Pre-CPA
If you are considering a career in the area of accounting, the DBU Pre-CPA Program equips students for registration for the CPA exam in a variety of ways.
Advisor | Testimonials | Articles | FAQs
Determining Your Calling to Accounting
Let us come alongside you as you determine God’s unique calling within the accounting field. Visit with professors and advisors to determine if accounting is something you are being called to and determine where that could lead you.
Preparing You Academically for Accounting
Establish the foundation needed to be successful in the world of accounting. Through pre-CPA classes, whether participating in tax planning and research or analyzing financial statements, students will leave DBU equipped with skills needed to become a successful CPA.
Preparing You Personally and Professionally for Accounting
Engage with other students on similar career paths through our student organizations or through service opportunities. Gain real-world experience through internships and shadowing opportunities that help enhance your learning.
Preparing You for the CPA Exam
Take advantage of the connections that DBU offers, whether it is connecting with representatives at Becker, interning at Saville CPAs, or participating in Meet the Firm nights. Students will receive personalized guidance from the pre-CPA advisor to help them make decisions such as where to practice and how to be successful there.
Pre-CPA Advisor
Erin Smith
Undergraduate Studies Advisor
In 2017, Erin Smith joined the Dallas Baptist University staff in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Since then, she has served in both Admissions and Financial Aid and currently works as the academic advisor for the Carter School of Business. Erin received her bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University and her Master of Arts in Communication from DBU. She enjoys working with and encouraging students. Her goal is to help students get the most out of their time at DBU. Erin lives in Grand Prairie, Texas. She is an active member of First Baptist Church, where she teaches children’s classes, promotes women’s ministry events, and helps lead mission projects.
erins@dbu.edu
(214) 333-5539
Pre-CPA Alumni Testimonials
Hope Arden
Tax Accountant, Ernst & Young
Hope graduated from DBU in 2022 with an M.B.A. in Accounting. She is currently a Tax Accountant at Ernst & Young.
“The personalized advising has been a highlight of my academic experience at DBU. My advisor has gone above and beyond to guide me in my steps towards the CPA exam, prepare me for corporate America, and most importantly deepen my relationship with Christ.”
Gen (Nick) Fujisawa
Member, Amissville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company
Gen graduated from DBU in 2022 with an M.B.A. in Accounting. He is currently a member of the Amissville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.
“The amazing faculty and advisors coupled with the excellent academic opportunities and Biblical fundamentals have prepared me for domestic and international work in Business. The program has provided me with the educational requirements I need to become a successful CPA.”
Zane Elliott
Staff Accountant, Pearl Street Dental Partners
Zane graduated from DBU in 2023 with an M.B.A. in Accounting. He is currently a staff accountant at Pearl Street Dental Partners.
“The professors integrate a faith-based learning environment to ensure you, the student, are prioritized in all aspects as you move towards procuring your degree. The goal is to grow in your understanding of accounting, obtain your degree, and then apply your knowledge from the classroom to your respective real-world work environment.”
Will Bevill
Client Accounting Services Assistant Controller, Saville CPAs & Advisors
Will graduated from DBU in 2020 with an M.B.A. in Accounting. He is currently a Client Accounting Services Assistant Controller at Saville CPAs & Advisors.
“The pre-professional accounting program provides an experience that exemplified what it means to be a Christian in the business world today. The diligence of the professors not only ensures that students are prepared for the CPA exam, but also have professional opportunities upon graduation.”
Nicole Fellows
Tax Associate, FORVIS
Nicole graduated from DBU in 2022 with an M.B.A. in Accounting. She is currently a tax associate at FORVIS.
“The five year pre-professional Bachelor’s and Master’s Accounting degree at Dallas Baptist University is a Christ-centered environment. Professors encourage students to grow academically and spiritually through challenging courses and service-learning opportunities and point to students to networking opportunities so students can be prepared after graduation.”
Pre-CPA Professor Testimonial
Grace Paterson
Assistant Professor of Accounting, DBU
Grace graduated from Baylor University in 2021 with an M.B.A. in Accounting. She is currently an assistant professor of Accounting at DBU.
"I love that as a degree, accounting closes no doors. In today’s world, an accounting degree is highly sought after. I am grateful to be a part of a University that develops well-rounded business students who can bring their Christian worldview into the workforce."
Pre-CPA Alumni Profiles
Connor Hall '22
Tax Associate, Howard, LLP
Katelyn Childs '20
Audit Senior, Saville CPAs & Advisors
Micaela Lamb '20
Senior Associate, Ernst & Young
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Cody Caldwell '19
Senior Planner, Moss, Luse & Womble LLC
Kelsey Lambert '18
Audit Manager, KPMG
Brandon Hepler '16
Financial Analyst, Lockheed Martin
Rebecca Roush '16
Manager, PwC
Sofia Butron '15
Senior Staff Accountant, Trail Drive Management Corp.
Pre-CPA Articles
Pre-CPA FAQs
DBU offers an accelerated BBA/MS Accounting degree for qualifying undergraduate students. Graduates of this program will demonstrate competence in the foundational areas of business, possess technical skills and knowledge in accounting, and meet the education requirements of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy necessary to register for the CPA examination. Minimum of 114 hours for undergraduate and 36 hours for graduate, with a degree total of 150 minimum hours.
The degree plans are available on the links below:
As you face the decision of what career to pursue, you might find yourself unsure of what different careers may look like. In the Pre-CPA program at DBU, students will be connected with outside accounting firms to intern and build relationships. Students have the opportunity to meet with their on-campus advisor individually to help them think through the best internship fit for them. In addition to internship opportunities, DBU provides events and programs that help assist students in further networking in their field. Through campus visits, meet-the-firm nights, and internship opportunities, students will be able to gain clarity on what a career in accounting may look like and if it is the career for them.
Internships
- Students can meet with their advisor to discuss internship opportunities and locations. Former students have interned with local firms such as Saville CPAs, Moss Luse & Womble LLC, PwC, Beaird-Harris, Howard, Weaver, and Whitley Penn, and with large corporations such as Northrop Grumman and Hewlett-Packard.
VITA Program
- VITA is a volunteer program through the IRS that gives students an inside look at working as an accountant. The program gives students the chance to assist in preparing tax forms and get real-world practice.
DBU Business Society
- DBU offers the Business Society, a club that equips students with business resources. It provides students with networking opportunities and the chance to learn from speakers from a variety of business focuses.
Navigating decisions about your career can be daunting, but our professors and advisors want to come alongside you to help you as you determine what God might be calling you to. Our faculty and staff are prepared to guide you as you make the most informed decisions that uses your gifts to further reach people. The Pre-CPA program is designed to equip students for a career in accounting that not only serves the community but follows in your unique calling.
Becker Partnership
- DBU has a partnership with Becker to help prepare students for the CPA exam. Representatives from Becker speak to our students at DBU about the CPA exam as well as coordinate Meet the Firm nights to give students a glimpse into accounting firms in the area.
Building a Resume
- Through internship opportunities and volunteer programs, students can build their resumes while still in school. Dallas Baptist University provides information and resources on building resumes. Additionally, students can reach out to their advisor for additional support and help in building their resume.
Application Process
- Complete DBU’s 5-year BBA/MBA Accounting program. This program provides you with all education requirements to sit for the CPA exam
- Submit your application of intent to sit for the CPA exam 6 months to one year prior to graduation
- Enroll in a review course, such as Becker CPA Review, 3 to 4 months before you plan to sit for your first exam
- Submit your eligibility application and pay the exam fee to schedule your exam
- Sit for the CPA exam
Students who choose to prepare to be an accountant at Dallas Baptist University have the unique experience of a program with Christian distinctives. Through Christian worldview classes or mentorship relationships with professors, students learn how to grow in their faith and connect their faith to their profession. At DBU, students receive personalized attention from professors, whether it is a lunch to discuss big issues or a sounding board to grapple with life’s big decisions. Education at DBU is about more than gaining knowledge; it extends its reach to learning how to engage knowledge with faith for a deeper foundation and understanding. DBU offers a 5-year program that allows students to get both a BBA and an MBA in that 5-year time frame. This means that students will not have to seek further education when they complete their time at DBU. Whether it is helping you prepare for the CPA exam, make a decision about accounting, or survive a challenging course, Dallas Baptist University professors and advisors in the Pre-CPA program are here to help.