Navigating Graduate School Choices: Is Prestige Key for Future Public Accountants?
As I approach graduation with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads. To be eligible for the CPA exam, I need to accumulate 150 credit hours, and I’m pondering my next steps. I’ve spent some time seeking advice on various forums, but I’m left grappling with the question: Does the prestige of a school truly impact your prospects in public Accounting?
Currently, I’m weighing two potential paths:
- Continuing my education at WGU for my master’s degree (affordable and comfortable)
- Transferring to a traditional state university or local college program
My hesitation stems from the lingering stigma surrounding online education, particularly programs like WGU that emphasize a competency-based approach and utilize pass/fail grading. I’m concerned that this could negatively influence my opportunities in public Accounting or hinder my chances of securing desirable entry-level positions.
I would greatly appreciate feedback from those of you who have first-hand experience in the hiring process—both as candidates and as hiring managers:
- Do recruiters truly overlook the reputation of your institution once you have your CPA?
- Are there any success stories of individuals with a WGU degree breaking into the Big 4 or mid-tier firms?
- Is pursuing a master’s degree from a more traditional program a worthwhile investment in terms of cost and time?
While the general consensus seems to promote the idea that having a CPA supersedes the significance of the school’s name, I can’t shake the feeling that opting to remain at WGU for my master’s could limit my professional opportunities. I’m eager to hear from anyone who has navigated a similar dilemma.
Thank you for sharing your insights!
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