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

As I approach graduation with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads. To meet the 150 credit hour requirement for the CPA exam, I have a crucial decision to make regarding my next academic step. While browsing various forums and discussions, I’ve encountered contrasting opinions on the importance of school prestige in securing a position within public Accounting. This has led me to reconsider some of the well-accepted advice that “school name doesn’t matter once you have your CPA.”

I’m currently weighing two distinct paths:

1. Continue at WGU for my Master’s: This option is both budget-friendly and comfortable, given my familiarity with the program.
2. Transfer to a Traditional State University or Local Institution: This route may offer a more conventional educational experience and potentially greater perceived value in the eyes of employers.

My primary concern revolves around the stigma associated with online education, and particularly with programs like WGU that utilize a competency-based curriculum, where grades are primarily pass/fail, leading to an automatic 3.0 GPA. My fear is that this might hinder my efforts in securing interviews with public Accounting firms or obtaining competitive entry-level roles.

To those who have navigated the hiring landscape—whether as applicants or hiring professionals—I would greatly appreciate your expertise on a few key questions:

• Do recruiters seriously overlook the institution’s name once candidates have obtained their CPA credentials?
• Has anyone successfully transitioned into Big 4 or reputable mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Is it worthwhile to invest additional time and resources into a graduate program at a more traditional school?

While it is often stated that “CPA > school name,” I can’t shake the unease that I might be limiting my potential by remaining at WGU for my master’s degree. If you’ve experienced a similar dilemma or have insights to share, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you for your input!