[ML]

Hi Everyone,

I’m currently residing in Houston and am a non traditional student. I will be earning my BS in Accounting 100% online at an out of state school accredited by the NEASC and ACBSP and would like to obtain my MS in Accounting (36 hrs) to meet the 150 credit hour requirement in Texas.

I’m considering continuing on to obtain my Masters through my current school online but am also looking at the MSA program at Texas A & M Commerce as it is 100% online. However, I am a bit concerened as I have read (30 times lol) on the TSBPA website that 15 of 30 upper level accounting courses must be taken face to face.

I’m at a cross roads and have been making myself sick with worry as I am working full time up to 50+ hours at a local PEO firm and have found that the online format suits my needs. I’m looking for some clarification and helpful suggestions from those of you that have been in my situation.

The following passage states (from TSBPA): https://www.tsbpa.state.tx.us/exam-qualification/education-accounting-courses.html

Non-traditionally-delivered accounting courses may be considered to meet the accounting course requirements provided courses have been reviewed and approved through a formal, institutional faculty review process that evaluates the course and its learning outcomes and determines that the course does, in fact, have equivalent learning outcomes to an equivalent, traditionally delivered (face-to-face) course.

Thank you,
ML

[noclady]

I never noticed that little blurb before I started the qualification process back in 2015. Maybe it's recent? But, if TX is now willing to accept online courses in the place of face-to-face, as long as it meets their review process, I would call them. Give them the classes/school/etc. that they need to determine if they qualify for face-to-face hours. You don't want to take graduate level classes and assume they'll be accepted for F2F hours, only to find out that they don't. I've taken a couple of graduate level courses at A&M Commerce and know that they do live lectures online (which they also record for later review). But I'm not sure if TSBPA will accept those types of classes for the “physical attendance” requirement. Bottom line…just check with them directly.

[Recked]

I would suggest you email and get the response in writing.
The people that typically answer the phone and answer questions are usually NOT qualified to provide those answers and their word holds no authority when push comes to shove.
If you have written proof, then you have a fighting chance if something goes amiss somewhere in the process.

Sorry I cannot provide any Texas specific help, just little life lessons I've learned along the way.

[Author]

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