UHD Launches Master of Professional Accountancy Program
New Program Based in Marilyn Davies College of Business
By Mark Kramer
The University of Houston-Downtown’s Marilyn Davies College of Business is launching a new Master of Professional Accountancy program this fall with the goal of meeting the growing need for professionals with Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certifications and graduate degrees.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for accountants and auditors is expected to increase by six percent between now and 2028. A BLS survey also showed Houston has the highest median wage for accountants ($86,188 per annum) of any city in Texas.
“The Marilyn Davies College of Business recognizes the need to train the next generation of accountants,” said Dean Dr. Charles Gengler. “We are dedicated to the professional success of our students and seeing them have rewarding careers and becoming a part of the ever-growing Houston workforce.”
Courses will be conducted online and students will gain expertise in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing and taxation. The courses will be taught by faculty and industrial professionals.
“This program is going to be attractive to students because it is laser-focused on giving students the background they need to take the CPA exam,” said Dr. Cathy Zishang Liu, Department Chair of Accounting and International Business. “We will provide the best instruction possible to provide students with the skills that are imperative for tomorrow’s leaders.”
In addition, Liu said Dean Gengler is working with Houston-area accounting professionals to garner support for additional internships and full-time opportunities for UHD students.
“Student surveys have indicated a high level of excitement toward the graduate level accountancy offerings,” Liu added. “This program will complement our MBA program well and we believe it will grow rapidly.”
For more details about the Master in Professional Accountancy Program and admissions requirements, visit the website.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
