Enquire to study in the UK 
Steve Garner was looking to change careers and saw accounting as the perfect fit. That decision led him to University of Houston-Clear Lake’s (UHCL) College of Business, where he joined the MS in Accounting programme. From there, he continued to build his expertise and is now teaching intermediate accounting at Tennessee Tech University.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without UHCL,” he says. “The critical thinking, leadership, technology, and communication skills I gained made it possible for me to complete my PhD and become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).”
Garner’s story is just one of many at UHCL. Among the top 1% of business schools worldwide (with separate Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for accounting), UHCL’s small classes, flexible degrees, and 34 scholarships make it the smart choice for many. Graduates leave with half the debt of those from flagship universities, giving them the freedom to pursue their ambitions without financial stress.
Learn from faculty who are corporate consultants, textbook authors, and internationally recognised researchers. Source: University of Houston-Clear Lake
Master the numbers and strategy that drive business
Knowledge alone isn’t enough in today’s business world; you need the right skills to stay ahead. You can get both through UHCL’s STEM-designated graduate business programmes in Accounting, Finance, and Management Information Systems (MIS).
Each programme has specialised tracks that cater to growing industry needs. Accounting students look into business analytics and reporting, tax compliance and planning, and data analytics and management information systems. Finance students cover business analytics and healthcare administration, while MIS teaches advanced IT management, data science, cybersecurity, and application development.
These programmes, led by industry-experienced faculty, align with global business and technology trends, preparing graduates for competitive careers.
Professor of Accounting Randall Xu, for example, is a CPA and a member of the American Accounting Association. He teaches advanced accounting and individual taxation courses in the bachelor’s and master’s accounting programmes. Both programmes are approved by the school and the Texas State Board of Accountancy, which meet the requirements for taking CPA tests in Texas. “In advanced accounting, I walk students through preparing consolidated financial statements, helping them understand how investors analyse corporate performance,” he says.
Professor Ivelina Pavlova-Stout, a Certified Financial Planner, teaches courses in International Finance, Business Finance, Intermediate Financial Management and Personal Wealth Management. “One of my favourite lessons is currency derivatives. We explore their role in hedging and speculation, covering key concepts like contract sizes, margin requirements, and how major exchanges like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange operate,” she says.
UHCL’s strategic location in Houston gives students access to a variety of industries like banking, energy, healthcare, and international trade. Source: University of Houston-Clear Lake
Learn by doing
Real-world application is a big part of UHCL’s business programmes. “Our strong ties with local businesses and organisations facilitate valuable networking opportunities, internships, and collaborations, thereby enhancing students’ career prospects,” says Professor Pavlova-Stout.
For accounting students, this means exploring the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and US tax laws to address critical issues. “By the end of the programme, students will be able to prepare and analyse financial statements and tax returns,” says Professor Xu. “We also host speaker sessions with CPA firms and corporation financial departments for students to interact with accounting professionals.”
Finance students conduct company case analysis, projects and presentations. “In the International Finance course, students take part in a foreign exchange trading project,” says Professor Pavlova-Stout. “They analyse market trends, make informed trading decisions, and manage risks associated with foreign exchange transactions.”
This practical exposure helps students develop critical skills such as fundamental analysis, risk management, and technological agility. Other ways UHCL promotes hands-on learning include access to the Wharton Research Data Services, S&P Global databases, and introduction to AI tools.
These hands-on opportunities leave a lasting impact. Garner, a scholarship recipient, got to tour the headquarters of Halliburton, an American multinational corporation and the world’s second-largest oil service company which is responsible for most of the world’s fracking operations. “I enjoyed the part where the 3D geological imaging was displayed,” he says. “But my most rewarding experience was serving as a supplemental instructor in the Student Success Centre for intermediate accounting.”
With a foundation in business, finance, and technology, UHCL graduates leave ready for global success. And, with its STEM designation, international students have an even greater advantage: they can apply for up to three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US. Many alumni go on to become entrepreneurs, managers, accountants, lawyers and more.
Follow the University of Houston-Clear Lake on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X
