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

Navigating Master’s Program Choices: The Impact of School Prestige in Public Accounting

As I approach the culmination of my undergraduate journey with a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I’m faced with an important decision: how should I proceed with my education to fulfill the 150 credit hours required for the CPA exam? After extensive reading and participation in various online forums, I’ve encountered a prevailing notion that the reputation of an institution becomes less significant once you have your CPA credentials. However, I’m starting to doubt the validity of that perspective.

Currently, I’m at a crossroads with two distinct paths ahead of me:

1. Pursue my Master’s degree at WGU: This option is cost-effective and allows me to continue at a familiar institution.
2. Transfer to a Traditional University: This would entail enrolling in a local state school or a well-regarded program with more conventional coursework.

My apprehensions mainly center around the perception of online education, particularly regarding competency-based models like WGU that employ pass/fail grading systems and consequently assign an automatic 3.0 GPA. I’m concerned that this may adversely affect my prospects when applying to prominent public Accounting firms, especially for desirable entry-level roles.

To those who have navigated the hiring landscape—either as candidates or hiring managers—I have a few pressing queries:

• Do recruiters truly overlook an institution’s name once a candidate has obtained their CPA?
• Are there success stories of individuals breaking into Big 4 or mid-tier Accounting firms holding a degree from WGU?
• Is the investment of both time and finances in a more traditional master’s program justified?

While traditional wisdom often states that having a CPA credential outweighs the school’s reputation, I can’t shake the concern that choosing to stay with WGU for my graduate education may narrow my future opportunities. I would greatly appreciate any insights or personal experiences from those who’ve been through a similar dilemma.

Thank you in advance for your valuable input!