Newswise — TUSCALOOSA, ALA. – The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse School of Accountancy’s undergraduate and Masters programs are ranked eighth in the nation and the PhD program 12th. It’s the school’s highest standing ever in the 2014 Public Accounting Report rankings released this week. Each of the program’s rankings increased by at least 12 spots from 2013.

Dr. Rich Houston is the Director of the Culverhouse School of Accountancy that is within the Culverhouse College of Commerce.

“This ranking is indicative of the commitment of our faculty and staff who work hard day in and day out to make this one of the best accounting programs in the country,” said Dr. Houston. “Our students know that if they want to pursue a degree in accounting, we will do everything we can to ensure that they are getting a top-notch education. We also could not have accomplished this without our loyal alumni base.”

The School of Accountancy received its own accreditation in 1982 and has consistently ranked in the top 25 programs in the nation.

"I am extremely proud of our accounting faculty and their outstanding research and teaching practices that make the school what it is today. This recognition is long overdue and richly deserved,” said Dr. J. Michael Hardin, dean, Culverhouse College of Commerce. “In the past year, Dr. Houston has provided extraordinary leadership and has created an exemplary culture and esprit de corps in the department. The people who benefit the most from this very hard work are, of course, our students and graduates."

Other SEC schools making the top 10 include Texas A&M and the University of Georgia.

To learn more about UA’s accounting program click on Culverhouse School of Accountancy.