The Professional Program in Accounting (PPA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 15

PPA provides the following benefits to students

  • Smaller “honors” type core classes for PPA students only, who are taught by highly regarded faculty
  • Better networking opportunities with students, faculty and professionals
  • Priority access to many internship and full-time employment opportunities
  • Help with CPA eligibility and passage
  • Enhancement of technical accounting and “soft” skills, such as interpersonal interaction, teamwork, communication, presentation and networking
  • Mentor program and workshops focusing on interviewing skills, resume writing and professional etiquette

Admissions Requirements

  • Junior-level (completed approximately 60 hours) as of the fall semester in which the application is submitted
  • Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of “B” prior to beginning PPA in the spring semester
    • ACCT 2301 – Introduction to Financial Accounting
    • ACCT 2302 – Introduction to Management Accounting
    • ACCT 3320 – Financial Information Management
  • Application deadline is September 15
    • Applications can be submitted to Amy Troutman (JSOM 4.419) or Matt Polze (JSOM 4.233)
  • Selected applicants will be interviewed by PPA directors
*Please note – satisfaction of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into PPA

Program Requirements

  • Students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA
  • Strong communication skills
  • PPA students take one PPA cohort class each spring and fall semester

Program Timeline

The following timeline provides PPA cohort classes and a listing of other important PPA reminders for each semester during the program.

Junior Year

Senior Year

Graduate Year
Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring
Apply to PPA ACCT 3351 – Individual Taxation ACCT 4332 – Intermediate Financial Accounting II ACCT 6335 – Ethics for Professional Accountants ACCT 6352 – Corporate Taxation CPA review course
PPA admissions interviews Interview for internships Internships for selected students Graduate with MS-ACCT
Admissions decisions made Apply to MS-ACCT program
Soft skills workshops Graduate with BS-ACCT
Application and Degree Plan

Our goal as co-directors of the Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) is to make PPA one of the top-rated accounting programs in the country. We aim to place our students in the most competitive professional internships and full-time positions, and we expect that our students will become leaders in the accounting profession and the business world.

We both take a great interest in the development of our students, and we greatly enjoy working with them to help them develop into professionals with limitless potential. Additionally, we are fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to develop lasting professional relationships with some of the most highly regarded professional firms in the world.

We look forward to the continued growth of the program. If you are interested in joining the program or would like to find out how you can recruit students from PPA please feel free to contact either one of us.

Amy Troutman, CPA
Associate Area Coordinator, Senior Lecturer


Email
(972) 883-6719
Office – JSOM 4.419

Matt Polze
Co-Director Professional Program in Accounting


Email
(972) 883-4742
Office – JSOM 4.233