WGU grad conflicted about master’s program choice – does school prestige actually matter for getting into public accounting?

Title: Navigating the Decision: Should I Stay with WGU for My Master’s or Transfer to a Traditional University?

As I approach the completion of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads. With the requirement of obtaining 150 credit hours for the CPA licensing, I’ve been exploring my options for further education.

A common narrative I encounter in discussions is the idea that the prestige of an educational institution fades in importance once a CPA is achieved. However, I’m beginning to question the validity of this perspective as I ponder my next steps.

I’m considering two distinct paths for my master’s degree:

1. Continue with WGU: This option is appealing due to its affordability and my existing familiarity with the program.
2. Transfer to a Traditional University: This is a more conventional route, though it may come with higher costs and the challenge of adjusting to a new environment.

My hesitation mainly stems from the lingering stigma associated with online education, particularly from competency-based institutions like WGU, which utilizes pass/fail grading and automatically assigns a 3.0 GPA. I’m anxious about how this might affect my prospects in public Accounting, especially when aiming for entry-level roles in reputable firms.

To my fellow professionals and those who have navigated the hiring landscape, I am eager to hear your thoughts:

• Do employers truly overlook an institution’s name once candidates hold a CPA?
• Have there been successes in landing positions at Big 4 or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Is investing time and finances into a traditional master’s program justified?

While the typical adage suggests that a CPA outweighs school prestige, I can’t shake the feeling that pursuing my graduate degree at WGU might inadvertently limit my future opportunities in Accounting.

I appreciate any insights from those with similar experiences as I work through this significant decision. Thank you in advance for your contributions!