How to Become an Accountant and CPA in Texas: Your Path at OLLU

If you enjoy working with numbers, solving budgeting problems, and helping businesses or individuals make smarter financial decisions, accounting is a career worth exploring. Accountants do more than track expenses; they provide strategic guidance, ensure regulatory compliance, and help organizations grow sustainably.

If you’re wondering how to become an accountant, the good news is that Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) provides a clear, supportive path for both undergraduate and graduate students, including those who want to take the next step and become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas. Here’s what you need to know about becoming an accountant and CPA, and why OLLU is an excellent place to begin your journey.

 

Who Should Consider Accounting as a Career?

If you’re detail-oriented, ethical, and enjoy both analysis and financial communication, accounting could be a perfect fit. People who thrive in accounting are curious about business operations, comfortable with numbers, and committed to integrity and accuracy.

It’s also a field with strong job security and upward mobility. Accountants are in demand across industries, from corporations and nonprofits to government and consulting, and those who earn a CPA designation often enjoy even greater opportunities and salaries.

 

What’s the Difference Between an Accountant and a CPA?

While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. An accountant is anyone with the education and skills to manage financial records, prepare reports, and analyze data for businesses or individuals. A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a licensed professional who has met rigorous state requirements, passed the Uniform CPA Examination, and often completed additional education and experience. Earning a CPA credential signals a higher level of expertise and trustworthiness, and it’s required for certain specialized roles like auditing public companies or representing clients before the IRS. Many students at OLLU pursue the CPA designation because of the expanded career opportunities, higher earning potential, and added credibility it provides.

 

Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

The first step in becoming an accountant is earning a bachelor’s degree. At OLLU, the Bachelor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting lays a strong foundation in accounting principles, business law, ethics, and financial analysis.

At OLLU, you’ll benefit from:

• Small class sizes and personal attention from faculty.
• A curriculum that blends theory with hands-on experience.
• A focus on leadership and ethical decision-making alongside technical skills.

This undergraduate degree prepares you for entry-level accounting roles and sets you up for graduate study if you choose to continue.

 

Step 2: Meet Texas CPA Educational Requirements

If your goal is not just to become an accountant but also to become a CPA, there are additional educational and experience requirements.

In Texas, the State Board of Public Accountancy requires 150 semester credit hours to sit for the CPA exam, which is more than a typical bachelor’s degree. Many students fulfill this requirement by pursuing a master’s degree in accounting after completing their undergraduate studies.

OLLU’s Master of Science in Accounting is designed to meet the 150-hour requirement and prepare you for the CPA exam. This one-year program deepens your expertise and equips you with leadership skills that set you apart in the workplace.

 

Step 3: Pass the CPA Exam and Gain Work Experience

After meeting the education requirements, the next step to becoming a CPA in Texas is passing the Uniform CPA Examination, a rigorous, four-part test covering auditing, financial accounting, regulation, and business concepts.

OLLU’s graduate courses are aligned with CPA exam content, giving you the confidence and knowledge you need to succeed. Once you pass the exam, you’ll also need to complete at least one year of supervised work experience before applying for your Texas CPA license.

 

Why Choose OLLU?

What makes OLLU the right choice for students learning how to become an accountant or CPA? Here are a few of the unique benefits:

• As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, OLLU offers an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
• Close mentorship from experienced faculty who are invested in your success.
• Programs are designed to meet Texas CPA requirements and national standards.
• A focus on ethics and leadership, preparing you to stand out in the workforce.

OLLU gives you more than just technical skills— it prepares you to lead with confidence and integrity in a competitive field.

 

Start Your Accounting Career with Confidence

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding and stable career, OLLU’s accounting programs give you the tools, guidance, and credentials to succeed. Whether your goal is simply learning how to become an accountant or taking the next step to become a CPA, OLLU has a team ready to support you and answer your questions along the way, as well as multiple accounting programs designed to fit your ambitions.

Explore our undergraduate and master’s programs today and see how far OLLU can take you.