Master of Science in Professional Accounting

Lamar University's College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

M.S.P.A. (formerly M.S.A.) Program Highlights

  • Master of Science in Professional Accounting (formerly Master of Science in Accounting) is a STEM designated degree.

  • Lamar University’s graduate accounting program is the first graduate accounting program in a Texas public university to become a STEM Designated Degree. Being a STEM designated degree recognizes the dynamic changes in technology platforms and emerging technologies in the global corporate community as well as providing students with a foundation in quantitative, data analytics and technology skills to be successful in this global environment.
  • Current U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines provide that all international students with F-1 visa status are eligible to apply for up to 12 months of work authorization in the United States after graduating from their academic program. However, graduates of a STEM-designated program have the opportunity to apply for up to 24 additional months with the OPT certification. Our STEM-designated Master of Science in Professional Accounting program allows international students to extend their training by 24 months if they work in their field of study.
  • Structured Recruiting Process including global, mid-market and local accounting firms, as well as employers from corporations, nonprofit organizations and the governmental sector.
  • Professional Development Programs including interaction with professionals with local, regional and international business experience.
  • Opportunity for paid Internship while receiving up to six hours of graduate credit.
  • Opportunity for Study Abroad including funding awarded by the Steinhagen Global Fellows Endowment and Carter Innovation Fund Scholarship.

What can an M.S.P.A. do for you?

The Lamar University Master of Science in Accounting program is designed to provide students with the necessary critical thinking abilities, communication and team skills and knowledge of ethics and professionalism for successful careers in public accounting, industry, government and not-for-profit organizations. 

The Lamar University M.S. in Accounting degree can satisfy all educational requirements adopted by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to sit the CPA exam in the state of Texas.

Who can get an M.S.P.A.?

While a majority of M.S. in accounting students have an undergraduate degree in Accounting or Business, a number of students have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in areas other than Business.

Students admitted without the necessary undergraduate coursework in Accounting and/or Business will be required to take prerequisite courses in those areas before enrolling for graduate Accounting or Business courses.

M.S.A. students with undergraduate accounting degrees can earn their M.S.A. in just 16 months through Lamar University's Traditional M.S.A.