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FAQs: Overview of Graduate Degrees

Q:

Which of the three master's degrees offered by the Department of Accounting is right for me?

A:

The Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in an area other than accounting (e.g., individuals with a degree in engineering, liberal arts, science, or a non-accounting business area). This degree is designed to prepare you for entry into the accounting profession and, with a few additional courses will prepare you for the CPA examination.

The Master of Science in Accounting and the Master of Science in Taxation are designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in accounting and want to further their knowledge in accounting or taxation and complete their preparation for the CPA examination.

The College of Business also offers a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in accounting for individuals who want a generalized business education with additional study in the accounting area.

For more details consult the Programs section of this website.

Q:

What are the general degree requirements for a master's degree in accounting?

A:

Each degree consists of two components: advanced coursework and background coursework. The advanced work consists of the actual requirements for the graduate degree (12 courses for the MSA and MST degrees; 14 courses for the MPA degree). The background coursework represents the courses considered prerequisite to the advanced work. These courses are waived if the student has taken equivalent courses within the past ten years and earned a grade of 'C' or better in each course. There are 17 background courses for the MSA and MST degrees and 11 background courses for the MPA degree.

Most individuals with an undergraduate accounting degree will meet the background coursework requirements for the MS-Accounting and MS-Taxation degrees. MPA students with business undergraduate degrees typically meet all the MPA degree background requirements (but this depends on the content of your undergraduate business degree). MPA students with a non-business background (e.g., engineering, liberal arts, science) usually have some background deficiencies that must be satisfied before proceeding to advanced work. For details consult the Graduate Accounting Advisor.

Q:

How long will it take to complete my degree?

A:

UTA offers graduate accounting courses year round (fall, spring, summer). If you meet all the background course requirements at the time you are admitted you can complete the MS-Accounting or MS-Taxation degree in approximately four semesters (assuming you take three courses each semester). MPA students who meet all the background course requirements at the time of admission can complete their degrees in four semesters (assuming you take 3 courses for three semesters and 4 courses for one semester).

Q:

Can I transfer in graduate courses taken elsewhere to meet UTA degree requirements?

A:

Under certain circumstances you may transfer in up to 9 semester hours of graduate coursework completed at a college of business accredited by AACSB International. For more details you should consult with the Graduate Accounting Advisor.