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Business professionals who want to reap the benefits of licensure as a CPA have the opportunity through a new program offered by Stephen F. Austin State University’s Rusche College of Business.

The Accountancy Pathway to CPA, an online and online-interactive curriculum, is designed for experienced, working professionals interested in obtaining the courses required to sit for the CPA exam.

Offered through the Gerald W. Schlief School of Accountancy, the 30-hour program results in a Master of Professional Accountancy, a certificate in forensic accounting and analytics, and qualification to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam in the state of Texas, with no degree in accounting required to enroll.

“This degree program is designed for those who have been in the workforce long enough to truly know what direction they want their career to take,” said Dr. Nikki Shoemaker. “As a CPA, you become more valuable across all industries in both the public and private sectors, and you become a strong candidate for management positions.”

The coursework includes topics such as advanced accounting, auditing, accounting research, regulation, analysis, communications and ethics. In addition to the MPA, and eligibility to sit for the CPA, the accompanying certification in forensic accounting and analytics enables graduates to identify fraudulent activities and understand the laws associated with fraud.

Since the program is ideally meant for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and are already two or more years into their careers, the online delivery is crucial, allowing students to stay where they are while moving ahead.

“It’s not realistic for people with families and good jobs to drop what they’re doing to come to campus,” Shoemaker said. “Through the Accountancy Pathway to CPA, students can take a big step forward without taking two steps back.”

To enroll in the program, applicants need to apply to the SFA Graduate School at www.applytexas.org. Additionally, applicants are required to submit a professional resume that details their work history and associated job duties. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher and a minimum of two years of professional work experience will receive clear admission into the program.

For more information, contact Nikki Shoemaker at

shoemakenl@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-3105. Learn more about the Rusche College of Business and the Schlief School of Accountancy.

By Richard Massey, Senior Marketing Communications Specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University

The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents met today in Executive Session to consider the question of revoking the contract of President Scott Gordon. The Board of Regents deliberated on and weighed the concerns expressed by the faculty, staff and students. After careful consideration of all factors, the Board did not take the action requested regarding the President’s contract. The Board recognizes that the relationship between President Gordon and the academic community currently is strained and must be reestablished by both parties with mutual respect and cooperation in order for the university to fully achieve its potential. The Board acknowledges the SFA faculty and staff to be a primary driver of the university’s performance and expresses its appreciation for the continuing efforts of the faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university to advance the quality of SFA’s instruction, operations and overall reputation. The Board is committed to greater accessibility in its own relationship with all sectors of the university community and affirms its own and the President’s accountability for promoting a campus culture of excellence and integrity.