If you a considering a degree in finance or accounting, it may be worth the time to complete a Master of Taxation instead of a CPA. There are several benefits to continuing your education into a Master of Taxation beyond the typical CPA. The requirements for a CPA in Texas are much more stringent than the requirements for a Master of Taxation at the University of Houston.

In order to become a CPA in Texas, you must have your bachelor’s degree which includes 30 credit hours of accounting courses, 24 hours of business courses, and an ethics course. Once you receive your degree, you must be able to prove that you have taken the required classes (i.e. by providing a copy of your transcript). There are several forms and applications to fill out. Then, the next step is signing up to take the CPA exam.

In Texas, the CPA exam is a four-part test. The first part is Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting and Regulation. Each section has it’s own specific time allocations, format and content. Once you have passed the test, you are now able to become a CPA. However, the pass rate for these exams is less than twenty five percent in most cases and relevant work experience is required for the certification. Most often, students have to turn to unpaid internships to acquire this work experience.

This is where the benefits of working towards a Master of Taxation degree start to become more apparent. You do not need to be a CPA in order to obtain your Master of Taxation degree. You do need to take the GMAT in order to be accepted into the program, but the pass rate of the GMAT is much higher than for the CPA exam. Also, several colleges offer courses dedicated to taking the GMAT, unlike the CPA exam.

A Master of Taxation degree will set you apart from your competitors. In this economy, it is very important to afford yourself every advantage when searching for a great career. By obtaining a Master of Taxation, you are doing just that. The University of Houston offers a challenging and fulfilling program designed to teach its graduates how to think critically and solve problems. By obtaining a Master of Taxation, you are setting yourself up for a higher pay bracket, management potential, and the opportunity to work for corporations and the government.

The Master of Taxation program at the University of Houston requires a four-year bachelor’s degree and a minimum score of 550 on the GMAT. There is no work experience required in order to be accepted into the Master of Taxation program. The requirements of acceptance into the program are must less rigid. Classes can be taken at your own pace and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

When deciding between whether to obtain a CPA or a Master of Taxation, weigh your options carefully and choose the career path that is most suited to your lifestyle. While both the CPA and a Master of Taxation enable you to work in the field of public accounting, studies have shown that employers find a Master’s degree to be more telling of a person’s work ethic and drive. By completing a Master of Taxation degree at the University of Houston, you are setting the pace for the rest of your life.