Graduate Student Spotlight

Accountancy MACC

Student Name:  Hannah Madden

Program: Accountancy

Hometown: Carthage, TX

Undergraduate Institution: East Texas Baptist University

Graduation Year: 2020

Why did you choose to attend UT Tyler?

I chose to attend UT Tyler because it seemed like the best option for me, based on both my schedule and the level of education I was looking to receive. Since I do not live or work in Tyler, the hybrid courses offered played a key part in my decision. I am able to do most of my coursework online, or over Zoom, and then easily commute to classes one night a week. I was told about the excellent accounting program at UT Tyler by several individuals and when I learned about the CPA exam pass rates, my choice was made!

What are your career goals and how does your graduate program support them?

I plan to first receive my Master in Accountancy, then become a licensed CPA. The area of accounting I have always enjoyed most is taxation, specifically for individuals or small businesses. I am currently working as an intern for Christopher L. Fyffe, PC in Marshall, TX and plan to begin working there full-time once I graduate. All courses in the MAcc program are designed ultimately to enable students to pass the CPA exam and become knowledgeable/experienced accountants. I was excited to learn that the program included a CPA review course, but even the standard accounting courses place emphasis on material that must be remembered for future use.

I feel that while I learned many things in my undergraduate courses, accounting was not the main focus and, therefore, there were some areas where I was not on the level that I needed to be. In my short time at UT Tyler, I have learned essential information and I now feel much more confident about entering the field of accounting.

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

Every professor I have met thus far has communicated their sincere desire to provide students with the knowledge needed to have a successful career. Each course I have taken has been organized in a way that enabled me to fully understand and retain the material, through completing the assigned work. Being in the MAcc program is so enjoyable because you are surrounded by like-minded individuals who have similar goals and aspirations for achieving success in the same field. Networking and sharing experiences, in addition to the courses, is vital for those working in business and makes reaching educational or career objectives more bearable as you journey through them together.

Find out more about our Master of Accountancy program