[sonygal57]

About Me:

I am working toward getting the CPA exams out of the way.

I graduated from Western International University with a 4.0 for my bachelors in accounting.

I currently work year-round at a McTax place (4yrs).

I do have my EA.

My Options:

WIU, UOP, NOVA (and other online schools)

State school where big four does campus recruiting (approx 90 miles away)

MAIN ?: I was wondering if I tried to get my masters from a college such as WIU, UOP, or Nova if I would be killing any shot I would have at a Big 4.

More info:

I am in a small town and would have to commute over 90 miles to go to the closest state school. I can’t move because I can’t afford to pay my mortgage and keep a second home (I don’t want to rely on selling or renting because neither market is good where I live). The commute would obviously be quite costly.

I am really considering returning to WIU for my masters because I can get the degree for less cost (including commute and living expenses) than any of the other schools I can find. What do you guys think?

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[Ajaz0810]

I got a degree from a Big Ten school 10 years ago in communications and couldn't find a job and eventually landed in sales. I went back and got a 2 year addition in accounting that allows me to take the CPA. The school is a liberal arts school that isn't known for business. I don't think the school itself will get me a job, but passing the CPA will. I wouldn't really think that going to grad school at a for profit school will get you a good job, but it could teach you a thing a two. Personally I am going to get my CPA and say no to school and only go back and get an MBA if my employer pays for it.

FAR 62, 66, 78
AUD 66, 55, 74, 72
BEC 79
REG

[Ajaz0810]

I got a degree from a Big Ten school 10 years ago in communications and couldn't find a job and eventually landed in sales. I went back and got a 2 year addition in accounting that allows me to take the CPA. The school is a liberal arts school that isn't known for business. I don't think the school itself will get me a job, but passing the CPA will. I wouldn't really think that going to grad school at a for profit school will get you a good job, but it could teach you a thing a two. Personally I am going to get my CPA and say no to school and only go back and get an MBA if my employer pays for it.

FAR 62, 66, 78
AUD 66, 55, 74, 72
BEC 79
REG

[mla1169]

Have you looked into the online offerings of your state school? I know that many schools are starting to realize they HAVE to offer online programs to stay competitive. My degree is from southern new Hampshire university and the only time I stepped foot on campus was for one public speaking presentation (did the rest of my speeches at other venues, videotaped for grading) and to pick up my cap and gown. Did my BS and MS there.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Have you looked into the online offerings of your state school? I know that many schools are starting to realize they HAVE to offer online programs to stay competitive. My degree is from southern new Hampshire university and the only time I stepped foot on campus was for one public speaking presentation (did the rest of my speeches at other venues, videotaped for grading) and to pick up my cap and gown. Did my BS and MS there.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[sonygal57]

The state school does not offer the masters in accounting online. I've looked at other state schools that do and when I looked (about a year ago) they wanted to charge out of state tuition…aka ridiculous prices!

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[sonygal57]

The state school does not offer the masters in accounting online. I've looked at other state schools that do and when I looked (about a year ago) they wanted to charge out of state tuition…aka ridiculous prices!

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[WestonM]

When you say NOVA I assume you mean Villanova?

You do know they have summer classes on campus during the summer for 40 hours a week?

BEC: 93 4/18/13
FAR: 89 7/3/13
REG: 90 8/30/13
AUD: 95 11/29/13

DONE!

[WestonM]

When you say NOVA I assume you mean Villanova?

You do know they have summer classes on campus during the summer for 40 hours a week?

BEC: 93 4/18/13
FAR: 89 7/3/13
REG: 90 8/30/13
AUD: 95 11/29/13

DONE!

[wannabeCPA123]

The big 4 does all if its recruiting oncampus. You can't get in from the street. It is nearly impossible.

I was at mid tier firm's pre-interview dinner, and girl mentioned that she had a master's from Devry/UOP or Heald (I don't want to say which one). as soon as she said that, the eyes rolled and the noses shot-up all across the room. She probably worked hard for her degree, and in the end, nobody gave her any respect. It will be like for the rest of her career.

Think really hard about that before you go to one of those schools.

Big 4 will not give you a chance at all with a UofP or devry degree.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[wannabeCPA123]

The big 4 does all if its recruiting oncampus. You can't get in from the street. It is nearly impossible.

I was at mid tier firm's pre-interview dinner, and girl mentioned that she had a master's from Devry/UOP or Heald (I don't want to say which one). as soon as she said that, the eyes rolled and the noses shot-up all across the room. She probably worked hard for her degree, and in the end, nobody gave her any respect. It will be like for the rest of her career.

Think really hard about that before you go to one of those schools.

Big 4 will not give you a chance at all with a UofP or devry degree.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[Anonymous]

Here are a few questions to think about. Can you do most of the classes online, and only attend some in person? Also is there a big 4 close to you? Since you live in a small town, what is your plan when you get a job in a big 4 firm? Can that plan move up for grad school?

Look into the reputation of the schools for accounting jobs in the area you want to be in. Where I am at, there is a renowned school for some subjects, but not accounting. A recruiter told me that they don't recruit from that school, but it is a highly recruited school for lawyers.

[Anonymous]

Here are a few questions to think about. Can you do most of the classes online, and only attend some in person? Also is there a big 4 close to you? Since you live in a small town, what is your plan when you get a job in a big 4 firm? Can that plan move up for grad school?

Look into the reputation of the schools for accounting jobs in the area you want to be in. Where I am at, there is a renowned school for some subjects, but not accounting. A recruiter told me that they don't recruit from that school, but it is a highly recruited school for lawyers.

[sonygal57]

I am really worried about the reputation of an online school in the accounting community and have convinced myself that I need to go to the state school. I know a lot of people say the masters is not necessary but I need 8 classes for my cpa and the masters degree is 10 classes….I feel like if I just get the 8 classes at the community college that would end up being a bigger waste of money…I am considering applying for the state school…if I get in then I will apply for jobs in the city where the state school is located and go from there. It will be hard money-wise but I think it might be worth it

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[sonygal57]

I am really worried about the reputation of an online school in the accounting community and have convinced myself that I need to go to the state school. I know a lot of people say the masters is not necessary but I need 8 classes for my cpa and the masters degree is 10 classes….I feel like if I just get the 8 classes at the community college that would end up being a bigger waste of money…I am considering applying for the state school…if I get in then I will apply for jobs in the city where the state school is located and go from there. It will be hard money-wise but I think it might be worth it

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[sonygal57]

@Weston I meant NOVA southeastern U…they have an interactive online program….it actually looks pretty good.

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[Author]

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