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

Navigating Graduate School Decisions in Accounting: Should Prestige Matter?

As I approach graduation with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads. To qualify for the CPA exam, I need to accumulate 150 credit hours, and I am contemplating my next steps. Through my exploration of online forums, I’ve often encountered the assertion that the prestige of your school becomes less relevant once you obtain your CPA. However, I find myself wrestling with doubts about this perspective.

I have two primary paths before me:

1. Continue at WGU for my Master’s Degree: This option is cost-effective and offers the comfort of familiarity since I have already navigated my undergraduate studies at WGU.
2. Transfer to a Traditional State School or Local University: While potentially more prestigious, this route could entail additional expenses and adjustment to a new learning environment.

One lingering concern is the perception surrounding online education, particularly related to competency-based programs like WGU, which feature pass/fail grading and automatically assign a 3.0 GPA. I fear that such elements could negatively influence my opportunities when applying to public Accounting firms.

I am reaching out to this community for insights from those who have experienced the hiring process firsthand, either as candidates or as hiring managers:

• Do recruiters genuinely overlook the university name once a candidate has obtained their CPA?
• Has anyone successfully secured positions at Big 4 or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Is the investment of time and resources in a more traditional graduate program worthwhile?

While conventional wisdom suggests that earning a CPA supersedes the reputation of your college, I can’t shake the feeling that staying at WGU for my master’s might limit my prospects. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has navigated similar decisions or who can provide perspective on this important crossroads.

Thank you in advance for your valuable insights!