Navigating the Master’s Program Decision: Does School Prestige Matter for Aspiring Accountants?

As I approach the completion of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself facing a pivotal decision regarding my next academic step. In addition to obtaining my CPA license, I need to complete 150 credit hours, and I’m weighing my options carefully. The ongoing debate within the Accounting community about the significance of school prestige has sparked some self-doubt in my decision-making process.

Currently, I’m considering two paths:

1. Continue my education at WGU for my master’s degree
This option is appealing due to its affordability and the familiarity of the online learning environment that I’ve grown accustomed to.

2. Transfer to a traditional university or local state school
While this route may provide a more conventional educational experience, it also involves higher costs and the uncertainty of adapting to a new academic setting.

My primary concern lies in the lingering stigma that seems to surround online institutions, particularly those that operate on a competency-based model like WGU, which employs a pass/fail grading system and automatically assigns a GPA of 3.0. I can’t help but wonder if these factors might influence my employability, especially in the highly competitive field of public Accounting.

To those who have navigated the hiring landscape—either as candidates or decision-makers—I’m seeking your insights on a few pressing questions:

• When recruiters assess candidates for roles in public accounting, do they truly overlook school prestige once the CPA credential is secured?
• Have any of you successfully transitioned into Big 4 or prominent mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Is the additional financial and temporal investment in a master’s program from a more traditional institution justified?

While popular opinion often stresses that having a CPA is of greater importance than the name of one’s university, I can’t shake the feeling that opting to stay with WGU for graduate studies might narrow my future opportunities. I would greatly appreciate hearing about your experiences and any advice you might have for someone in my position.

Thank you in advance for your valuable perspectives!