High School Students

Think Accounting is Boring? Think Again.

What if your career could take you into sports, entertainment, fashion, tech or even solving financial crimes?

That’s what a Certified Public Accountant can do.

If you’re figuring out what you want to do after high school, the CPA path is worth exploring.

So… What Do Accountants Actually Do?

A lot more than you think.

You could:

• Work with pro athletes and sports teams on big decisions
• Help produce concerts, TV shows and video games
• Investigate fraud and financial crimes
• Support nonprofits and give back to communities
• Work in fashion, food or tech industries
• Advise businesses on strategy and growth

Accounting can take you anywhere. Want to see what that looks like? Meet real CPAs.

Why students choose this path:

• Strong earning potential over time
• High demand across every industry
• Flexible career options, including remote work
• Real opportunities to grow into leadership roles 

 The Work Behind the Numbers

It’s not just numbers.

Today’s CPAs use their skills in:

• Communication – explaining ideas to clients and teams
• Technology – using data, analytics and AI
• Problem-solving – finding better ways to do things
• Strategy – helping businesses plan for what’s next

Your interests don’t have to fit accounting — accounting can fit your interests.

How to Become a CPA

The path to becoming a CPA in Texas includes four key steps:

1. Complete the required college education, including 150 credit hours or 120 credit hours with an extra year of experience under alternative pathway effective August 2026.
2. Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Exam
3. Gain one or two years of supervised professional experience under a licensed CPA in good standing
4. Apply for your CPA license through the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

You don’t have to figure it all out now — just know where you’re headed.

 Plan Your Next Steps

Start thinking about college
If this path interests you, your next step is choosing a college with an accounting program

TEXAS SCHOOLS WITH ACCOUNTING PROGRAMS

What’s Next?

Take a look at what TXCPA offers college students, from scholarships to connections that help you move forward.

Discover What’s Next in College