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

Navigating Master’s Program Decisions: 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 regarding my next steps. To qualify for the CPA exam, I need to accumulate 150 credit hours, and I’m weighing my options for a master’s degree.

In browsing various discussions online, I’ve frequently encountered the notion that the prestige of a school becomes irrelevant once you secure your CPA. Yet, I’m starting to reconsider this common belief.

My dilemma boils down to two primary choices:

1. Continue my education at WGU – This option is cost-effective and involves a program I am already familiar with.
2. Transfer to a traditional state institution or a local university – While this path may come with higher costs and new challenges, it could potentially carry more weight in the eyes of employers.

I have some lingering concerns regarding the reputation of online educational programs, particularly competency-based ones like WGU. The automatic 3.0 GPA and pass/fail grading system raise questions in my mind about how this may impact my prospects in the highly competitive field of public Accounting.

To those who have experienced the hiring process—whether as candidates or hiring managers—I would greatly appreciate your insights on a few critical points:

• Do recruiters truly overlook the institution’s name when you possess a CPA?
• Are there success stories of individuals who have entered Big 4 or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Is pursuing a master’s at a more traditional institution a worthy investment in terms of cost and time, or should I stay the course with WGU?

While I recognize the conventional wisdom surrounding the emphasis on the CPA designation over the institution’s reputation, I can’t shake the anxiety that I might be restricting my professional opportunities by continuing my education at WGU.

I would love to hear from those of you who have faced similar choices or have insights into how school prestige may—or may not—affect career advancement in public Accounting. Thank you in advance for your thoughts!