Pre-CPA
The DBU Pre-CPA Program equips students for registration for the CPA exam:
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.
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. Students have the opportunity to receive both their Bachelor’s and Masters in Accounting through DBU’s accelerated program.
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.
DBU Pre-CPA Advisor
erins@dbu.edu
(214) 333-5539
Erin Smith
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 College 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.
DBU Pre-CPA Alumni Profiles
Katelyn Childs
Audit Senior, Saville CPAs
Brandon Hepler, CPA
Financial Analyst, Lockheed Martin
Rebecca Roush
Financial Analyst Senior, Ernst & Young
Kelsey Lambert, CPA
Audit Associate, KPMG
Micaela Lamb
Global Mobility Tax Associate, PwC
Connor Hall, CPA
Tax Associate at Howard, LLP
Cody Caldwell, CPA
Senior Accountant, Moss, Luse & Womble LLC
Sofia Butron, CPA
Staff Accountant, Trail Drive Management Corporation
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.
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 is a volunteer program through the IRS that allows students an inside view to work as an accountant. The program gives students the chance to assist in preparing tax forms and get real world practice.
DBU offers the Business Society which is a club that equips students with business resources. It provides networking opportunities for students as well as 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.
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:
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, but 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.