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

Navigating Graduate Choices After WGU: The Importance of School Prestige in Public Accounting

As I approach graduation with my bachelor’s in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads regarding the next steps in my academic journey. To qualify for the CPA exam, I need to accumulate 150 credit hours, and I’m currently weighing my options for a master’s program.

Having read various discussions within this community, a recurring theme suggests that once you obtain your CPA license, the prestige of your alma mater takes a backseat. However, I can’t shake off my doubts about this notion.

I’m torn between two distinct paths:

1. Continue my education at WGU – This option is both cost-effective and offers a familiar learning environment.
2. Transfer to a traditional university – Although this may offer more recognition, it could also be a more expensive and time-consuming route.

One of my primary concerns stems from the potential biases against online institutions, particularly competency-based programs like WGU, which utilize pass/fail grading and typically result in a standardized GPA of 3.0. I wonder if these factors could hinder my prospects of entering esteemed public Accounting firms or obtaining desirable entry-level roles.

To those of you who have navigated the hiring landscape—whether as candidates or hiring managers—I have a few questions that I hope you can shed light on:

• Do recruiters genuinely overlook the institution’s name as long as a candidate possesses a CPA?
• Has anyone successfully gained entry into Big 4 or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Is pursuing a more traditional master’s program justifiable in terms of both cost and time?

Although the prevailing advice suggests that having a CPA is more important than the school’s reputation, I am concerned that opting to stay at WGU for my master’s might inadvertently limit my opportunities. I would greatly appreciate input from individuals who have faced similar dilemmas and can share their experiences.

Thank you in advance for your valuable insights!