Program Overview

Professional Program in Accounting (PPA)

The Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) is a prestigious program at the University of Texas at Dallas, founded in 2007. It accelerates a master's degree with cohort-based accounting courses for a collaborative experience.

Curriculum

The PPA program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

• Cohort-based accounting courses
• A senior-year internship in public accounting
• A PPA Lyceum Class on Friday mornings during the fall semester

Public Accounting Internship

Students in the PPA program gain experience in assurance or taxation, client service, and networking through a senior-year internship in public accounting.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the PPA program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum GPA of 3.2
• Completed ACCT 2301 and ACCT 2302 with a B or higher
• Junior-Level (completed approximately 60 Semester Credit Hours)
• Recommended enrollment in ACCT 3331 during the fall semester of admittance
• Available to take PPA Lyceum Class on Friday mornings during the fall semester of admittance
• Must not have previously completed or be enrolled in any PPA 3XXX Level Cohort Classes (ACCT 3312, ACCT 3332, ACCT 3341, or ACCT 3350)
• Applications only open in Fall Semesters
• Selected applicants will be interviewed by the PPA Director

Class Profile

The PPA program has a strong track record of placement and academic achievement. The class profile for 2024 includes:

• Number of Graduates: 50
• Average GPA at Admission: 3.70
• Placement to Internships: 100%
• Placement to Full-Time Jobs: 98%

All PPA Student Statistics by Year

The following table provides a summary of PPA student statistics by year: | Graduate Year | PPA Class | Number of Graduates | Average GPA at Admission | Placement to Internships | Placement to Full-Time Jobs | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2020 | 11 | 65 | 3.75 | 98% | 98% | | 2021 | 12 | 58 | 3.70 | 97% | 98% | | 2022 | 13 | 59 | 3.73 | 98% | 98% | | 2023 | 14 | 66 | 3.72 | 100% | 100% | | 2024 | 15 | TBD | 3.70 | 100% | 98% |

Program Leadership

The PPA program is led by Professor Tiffany Bortz, CPA, who serves as the Director of the Professional Program in Accounting and Associate Area Coordinator of the Accounting Program.