Master in Professional Accounting Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

Category: MPA Program Info (page 1 of 16)

Visit the Texas McCombs MPA Program…in person or virtually!

If you’re interested in exploring the Texas McCombs MPA program and would like to visit us here in Austin or from afar, we have several options for you!

In Person Visits

Are you interested in seeing the UT campus first-hand? Submit our in-person visit form at least two weeks in advance, and we will customize an MPA visit schedule based on your preferences.  Meet with MPA admissions, academic and career staff, take a tour of McCombs with a current student, walk around the Forty Acres, and more!

Prefer to explore on your own? Pull up the UT interactive campus map and McCombs building maps and follow the self-guided tour as you walk around the business school.

Virtual Visits

Are you unable to visit Austin in person? View a virtual tour of Texas McCombs and take a virtual stroll around the University of Texas at Austin to see what makes us a premiere destination. Reach out to an admissions ambassador to set up a Zoom call or attend a virtual panel to learn more about the student experience.

Learn more about the McCombs School of Business, Master in Professional Accounting program, and living in Austin by visiting our website.

An International Student’s Perspective on the MPA Experience

As I reflect on my first semester in the Texas McCombs MPA program, the aroma of scallion pancake wafts through my small apartment. Upon arrival in Austin, I faced the daunting task of cooking for myself — something I had never done before. My first attempts were far from perfect; sometimes the food was burnt, other times it was raw and inedible. But through each trial and error, I learned and improved.

This culinary exploration is a microcosm of my academic experience. Initially, everything was new and challenging, from understanding new University systems to completing rigorous tasks and harmonizing cross-cultural interactions. However, the supportive environment provided by the MPA program has made all the difference. The excellent professors I’ve encountered have been patient guides, breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces. Meanwhile, the MPA Program Office academic and career advisors have provided invaluable resources and support, always ready to lend a helping hand. My peers, caring and professional, created a collaborative atmosphere in which we learned from each other’s diverse perspectives.

After a few weeks in the program, I had a sudden realization that shook me to my core. Despite my background in accounting, I found myself struggling with unfamiliar concepts and financial and tax accounting systems. It was in this moment of vulnerability that I truly understood the value of my roots. The comfort of my home country’s familiar accounting practices, which I had taken for granted, now felt like a cherished foundation upon which I could build new knowledge. This epiphany ignited a dual passion within me: a renewed appreciation for my cultural heritage and a burning desire to excel in this new academic landscape.

As I take a bit of the crusty and crunchy pancake I’ve just made, I’m reminded of the purpose behind the 7,734 miles I journeyed from Taipei to Austin. The texture and flavor evoke memories of home and symbolize the gradual improvements I’ve made in my cooking and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful. My culinary journey mirrors my experience in the MPA program: through a bit of trial and error, the rigorous curriculum and supportive resources have provided the perfect opportunity for growth.

-Shawn Lee, MPA Class of 2025

REGISTER: Join the January 16 Traditional MPA Information Session!

Join our upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the traditional Master in Professional Accounting program. This info session will provide valuable insights into our top-ranked accounting program, including the MPA admissions process, curriculum, career outcomes, and the benefits of studying at the University of Texas at Austin. Don’t miss this chance to see how the Texas McCombs MPA program can help you achieve your professional goals!

REGISTER: THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 – 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 a Traditional MPA Info Session

Join us for a traditional MPA info session! Gain valuable insights into our top-ranked traditional Master in Professional Accounting program. Learn about our curriculum, application process, and career outcomes, and explore the benefits of studying at the University of Texas at Austin

Register Here: tMPA Info Session

Wednesday, November 20, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Zoom Webinar

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

 

REGISTER: Join the October 23 Traditional MPA Information Session!

Join our upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the traditional Master in Professional Accounting program. This info session will provide valuable insights into our top-ranked accounting program, including the MPA admissions process, curriculum, career outcomes, and the benefits of studying at the University of Texas at Austin. Don’t miss this chance to see how the Texas McCombs MPA program can help you achieve your professional goals!

REGISTER: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – 5:00 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

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

 

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