What is Accounting?


Accounting refers to the process of combining financial information into a form that is easy to read and understand for all clients and stakeholders. You can do this work for an individual, a company, or an organization. Accountants are responsible for recording and reporting financial transactions, financial performance, and the cash flow of a company.

Organizations rely on accounting to keep a systematic record of their financial information. By comparing current financial information with historical information, users can make informed decisions. A company's performance can be evaluated over time if they maintain consistent, accurate, and full records.

Becoming a CPA Certified Public Accountant in Texas is a relatively straightforward process that involves obtaining a bachelor's degree, passing the CPA Exam, and gaining accounting experience. After this, you can obtain licensure to be a Certified Public Accountant.

Featured Online Programs

Top Ranked Campus & Online Accounting Programs in Texas


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,678
    • Out-of-State:$42,778
  • Net Price: $17,434
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%
  • Total Enrollment: 52,384
  • Undergrad Students: 41,309
  • Graduate Students: 11,075
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • The University of Texas at Austin
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2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,099
    • Out-of-State:$40,328
  • Net Price: $20,375
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 74,014
  • Undergrad Students: 57,512
  • Graduate Students: 16,502
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Texas A&M University-College Station
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3

Trinity University

Score: 79.76

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $51,352
    • Out-of-State:$51,352
  • Net Price: $30,038
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,692
  • Undergrad Students: 2,512
  • Graduate Students: 180
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Trinity University
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4

LeTourneau University

Score: 79.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $35,500
    • Out-of-State:$35,500
  • Net Price: $26,974
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,536
  • Undergrad Students: 3,350
  • Graduate Students: 186
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • LeTourneau University
5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,564
    • Out-of-State:$40,064
  • Net Price: $13,555
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,570
  • Undergrad Students: 21,617
  • Graduate Students: 9,953
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 27:1
  • The University of Texas at Dallas
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6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,846
    • Out-of-State:$19,382
  • Net Price: $5,383
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,505
  • Undergrad Students: 6,979
  • Graduate Students: 1,526
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Texas A&M International University
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7
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,460
    • Out-of-State:$64,460
  • Net Price: $45,094
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,053
  • Undergrad Students: 7,056
  • Graduate Students: 4,997
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Southern Methodist University
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8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,711
    • Out-of-State:$22,191
  • Net Price: $14,056
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 46,700
  • Undergrad Students: 37,943
  • Graduate Students: 8,757
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Houston
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9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,852
    • Out-of-State:$24,451
  • Net Price: $17,896
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,378
  • Undergrad Students: 32,579
  • Graduate Students: 7,799
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Texas Tech University
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10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $57,220
    • Out-of-State:$57,220
  • Net Price: $44,190
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,273
  • Undergrad Students: 10,523
  • Graduate Students: 1,750
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Texas Christian University
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11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $51,058
    • Out-of-State:$51,058
  • Net Price: $31,014
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,483
  • Undergrad Students: 1,483
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Southwestern University
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12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,026
    • Out-of-State:$22,626
  • Net Price: $13,025
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,306
  • Undergrad Students: 7,383
  • Graduate Students: 3,923
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce
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13
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,660
    • Out-of-State:$33,660
  • Net Price: $19,207
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,588
  • Undergrad Students: 2,646
  • Graduate Students: 942
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of St. Thomas-Houston
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14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,728
    • Out-of-State:$29,660
  • Net Price: $14,262
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 43,946
  • Undergrad Students: 30,791
  • Graduate Students: 13,155
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • The University of Texas at Arlington
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15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,746
    • Out-of-State:$21,330
  • Net Price: $17,871
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,562
  • Undergrad Students: 6,352
  • Graduate Students: 2,210
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • University of Houston-Clear Lake
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16

Baylor University

Score: 71.47

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $54,844
    • Out-of-State:$54,844
  • Net Price: $45,988
  • Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,709
  • Undergrad Students: 15,213
  • Graduate Students: 5,496
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Baylor University
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17

University of North Texas at Dallas

Score: 71.35

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,590
    • Out-of-State:$22,189
  • Net Price: $10,351
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,685
  • Undergrad Students: 3,001
  • Graduate Students: 684
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of North Texas at Dallas
18

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Score: 71.18

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,930
    • Out-of-State:$20,947
  • Net Price: $10,646
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,110
  • Undergrad Students: 1,761
  • Graduate Students: 349
  • Grads Salary: $90,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Texas A&M University-Texarkana
19
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,627
    • Out-of-State:$16,419
  • Net Price: $5,465
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,198
  • Undergrad Students: 1,712
  • Graduate Students: 486
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Texas A&M University-Central Texas
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20
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,299
    • Out-of-State:$26,874
  • Net Price: $12,875
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,056
  • Undergrad Students: 8,103
  • Graduate Students: 953
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Prairie View A&M University
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21
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,164
    • Out-of-State:$21,244
  • Net Price: $15,283
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 44,767
  • Undergrad Students: 33,023
  • Graduate Students: 11,744
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 23:1
  • University of North Texas
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22
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,310
    • Out-of-State:$12,260
  • Net Price: $11,361
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,784
  • Undergrad Students: 4,818
  • Graduate Students: 966
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Midwestern State University
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23
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,991
    • Out-of-State:$21,965
  • Net Price: $12,664
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,393
  • Undergrad Students: 29,686
  • Graduate Students: 4,707
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
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24
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,450
    • Out-of-State:$23,210
  • Net Price: $14,120
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 38,171
  • Undergrad Students: 33,834
  • Graduate Students: 4,337
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Texas State University
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25

St. Mary's University

Score: 69.53

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,242
    • Out-of-State:$36,242
  • Net Price: $21,379
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,253
  • Undergrad Students: 2,001
  • Graduate Students: 1,252
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • St. Mary's University

Online Accounting Education in Texas


  • Pick an acceptable institution

    The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy only recognizes baccalaureate and higher degrees from select institutions. If you plan on becoming a CPA, make sure the college or university you’re attending meets Texas educational requirements. You will need an accredited bachelor's accounting to become a CPA, but you can start with an associate's if you are aiming to save money.

    If you’ve already received a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, you're on the right track. You can qualify to take the CPA exam with accounting courses or an accounting program. Education completed outside of the United States will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the degree is equivalent to recognized course requirements. International credential evaluation services are not accepted.

  • Pick an educational route

    The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requires that CPA applicants complete at least 30 credit hours of upper-level accounting courses at a recognized institution; this can be with an accounting degree or appropriate credits.

  • Sign up for the right courses

    The State Board of Accountancy recognizes the following accounting courses:

    • Financial Accounting and Reporting for Business
      • Advanced Accounting
      • Accounting Theory
    • Intermediate Accounting (maximum of 9 credit hours)
    • Managerial or Cost Accounting
    • Auditing and Attestation Services
    • Internal Accounting Control and Risk Assessment
    • Accounting Research and Analysis
    • Taxation (maximum of 12 credit hours)
    • Financial Accounting and Reporting for Government and, or Non-Profit Entities
    • Accounting Information Systems (maximum of 12 credit hours)
    • Fraud Examination
    • International Accounting and Financial Reporting
    • Accounting Internship (maximum of three credit hours, taken only after the completion of 12 credit hours of upper-level accounting courses)

    The following related business courses are also accepted, providing no more than six credit hours are taken in a single subject area:

    • Business Law
    • Economics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Business Communications
    • Statistics and Quantitative Methods
    • Finance
    • Information System or Technology
    • Other Accounting Relevant Courses

    You also need at least two credit hours in upper-level accounting or tax research and analysis, as well as two credit hours in upper-level accounting communications or business communications. You must also complete a Board-approved three semester hour course on ethics.

Online Associates (AS)

An associate degree in accounting can help launch a terrific career. Degree holders can start their careers as junior accountants and then move up as they accrue experience. Some state accountancy boards even forgo the education requirement for professionals who have enough experience.

University HQ National Rankings - Top 25 Online Associates

Online Bachelors (BS or BAcc)

This is the accounting degree that most accountants begin their careers with. The credits it takes to earn a baccalaureate degree are often sufficient to sit for the CPA Exam, and the coursework is deep enough to land a position in a desired specialty area.

University HQ National Rankings - Top 25 Online Bachelors

Online Masters (MS or MAcc)

Though some accountants enter graduate school directly from their undergraduate programs, others work for several years before returning for a MS in Accountancy or an MBA with an accounting concentration. A master's degree is often a ticket to management positions and the C-suites.

University HQ National Rankings - Top 25 Online Masters

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Though the business world doesn't expect this level of scholarship, a doctoral degree in accounting will certainly stand out on a resume and a corporate roster. Professionals with this level of academic achievement can enter academia as professors or researchers.

Online Degree in Accounting

An online accounting degree from a Texas university can open just as many doors as a degree from a traditional program. CPA candidates can even work part time as bookkeepers while they take advantage of the flexibility online education provides.

Our accounting resources and scholarships guide

Become a CPA in Texas


  • Verify you’ve met the requirements

    You can apply to sit for the CPA Exam once you meet the following qualifications:

    • Be of good moral character, as assessed by question responses, the FBI database, and the Texas Department of Public Safety criminal records.
    • Have a baccalaureate or higher degree from a recognized institution.
    • Complete 150 credit hours, including:

      • 30 credit hours of upper-level accounting courses, including two credit hours of accounting or tax research and analysis.
      • 24 credit hours of upper-level related business courses, including two credit hours of accounting or business communications
  • Submit an Application of Intent

    Once you have met all necessary requirements, you can submit an Application of Intent to the following:

    Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
    333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 900
    Austin, TX 78701-3900

    You will need:

    • $20 check or money order made payable to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
    • Official transcript(s)
    • Passport-type photograph taken in the last six months
    • Certified or notarized copy of a government-issued identification document
    • Certified or notarized copy of your US Social Security Card
    • Certified or notarized Authorization and Release form
    • Application for Testing Accommodations, if applicable
    • Background Statement form, if necessary

    Fingerprinting is also required. Your application can’t be approved until the fingerprint process has been completed.

  • Submit an eligibility application

    To apply for one or more sections of the Uniform CPA Exam, you must first submit an Eligibility Application. While there is no deadline for this application, it will expire after two years.

    In addition to the application, you will also need:

    • $10 nonrefundable fee for each section you plan to take
    • ID card

    It generally takes between 24 and 48 hours to process your application, at which time the Board will notify the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) of your candidacy. Shortly thereafter, you’ll receive an Approval Notice, giving you 90 days to complete your approved exam sections.

  • Pay the NASBA exam fees
    After getting your Approval Notice, you will receive an Exam Fee Payment Coupon from NASBA via mail, fax, or email. This coupon will state the fees that you’re responsible for, which can be paid by check, money order, or credit card.
  • Schedule your exam
    Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS). Your NTS will indicate which sections of the CPA Exam you’re approved to take and will instruct you to schedule your CPA Exam date(s) via Prometric.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements


To maintain your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in Texas, you must meet the state’s continuing education requirements.

Within each three-year period, you must complete the following:

- 120 CPE credits
- A minimum of 20 hours per year is required
- 4-credit ethics course every other year
- You must document all CPE participation and send it to the Board if requested.


Careers for Accounting Graduates


Salaries

Texas accountants find work in a variety of sectors. The oil and gas industry is naturally a huge employer, but you might also work for a tech company or consult small businesses. If you attain a CPA license and work for a large Dallas company or as a controller in a large San Antonio first, you can earn over $100,000 or more. What really makes Texas a great state for accountants is the anticipated growth rate of 20+% between 2020 to 2030. That dwarfs national predictions that show the profession growing by only 6%. That means that Texas is offering more opportunities all the time.

City Annual Median Wage
Dallas $54,000
Fort Worth $58,700
Houston $55,800
Baytown $59,500
Austin $53,300
Entry Level Mid Career Late Career
$45,500 $56,700 $63,500
  • Cost Estimator: $62,600
  • Auditor: $61,600
  • Budget Analyst: $64,600
  • Credit Analyst: $55,600
  • Financial Analyst: $60,700
  • Personal Financial Advisor: $64,600
  • Financial Examiner: $55,500
  • Tax Examiner, Collector, or Revenue Agent: $81,600
  • Tax Preparer: $45,800
  • Actuary: $77,800
  • Forensic Science Technician: $60,000
  • Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk: $38,750
Check out additional accounting careers and salaries

Texas Accounting Frequently Asked Questions


Are there any Colleges that offer online degrees?

Yes, there are many opportunities for Texas residents to achieve an accounting degree online. Many Texas colleges offer online degrees in business and accounting, especially at the master's level. In fact, once a student makes the decision to pursue an online degree, they’ll have the option to pursue programs from all over the nation.

Can I become a CPA with an online degree?

Yes, there's no reason why not. However, the same regulations apply to an online degree as a traditional degree. That is, CPA candidates should make sure that they complete the necessary 30 hours in accounting courses, 24 hours in upper-level business classes, and 3 hours in a Board-approved ethics exam and course. CPA candidates should also confirm that their program is fully accredited by a regional or national agency.

What are the educational requirements to work in this field?

The Texas Board of Accounting requires that prior to becoming a CPA, students complete at least 30 semester hours of accounting coursework, 24 hours of upper-level business courses, and three credit hours of ethics. Altogether, a candidate should have 150 credit hours on a transcript that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. Keep in mind that the board also accepts graduate-level credits and earning a master’s degree would fully prepare you for your CPA Exam.

What are some career options for an accountant?

After officially becoming a CPA, you have many career options in Texas. They can pursue work with a government agency or a non-profit. Some dive into forensic accounting while others become management consultants. Since accounting is so fundamental to business, the degree is always highly valued by employers.

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