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

Navigating the Path to Your Accounting Career: Should You Prioritize School Prestige?

As I approach the culmination of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads regarding my next steps. In order to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam, I need an additional 150 credit hours. However, as I delve deeper into the experiences shared in various forums, I’ve noticed a recurring theme: many assert that institutional prestige becomes irrelevant once you’ve secured your CPA. This perspective, though popular, has left me feeling uncertain.

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

1. Stay at WGU: A cost-effective option I’m already familiar with.
2. Transfer to a Traditional Institution: Enrolling in a state university or a local program for my graduate studies.

What concerns me is the lingering stigma associated with online education, particularly from competency-based institutions like WGU, which utilizes a pass/fail grading system and typically awards a standard 3.0 GPA. I worry that this reputation might hinder my prospects of securing a position within public Accounting firms or achieving desirable entry-level roles.

I’m reaching out to gather insights from those who have navigated the hiring landscape in accounting—whether as job seekers or hiring professionals.

Here are some questions I’d like to pose:

• Do recruiters genuinely look beyond the name of your school once you’ve obtained your CPA?
• Is there anyone among you who has successfully transitioned into Big 4 or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Overall, is it worth the financial investment and additional time to pursue a master’s degree from a more traditional university setting?

While I understand the conventional wisdom that “having a CPA outweighs school name recognition,” I can’t help but question if choosing to remain at WGU for my graduate education could potentially limit my future opportunities. I would greatly appreciate feedback from anyone who has been in a similar position.

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and perspectives!