married to Beth with one-year-old daughter Lareine, Financial Reporting and Assurance track 15
“The workshops offered by MPA Career Services provide students with invaluable interview- MPA Distinguished Speaker Series
ing, networking, etiquette and resume writing skills that many other universities do not.” Each fall, leaders in public accounting, industry, standard setting, the Past distinguished speakers have included
Teryl Booth federal government and academia address Texas MPA students as
Campus Sourcing Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers part of the MPA Distinguished Speaker Series. Presentations cover Bill Gradison
hot topics such as international standards, progressive businesses, Acting Chairman
tax reform and policy, and the future of the accounting profession. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
You’ll have the chance to interact face-to-face with the speakers
Career Services through question-and-answer sessions and at receptions that follow David Walker
A Texas MPA will afford you a world of career options. In addition to each presentation. As these professional service leaders, captains Comptroller General of the United States
the Big Four accounting firms, more than 200 entities representing of industry and government decision makers from across the nation U.S. Government Accountability Office
25 different industries, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit and share their firsthand knowledge, you’ll gain real-world insight on
government organizations recruit Texas MPA students for intern- current business trends that takes you far beyond the classroom. Robert P. Hanson
ships and/or full-time positions each year. Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions
Ernst & Young
Prominent national firms from San Francisco to Dallas to New York
aggressively seek Texas MPAs, and graduates also work at leading Katherine Schipper
international companies from London to Shanghai to Mexico City. Professor, Duke University
A vast majority of Texas MPA students accept offers for permanent Former member, Financial Accounting Standards Board
positions before or within a few months of graduating.
Phil Smith
The MPA program’s dedicated career services and advisors are your Managing Partner
partners in attaining your career goals. Through one-on-one advising, KPMG
professional development events and career workshops, you will
have a head start at tackling your job search. MPA career services Gary Kelly, BBA ’77
will help you with Vice Chairman and CEO
Southwest Airlines
• Resume and cover letter writing
• Researching career options and specific organizations Thomas Golden
• Enhancing interview techniques Partner, Midwest Region Investigations and Forensic Services
• Professional networking PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Evaluating offers
Mary Barth
Professional development events include International Accounting Standards Board Member
• Job search strategies Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
• Mock interviews Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Resume critiques
• Etiquette dinners Glenda Chamberlain, BBA ’73
• Career fairs Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Industry, networking and mid-cap careers nights Whole Foods Market, Inc.
• Technical computer training
E
• mployer panels in accounting, financial services and all other Ambassador Gregory W. Engle
market sectors Diplomat in Residence, 2007-2008
• Alumni panels LBJ School of Public Affairs
• Industry Internship Program
Barry Salzberg
CEO, Deloitte & Touche
Ambassador Gregory Engle
16 17
Energetic Culture
Engage in a diverse community of scholars.
The Texas MPA culture promotes collegiality and camaraderie with Alumni
your classmates, who hail from the United States as well as from Texas MPA graduates constitute a large, dedicated and cohesive
countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. alumni network. Many graduates share information and know-how
Their varied viewpoints and experiences add an important facet to that comes with being a seasoned professional by volunteering
your MPA program. The MPA lounge in the McCombs School pro- to be a classroom speaker or part of a panel presentation. Texas
vides the ideal place for you to socialize, study or just relax. Through alumni exemplify the outstanding reputation of our program and are
group projects in classes, participation in student organizations and instrumental in helping MPA students find their career direction.
social events, you’ll forge strong and lasting bonds as you draw from As a Texas MPA graduate, you will be proud to join their ranks as a
your classmates’ diverse backgrounds. friend, associate and colleague.
You can become an active member of the MPA community by joining Business Partners and Advisors
one of the many student organizations, including Since 1958, prominent members of the accounting profession, finance,
government, trade and industry have served on our department Advi-
• Master in Professional Accounting Council sory Council. The group advises faculty on current trends in business,
• University Accounting Association new developments in accounting practice, career opportunities in
• Beta Alpha Psi the field and skills required for professional advancement. With their
• MPA International Connection input, we constantly adapt the MPA curriculum so that you are well
• Student Ambassadors prepared for the challenges of today’s dynamic business world.
• Peer Tutors Program
Besides providing networking, information sessions, peer mentoring
and opportunities to get involved with MPA program events, these
groups are a great way to get to know your classmates through
informal gatherings and intramural activities.
Liz Yant, BBA ’77, MPA ’78
Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Houston
Advisory Council Member,
Accounting Program Texas Star Award winner
“All the students are very intelligent, and we tend to learn as much from each other as we do
from the professors. The many group projects foster a sense of community and friendship.”
Paul Albrecht, BBA ’08, MPA ’08 Sugar Land, Texas
18 Plan II Honors, Recruited as business analyst, McKinsey and Co.
“You need confidence to succeed personally and professionally. Graduating from the top-
ranked Texas MPA program gave me a lot of confidence as I began my career — and now as Living in Austin
I continue developing my career.” Explore the unique culture of the Texas capital.
Claudia Torres Yañez, MPA ’98
Senior Financial Analyst, Global Sales and Marketing, Freescale Semiconductor
Demographers call Austin a “City of Ideas” where a new creative Features
class of business leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and visionaries are • 1,400,000 residents in the Austin metropolitan area
reshaping the urban model for American prosperity. While provid- • 172 city parks
ing the social and economic opportunities of a vibrant metropolis, • 30 miles of urban hike-and-bike trails
Austin remains a city of lakes, hills, live music and cosmopolitan C
• rystal-clear lakes, streams, and rivers for boating, skiing, wind-
culture, defined by its gregarious personality, endless opportunities surfing, swimming and kayaking
for growth and celebrated quality of life. • 11,800 acres of greenbelt
• 300 annual days of sunshine
• Symphony, ballet, and opera
• Art galleries and museums
• 120 live music venues
15
Where Leadership Is Earned™
Dear prospective Texas MPA,
Hard work, personal integrity, and a Texas MPA are a potent com-
bination for professional success. You’ll graduate with the tools
and capabilities you need to succeed in any professional context:
solid analytical skills, a team perspective, effective communication
skills, polish and professionalism, a global perspective and real-
world experience.
The Texas MPA has meaning, value and relevance for any organi-
zation. Not surprisingly, many graduates have risen to the highest
levels of public accounting, industry, finance and public service. As
a Texas MPA, you won’t just stand out—you will excel.
Sincerely,
Steve Limberg
Director
Texas MPA Program
To join in the Texas MPA partnership, contact us
Web site: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa
Mailing Address: Texas MPA
McCombs School of Business
One University Station, B6400
“My Texas MPA not only opened tons of doors thanks to the knowledge and skills I gained, but Austin, TX 78712-0211
the program’s culture of hard work and achievement also strengthened me as a person.” E-mail: MPA@mccombs.utexas.edu
César Guerra de León, MPA ’06 Monterrey, Mexico Phone: 512-471-6559
Enterprise Risk Services Consultant, Deloitte & Touche, New York Office