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

Navigating the Path to Public Accounting: Should You Prioritize Prestige or Practicality?

As I approach the culmination of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I’m faced with an important decision regarding my next steps toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With the CPA credential requiring 150 credit hours, I’m actively weighing my options, especially given the ongoing debate about the importance of school prestige in the Accounting field.

Many discussions within the community suggest that once you hold a CPA, the name of the school you attended may no longer matter. However, I find myself grappling with doubts about this conventional wisdom.

I have two primary paths before me:

1. Continue at WGU for my master’s degree: This option offers affordability and comfort with a familiar program.
2. Transfer to a traditional state university or local university program: This route could provide a more conventional academic experience but may come with higher costs and additional time commitments.

Despite the merits of my current program, I harbor concerns regarding the perception of online degrees, particularly those from competency-based institutions like WGU. The unique grading system, which features pass/fail evaluations and an automatic GPA of 3.0, raises questions in my mind about how it may influence my opportunities in public accounting. Could this bias affect my chances with major firms when I seek entry-level roles?

To those who have navigated the journey into public accounting, whether as applicants or recruiters, I seek your perspective on several key points:

• Do hiring managers truly prioritize the CPA designation over the reputation of an educational institution?
• Are there success stories from individuals who transitioned into Big 4 or mid-tier firms with degrees from WGU?
• Is investing in a more prestigious master’s program justified in terms of cost and time compared to staying at WGU?

While the prevailing belief is that obtaining the CPA outweighs the importance of where I earned my degree, I can’t shake the apprehension that choosing WGU for graduate studies might inadvertently limit my future prospects.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or experiences you can share regarding this pivotal decision in my career path.

Thank you for your insights!