Bachelor of Science in Accounting

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

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.

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.

Student 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.

See all Undergraduate Accounting Student Experiences

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.

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.

See all Undergraduate Accounting Alumni Spotlights