Master in Professional Accounting Admissions News

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

Category: MPA Bridge (page 2 of 3)

Apply Now to Join the Master in Professional Accounting Program in 2026!

Are you ready to take the next step in your educational and career journey? The McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin is excited to announce that the Fall 2026 Master in Professional Accounting application is now open! Whether you will have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing the one-year traditional MPA (tMPA) program, or you are a current UT undergraduate (non-accounting major) and would like to get an early start via MPA Bridge, Texas McCombs offers a top-quality learning experience that will provide you with a solid background in the language of business and prepare you for a variety of careers.   

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Our admissions committee takes a holistic approach to evaluating MPA applications, taking all of your application materials into account. Your essays, previous academic performance, letters of recommendation, and non-academic achievements all play an important role in your acceptance into the MPA program. Find tips on enhancing your application in this admissions blog!

  1. Online admissions application
  2. Application Fee (traditional MPA applicants)
  3. Academic Transcripts: Traditional MPA applicants: provide copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. MPA Bridge applicants: provide copy of UT academic summary.
  4. Resume: Highlight your accomplishments and skills, such as honors, awards, language or computer skills, extracurriculars, volunteer and leadership experiences, internships, full-time work experience (if applicable), and other experiences outside of the classroom that developed your professional skills.
  5. Two Recommendations: Preferably from faculty if you are currently in school, or if you already graduated with your bachelor’s degree, individuals who can speak to your professional capabilities and leadership potential. 
  6. Two Written Essays and One Video Essay: These essays provide additional insights into your strengths, skillsets, and goals. 
  7. English Proficiency Test (international applicants): Traditional MPA: All international applicants must submit either a TOEFL or IELTS official score report for the MPA application unless exempt (view exemptions for qualifying countries). MPA Bridge: MPA Admissions will review the official TOEFL or IELTS scores on your UT record; you are exempt if you were allowed to waive the test requirement for admission to UT Austin. 
  8. Optional Test Scores (traditional MPA applicants): GMAT and GRE test scores are optional for the Texas McCombs MPA admissions application. Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration. See this blog post for tips on whether you should consider submitting test scores.

 APPLICATION DEADLINES

MPA Bridge (all applicants) and traditional MPA (U.S. applicants) admissions decisions are made on a continuous, rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. Traditional MPA (international applicants) decisions are released in two rounds: after the early and final deadlines. Online applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM Central Time on the final deadline date, and all application steps must be completed by the final completion date. 

TRADITIONAL MPA DEADLINES

Early – U.S. and international applicants

Deadline to submit online application: November 1, 2025

Deadline to complete application: November 8, 2025

Final – International applicants

Deadline to submit online application: January 13, 2026 

Deadline to complete applicati0n: January 20, 2026

Final – U.S. summer starts*:

Deadline to submit online application: March 15, 2026

Deadline to complete application: March 22, 2026

Final – U.S. applicants:

Deadline to submit online application: May 5, 2026

Deadline to complete application: May 12, 2026

*Students who are unable to waive ACC 381 ideally should start in the summer (see tMPA core course waivers), and U.S. applicants are highly encouraged to apply by the summer start final deadline. We cannot guarantee a summer start date for applications received after this deadline. Depending on your academic background, starting in the fall may result in a delayed graduation date.

 

MPA BRIDGE DEADLINE

Final – All applicants:

Deadline to submit online application & all recommendation letters received: May 5, 2026

 


READY TO BEGIN?

Start by attending an upcoming information session to explore our program and admissions process in depth. Then thoroughly review the following resources before applying:

TRADITIONAL MPA 

Traditional MPA website

Traditional MPA admissions packet

MPA BRIDGE 

MPA Bridge admissions website 

MPA Bridge admissions packet

QUESTIONS?

Connect with our admissions team. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Join the MPA Bridge Information Session on August 28

Are you a current UT undergraduate looking to expand your career options? The MPA Bridge program allows you to begin working towards a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree while finishing your non-accounting bachelor’s degree in your senior year.

Join our upcoming virtual info session to discover how the MPA Bridge program can fast-track your path to success. You’ll learn about the admissions process, curriculum, career prospects, and what life is like in the program.

REGISTER: Thursday, August 28, 4-5 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Prepare to Apply to the Texas McCombs MPA Program!

Interested in earning a master’s degree in accounting? Look no further than the top-ranked Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program at The University of Texas at Austin! The fall 2026 traditional MPA application and the summer 2026 MPA Bridge application open on August 27, 2025. It’s never too early to start preparing to apply. Here are suggestions to get you started.

  • Attend an information session for an overview of the MPA program and application process.
  • Review our traditional MPA or MPA Bridge admissions website thoroughly. Deadlines and updated instructions will be published before the application opens.
  • Enroll in courses this summer or fall if you have not completed our pre-enrollment requirements (traditional MPA or MPA Bridge).
  • Traditional MPA applicants: Determine whether you will submit GMAT or GRE scores (optional). If so, take the test early and have your official scores sent to UT Austin.
  • Traditional MPA international applicants: Unless you are exempt from the requirement, take the TOEFL or IELTS early so that we receive your official test scores by the application deadline.
  • Start preparing your written and video essays and touch up your resume (traditional MPA or MPA Bridge). They are important factors in our holistic review of your application.
  • Consider who will write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We require a minimum of two recommendations, ideally from academic references, although professional references are acceptable if you earned your bachelor’s degree and have been working full-time.
  • Stay tuned to this admissions blog for additional application tips, program information and event announcements.

If you have questions along the way, we encourage you to send us an email or schedule an admissions consultation. We’re here to help!

REGISTER: Join the February 13 MPA Bridge Information Session!

Are you a current UT undergraduate looking to expand your career options? This program allows you to begin working towards a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) while finishing your bachelor’s degree in your senior year—regardless of your major.

Join our upcoming virtual info session to discover how the MPA Bridge program can fast-track your path to success. You’ll hear all about the admissions process, curriculum, career prospects, and what life is like in the program.

REGISTER: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 – 5:00 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, MPA Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer.

 

MPA Tailgate Event: Texas vs Florida Football

The recent MPA tailgate was more than just pre-game fun—it was a testament to the camaraderie within the MPA community. One student shares their unique experience as a former University of Florida undergrad cheering for the Texas Longhorns while donning a Florida Gators jersey!

The MPA tailgate was a great bonding experience for students within the MPA program. It was great seeing my friends from different classes come together, wear burnt orange, and get excited for the Longhorns’ SEC matchup against the Gators. Many of us rooted for different teams throughout our undergrad, but this game meant much more to me since I did my undergrad at the University of Florida and was a photographer for the Florida Gators’ athletics program. When I showed up to the tailgate with a Texas Longhorns hat and Florida Gators jersey, my fellow MPA students made sure to get a good laugh, and it made for a lot of fun. This MPA community really thrives off of each other as we are all battle the stresses that come with a prestigious academic program together. I also made sure to fuel up with some catered Chick-fil-A.

As for advice I have for new/prospective students, prioritize and make time for friends and meet fellow students through social outings such as the MPA tailgate. Having friends in all of your classes will make you look forward to your 8 am classes, give you a sense of home away from home, and provide you with lifelong friends down the road. I am looking forward to what the next semester brings and hope we can all get together for a baseball or basketball outing.

-Craig Haas

Learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program

MPA student at football game MPA students enjoying tailgate

MPA students at tailgate

Register: Join Us for Our Virtual MPA Panel Night

Join us for an evening of insight and connection at the MPA Panel Night! This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from Texas McCombs faculty, current students, and alumni. Learn about the program’s academic strengths, explore student experiences, and discover how an MPA can shape your career.

Register: MPA Panel Night

Thursday, November 14, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Zoom Webinar

Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting Degree is Now STEM Certified!

As of this fall, the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree is now STEM certified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) designation acknowledges the MPA program’s heavy emphasis on quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and technological applications. Students in the program receive a traditional accounting education along with an abundance of wide-ranging opportunities to apply technology and data analysis skills in nearly every course.

The certification benefits international students, as graduates with STEM designated degrees can stay in the U.S. to work for three years, instead of just one year, through the Optional Practical Training program.

Read more…

 

REGISTER: Join Us In Person to Learn About Specialized Master’s Options for UT Students

Connect with the Specialized Master’s recruiting and admissions team to discover the range of master’s programs offered at McCombs. As a UT undergraduate, you can take advantage of the opportunity to earn a master’s degree by staying just one more year at UT.

The info session will cover admission requirements, career outcomes, important dates, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and dive into what makes the McCombs School of Business Specialized Master’s programs highly ranked and well sought after.

Specialized Master’s programs for UT undergrads include:

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Finance
  • Information Technology & Management
  • Marketing

REGISTER: SPECIALIZED MASTER’S INFO SESSION FOR UT STUDENTS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. CT

BERNARD AND AUDRE RAPOPORT BUILDING (BRB) 2.136

REGISTER: Join Us In Person for the MPA Bridge Meet and Mingle!

Are you a current UT non-accounting major interested in expanding your career opportunities? Join us in person at the MPA Bridge Meet and Mingle to learn how you can complement your bachelor’s degree with our Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree. Meet and mingle with MPA staff and current MPA students who started their program with a non-business background. Plus, enjoy some Plucker’s on us! Open to all UT majors.

REGISTER: MPA BRIDGE MEET & MINGLE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 6-7 pm

ROWLING HALL SPECIAL EVENTS ROOM, RRH 5.210

 

Stop By to Chat with MPA Students and Admissions Staff!

Interested in the Master in Professional Accounting program? Stop by for some coffee in the McCombs Hall of Honors to speak with a current student or an admissions team member, and learn more about earning your accounting master’s degree in just one year! No registration is needed.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hall of Honors, CBA 2.200

Older posts Newer posts