Frequently Asked Questions

General

• How do I schedule an appointment to meet with the CAP Admissions Coordinator?

  Advising appointments are held in person* or via Skype, Zoom or Microsoft Teams during scheduled office hours. Please visit our Contact Us page for information on how to schedule an appointment.

  *Due to recent changes in operations at the University of Houston in regards to COVID-19, the Professional Accounting Advising Office is working remotely. We are fully operational remotely and still have access to email, as well as availability to hold remote appointments.

• How long is the program?

  The length of the program is based on the educational needs of each individual student. If the intent is to sit for the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) Uniformed CPA Examination, the length may depend on how many hours are needed to fulfill TSBPA educational requirements.

• Is the CAP program a full-time or part-time program?

  CAP provides students with the opportunity to study full-time* or part-time. Most courses are offered one day a week from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there are a few Saturday course options.

  *Full-time at the CAP level is 12 hours each long semester (Fall and Spring).

• Do I need to complete Principles of Accounting 1 and 2 before applying to CAP?

  No, you may take our ACCT 5397 Financial & Managerial Accounting class during your first semester in CAP. This course is a blend of Principles of Accounting 1 and 2 and can be taken in lieu of needing to complete both individual classes.

• What if I have taken some advanced accounting and business courses at another institution 5+ years ago. Do I need to retake these courses?

  If your goal is to sit for the CPA exam without earning a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSACCY) degree, most likely, you will not need to retake the courses. Typically, TSBPA does not have a time limit on the age of courses. Please submit your application of intent to the TSBPA to identify the courses needed to meet the academic requirements. Once you receive a response from the TSPA, and you are admitted into CAP, please schedule an advising appointment with the CAP Advisor. The CAP Advisor will help you select the needed courses from the University of Houston’s list of approved courses.

  If your goal is to complete the prerequisites for the MSACCY program, please email [email protected] to schedule an advising session with the CAP Admissions Coordinator.

• Can I transfer courses to CAP from another institution?

  CAP is a non-degree seeking certificate program; therefore, you cannot transfer courses into the program.

  However, the prerequisites for CAP courses completed at another institution may be considered valid upon department evaluation.

CAP vs. MSACCY

• I am not sure if I want to apply to graduate school. Can I start CAP and decide to apply to the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSACCY) program later on?

  Yes. If you are unsure about applying to the MSACCY program, we recommend only taking the prerequisite courses. Until your decision is made, we recommend postponing taking courses that are required for the MSACCY degree plan.

• Can I complete all the accounting prerequisite classes for the MSACCY program in 1-2 semesters in CAP?

  It is not possible to complete all the accounting prerequisite classes in 1 semester. However, depending on the accounting coursework completed previously, it may be possible to complete the classes in 2 semesters. If a student hasn’t previously completed any accounting coursework, it will take a minimum of 3 semesters to complete the classes.

The Application Process

• Why is it beneficial to apply early?

  All applications are carefully considered, and in some cases, additional information is needed before a decision is reached. Thus, applying well before the deadline date will allow ample time in case further information is needed. Additionally, applying early allows incoming students time to schedule an initial advising appointment, enroll, secure financial aid (if applicable), and obtain student visas (if applicable) well before the start of the semester.

• Do I need to submit GMAT scores, letters of recommendation and a goal statement for my application to CAP?

  No, these documents are not typically required for admission into CAP. If additional documentation is needed before an admission decision can be reached, the CAP Admissions Coordinator may ask for a resume and personal statement. Or, you may be invited for an interview.

• I may not be able to complete all parts of the application by the deadline. Are exceptions allowed?

  No exceptions are permitted. Incomplete applications are not reviewed by the committee. All parts of an application, including official transcripts, must be received by the deadline.

English Language Proficiency

• Can the English language proficiency requirement be waived?

  UH policy for the English language proficiency requirement cannot be waived unless the applicant meets guidelines for an exemption.

  For more information about requirements or exemptions, please visit the UH Office of Admission's English Language Proficiency Requirements webpage.

• Although my education was completed overseas, I am now a U.S. permanent resident. Will UH waive the English language proficiency requirement?

  The English language proficiency requirement applies to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens. Applicants must meet one of the listed exemptions to be waived from this requirement.

• For how many years are English language proficiency scores considered valid?

  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo English Test, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are valid for two (2) years.

What to Expect After Acceptance

• I do not currently reside in the Houston area, am I required to meet with my advisor?

  Yes, all new students are required to meet with their advisor for initial advising. If you are not currently in the Houston area, you can schedule a virtual appointment with your advisor. An advisor hold preventing enrollment will be placed on each new student's account and will not be removed until a student has completed this requirement.

• I am a former UH main campus student, am I required to attend orientation?

  Yes, the Tips for Success Orientation for new CAP students is program specific and will cover topics that differ from other UH orientations.

F-1 International Students

• Can I obtain Optional Practical Training (OPT) after I complete CAP?

  Yes, CAP students can obtain OPT. The International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) processes paperwork related to OPT.