what is the bauer ppa?

The Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) is designed to prepare students for successful careers in public accounting, as well as in industry, government and other areas that require CPA credentials. In addition to receiving bachelors and masters degrees in accounting, graduates also will have satisfied the requirements to take the CPA examination as prescribed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. PPA students can obtain their MS Accountancy degree sooner than normal because they are allowed to apply up to two masters level courses toward both the BBA and the MS Accountancy requirements.

The learning goals of the Professional Program in Accountancy program are to provide graduates with…

1. the ability to recognize dysfunctional accounting situations,
2. the capacity to engage in accounting research and communicate findings in a clear and concise manner,
3. the skills required to work as a member of a professional team by coordinating actions and efforts to solve accounting problems,
4. an overall understanding of accounting and financial concepts, and
5. the capacity to recognize and respond appropriately to ethical and regulatory dilemmas.

Academic Tracks

PPA students select from three academic tracks. The Financial Accounting and Reporting Track is designed to prepare students for careers in public accounting as auditors and consultants, or in industry in careers related to accounting and finance. Required courses provide students with the knowledge needed to prepare and interpret financial reports, to participate in the conduct of audits, and to research complex financial reporting problems. The Taxation Track is designed to prepare students for careers in public accounting as tax consultants, in industry as tax strategists, or in government. Required courses provide students with the knowledge needed to identify and address tax issues at the local, state, national, and international level. The Risk Track is designed to prepare students for careers in computer risk management, IT audit and technology consulting. Required courses cover database design and operation, systems analysis, transaction processing, IT controls and management.

Firm and Industry Partnerships

Throughout the fall and spring semester, representatives from local, regional, and national public accounting firms, as well as from industry and government host a one-semester-hour colloquium course for our students. Each week they address issues of current importance affecting the accounting profession and discuss financial accounting, auditing, tax, and other topics with the class. Many of these firms offer internships designed to provide students with an opportunity to experience what it means to be a member of the accounting profession, for which the student can receive course credit.

Admission

Admission to the PPA, which can occur as early as the first semester of the junior year, requires enrollment as an accounting major, completion of a minimum of sixty semester hours of coursework (twelve of which must be from the University of Houston), completion of Accounting 2331 and 2332, and a minimum 3.0 accounting and overall GPAs. For more information on admission requirements click Admission Requirements.