Navigating Graduate School Choices: A WGU Accounting Student’s Dilemma
As I approach graduation with my degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads. To qualify for the CPA license, I need to complete 150 credit hours, and the decision I face now is whether to continue pursuing my master’s degree at WGU or transfer to a more traditional university.
In my research and interactions on various forums, I’ve encountered differing opinions on the significance of school prestige in the Accounting field. Many suggest that once you have your CPA, the reputation of the institution becomes less relevant. However, I must admit, I have my reservations about this perspective.
Here are my two options:
- Continue at WGU – It’s an affordable option and one I’m already familiar with.
- Transfer to a traditional university – This would come with increased costs but may carry more prestige.
My main concern stems from the lingering stigma around online education, particularly for competency-based programs like WGU that employ pass/fail grading and automatically assign a 3.0 GPA. This raises the question: could this affect my chances of being hired by public accounting firms or securing desirable entry-level positions?
I would greatly appreciate insights from those who have navigated this terrain, whether as job seekers or as recruiters:
- Do hiring managers prioritize practical experience and the CPA over the school’s reputation?
- Has anyone here successfully secured a position in Big 4 or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
- Is the investment in a master’s from a traditional institution justified when weighed against the benefits of staying with WGU?
While conventional wisdom suggests that possessing a CPA outweighs institutional prestige, the unease I feel about potentially limiting my career opportunities makes this choice all the more pressing. I welcome thoughts and experiences from anyone who has faced a similar decision.
Thank you for sharing your insights!
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