
Undergraduate Accounting at UT Dallas
Customize your degree and build relationships with employers in one America’s hottest job markets.

The Best Preparation for High Demand Jobs
The Jindal School’s undergraduate accounting program prepares students for diverse career options. There is a wide range of high-demand paths to pursue.
CPAIt is the only Jindal School program tailored for students who want to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Those looking to pass exams for any state-issued professional accounting license can trust our method.
The undergraduate program renders the foundation for success in any accounting career track. Feel confident continuing graduate-level accounting coursework needed to pass the CPA. You will learn skills in a competitive business setting. Our students graduate prepared, with skills like:
- Problem-Solving
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Decision-Making
Facts and Figures
1:1ratio
Faculty Mentoring Support
All new accounting majors – both freshmen and transfer students – are assigned a faculty mentor for the duration of your degree.
no.33
Best Undergraduate Business Program
No. 33 among public university undergraduate business programs, Poets & Quants Best Undergraduate Business Programs (2020)
no.1
DFW, according to Forbes, 2018
Top Cities for Jobs

Engagement on All Levels
The Jindal School’s undergraduate accounting program has a practical approach. We provide continuous opportunities for interaction with accounting professionals.
Our bachelor’s program provides a robust curriculum that helps prepare students for a required internship in an accounting firm or corporate accounting department. Our students complement their academic journey by embracing a multitude of on- and off-campus networking opportunities with established accounting professionals, while simultaneously engaging with classmates in a wide array of student organizations. The Undergraduate Accounting Club provides an enriching environment where each student can invest in themselves, engage other students and invest in building their accounting future.
Learn more about internships
Diverse and Experienced Faculty
The Jindal School accounting faculty is academically and demographically diverse, a true cross-section of the business community and the global marketplace.
Most faculty members have professional experience outside academia, which fosters robust and relevant learning outcomes.
Students share the classroom experience with both academic and research-oriented faculty, which provides them opportunities to understand both theoretical and practical applications of financial reporting, auditing and tax.
Get to know our accounting facultyStudent Experiences

I’ve Grown Personally Thanks to Faculty and Friends
Minh Hoang, Class of 2021
The friendships, confidence and skills that I’ve learned and gained are invaluable. I am more than satisfied with the program and can’t wait to showcase my knowledge and expertise in the workforce.

The Professor Who Helped My Career and My Life
Trinh Nguyen, Class of 2020
Thanks to the UT Dallas accounting program, JSOM career center, and especially Tiffany Bortz, I have had an amazing college experience and landed an excellent internship at a great firm.

I Transferred to a School Where Faculty Open Doors I Never Dreamed Of
Susanna Carlton, Class of 2020
When I think of the future, I know I will not face it alone, but rather I will have numerous mentors, colleagues and friends who I can reach out to for guidance and support as I begin my journey in my accounting career.

Faculty Who Cares for Me and My Success
Joella Degollado, Class of 2021
The JSOM faculty, especially in the undergraduate accounting program, are more than willing to help you succeed. I am grateful to have been supported by such a wonderful and caring team. I cannot wait to continue my personal and professional growth with JSOM in the graduate accounting program.

Professional Program in Accounting (PPA)
The Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) is perfect for undergraduate students pursuing careers in the Big Four and other large accounting firms.
The PPA begins in your junior year and continues through the master’s program. The curriculum is set up to create a smooth transition from the BS in Accounting to the successful completion of a master’s degree in accounting.
Learn more about PPA
“Fast Track” to a Master’s in Accounting
The fast-track program, available to seniors only, provides a cost-effective stepping stone into the graduate program.
Students who qualify and choose to fast track may take one or two graduate courses. The academic credits earned count toward both the undergraduate and master’s degrees. For fast-track students, admission to the master’s program is automatic.
Learn the details about accounting fast track
Tools for Your Success
We pair each new and transfer student entering the Jindal School undergraduate accounting major with a faculty mentor.
Every student starts a professional advising relationship intended to continue to graduation. Also, selected junior and senior accounting students serve as peer mentors. The mentorships are available to freshmen, sophomores and transfer students.
Together, these mentoring relationships provide informal support. It all works to supplement the help of the Jindal School academic advising staff. Also, the JSOM Career Management Center offers on going career-coaching services and networking. Count on employment-preparation opportunities and resources available to all undergraduate accounting majors.
Learn more about peer mentorsSee what the Career Management Center offers
Alumni Spotlight

David Pate, BS’88
CFO, Richardson Independent School District
Pate, a resident of Rowlett, has spent almost all of his professional career in the service of education.

Kate Reagan, BS’15
Assistant Vice President, Business Development, Texas Capital Bank
In Reagan’s role at Texas Capital Bank, she leans on both degrees she earned at Jindal School – a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in marketing. “I connect with business leaders in the Dallas community to hear their stories and see if Texas Capital Bank can help them achieve their company’s goals,” she says. “In school, I had no idea how accounting and marketing would fit together and if I could even find a role that would allow me to utilize both my degrees.

Jason Ellison, BS’03 MBA’06
Entrepreneur
While Ellison began his professional career at KPMG in audit, he now is on his second (or third) career, as owner of Ellison Business Consulting in Allen.

Lauren Hayes, BS’07, MS’08
Director, Baker Tilly
Lauren Hayes attended UT Dallas for her bachelor’s in accounting degree and for what was then known as the master’s in accounting and information management degree, graduating in December 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Ernest Lowery, BS’08, MS’09
Assurance Director, PwC
Ernest has worked in the assurance practice at PwC for over 10 years. He has worked with public and private clients in a number of industries, including energy, industrial products, media and entertainment and technology. He most recently worked in a digital role, where his primary focus was helping to develop new tools to be used across the assurance practice. What he enjoys most is working with clients and his teams to complete a common goal.

Brittany Weber, BS’14, MS’15
Assurance Senior, EY
As a member of the Professional Program in Accounting, Brtitany Weber graduated with a BS in accounting in spring 2014 and an MS in accounting in spring 2015. Through the PPA recruitment process, she was able to secure an internship and later a full-time offer from EY.

J.B. Yett, BS’09, MS’10
Audit Manager, Grant Thornton LLP
Yett earned both his undergraduate and master’s degree in accounting from Jindal School, where he was part of the selective Professional Program in Accounting. The PPA offers top accounting students smaller classes along with training in soft skills and access to choice internships. Upon graduation, Yett joined Grant Thornton where his current responsibilities include managing multiple audit engagement teams and client relationships. His role includes ensuring high quality audit execution and distinctive client service.

Brandy Arbuthnot, BS’99 MS’02
Tax Partner, BDO, USA LLP
In her current position at BDO, Arbuthnot assists accounting clients with their tax compliance and consulting needs including tax returns, tax provision preparation and review, assistance with tax implications of mergers and acquisitions, and other tax planning matters. She joined BDO, an international assurance, tax and financial advisory services firm, after earning her undergraduate accounting degree. Her master’s degree is also in accounting. “My degrees prepared me for a career in public accounting and the necessary qualifications for the CPA exam. Furthermore, my experience at UT Dallas prepared me to have success the professional world,” she said. BDO certainly covers the world, with offices in 167 countries.

Remsen Jennings, BS’11, MS’12
Assurance Services, EY
Remsen Jennings graduated summa cum laude with a double bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance in 2011, following that with a master’s degree in accounting in 2012. During his time at UT Dallas, Jennings was appointed as a UT System Student Advisory Council member, elected as student body vice president, served as president of the Davidson Management Honors Program and was a member of the Professional Program in Accounting.

Pat McCown, BS’91
Partner, State and Local Tax, Grant Thornton LLP
Pat McCown has combined hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit in an accounting career that spans more than 20 years and includes a major merger and two partner positions. He is credited with creating and introducing new ideas into the accounting profession, generating dramatic increases in revenue and developing constructive client relationships. Pat earned a degree in accounting from the Jindal School and says his coursework helped him develop his work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Class Profile – BS in Accounting, 2020

Student Status
82% Full-time
18% Part-time
27%
Ethnic Minority Enrollment
23
Average Age
in years

Gender
48% Female
52% Male

Average GPA
3.31
$54,800
Average Starting Salary
Student Testimonials

Sharvari Gupta, Class of 2021
Global Finance and Business Management Intern, JP Morgan Chase
UT Dallas has provided nothing less than a transformative experience for me. I have gained many necessary skills, knowledge and perspectives that I will carry for the rest of my life. The University has given me a platform to continue learning and challenging myself. Read Sharvari’s full testimonial.

Emily Vo, Class of 2020
Accounting Intern, CBRE
UT Dallas’s accounting program has allowed me to learn and experience many different things. I’ve come across many great opportunities, as well as great people, including my friends, classmates and professors. My lifelong process both as a person and a professional isn’t always easy. However, my time here as a student, as well as the people that I have met, have definitely helped me gain a lot more confidence in myself. The memories and experiences here are things that I will definitely remember for a lifetime.

Trenton Sowell, Class of 2019
IT Audit Intern – USAA
The accounting program here at UT Dallas has opened many doors for me and introduced me to areas beyond just public accounting, such as internal audit, forensic accounting and advisory services. I have been able to make great connections, work multiple internships and learn valuable technical skills that have put me ahead of my peers from different schools. Additionally, the program has a great support system — whether it be from mentors, student instructors or professors — that has really enabled me to succeed and continues to pay dividends.

Katherine Koonce, Class of 2018
Associate, CLA
The accounting program at UT Dallas has had more impact on my life than I could have ever anticipated. My original intention was to “get in and out” with a degree in something and join the workforce. I found myself participating in activities I would have never considered before, including Beta Alpha Psi and the accounting Peer-to-Peer Mentoring program. Though I did not participate in the Professional Program in Accounting, I now find myself at the end of the master’s program for accounting and currently pursuing my CPA license. These are all things I never saw myself doing and could not have done so without the support of my peers and faculty within the program. Anyone looking for self-improvement is sure to find it here.

Noe Christian Herr-Perez, Class of 2020
Intern, PwC
I am a non-traditional student who transferred from Collin College, and I am currently one of the ambassadors of the Professional Program in Accounting. I am completing an internship at PwC ,where I hope to get a full-time offer. Being associated with the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring program helped ease my transition into UTD and has allowed me the opportunity to do the same for others and give back. These accounting programs have opened up doors I never thought possible and have given me every opportunity I could have asked for. It has been an honor meeting so many great individuals and being a part of the growth of the accounting program.

Nhi (Dahlia) Le, Class of 2021
Tax Intern, HM&M
I started out as a transfer student at JSOM in fall semester 2018. Being a junior at that time wasn’t easy. I felt overwhelmed because I needed to start by learning the smallest things, like the direction to Chick-fil-A or how to print my essay in the computer lab. It was easy to feel lonely at times because as a transfer student, I didn’t have as many established relationships with friends and the school’s faculty compared to someone who had attended UTD since they were a freshman. Read Dahlia’s full testimonial.

Ngan Vi, Class of 2021
Staff Accountant, Nancy K. Phillips PC
My best experience with the program is helping my mentees to know the opportunities that the UTD accounting program has to offer. I love sharing information about programs such as PPA, Undergraduate Accounting Club and Accounting Breakfast Club. Most of my mentees are transfer students, who do not know about the requirements for programs like PPA. Through email and events, I shared the step-by-step process to join the program. And I’m happy to know that the mentees I talked with during the welcoming event are now a part of PPA and one is on his first internship with one of the Big Four accounting firms

Alex Schaefer, Class of 2020
Financial Auditor Intern, Government Accountability Office
During my junior year at UTD, I was able to get an internship at the Government Accountability Office as a financial auditor. GAO is a congressional agency that audits federal government projects and spending. It was a great working environment with good benefits and pay. Read Alex’s full testimonial.

Vidya Mohanraj, Class of 2019
Finance and Business Integration Intern, Amazon
II joined the accounting program at UT Dallas at a time when I was overwhelmed by all of the possibilities that lay ahead. But with the help of the incredible faculty and staff in the undergraduate accounting program, I was able to embrace the opportunities that came my way. Read Vidya’s full testimonial.

Ready to start your undergraduate application?
Before you apply, get familiar with the application process for Jindal School undergraduate programs at UT Dallas.
How to Apply