Navigating Graduate Program Choices: Does School Prestige Play a Role in Public Accounting?

As I approach the completion of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), the next step in my career is looming large—specifically, obtaining my 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam. In my exploration of resources and discussions, I frequently encounter the sentiment that the prestige of one’s school loses significance post-CPA certification. However, I find myself wrestling with doubts regarding this perspective.

I am currently weighing two distinct paths for my master’s degree:

1. Continuing my education at WGU: This option is both economical and comfortable, given my familiarity with the program.
2. Transferring to a traditional state or local university: Although this route may incur higher costs and require more effort to adjust, it might provide different networking opportunities and a more conventional educational experience.

My primary concern is rooted in the potential stigma associated with online education, particularly for competency-based programs like WGU, which utilize a pass/fail grading system and typically yield a standard 3.0 GPA. I’m apprehensive that these factors could adversely affect my candidacy when applying to public Accounting firms or pursuing desirable entry-level positions.

I’m reaching out to those who have navigated the hiring landscape in accounting—whether as applicants or hiring managers—because I could really use some guidance:

• Do employers genuinely overlook school branding once candidates have obtained their CPA?
• Are there individuals who have successfully made their way into Big 4 or mid-tier firms holding a WGU degree?
• Is the investment of time and financial resources in a more traditional program for my master’s worth it?

While the prevailing notion underscores that having a CPA outweighs the importance of the educational institution, I can’t shake the feeling that opting to remain at WGU for my master’s might limit my professional opportunities. I’m eager to learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar dilemmas in their educational journeys.

Thank you in advance for sharing your insights and advice!