[kgirl]

Hi everybody. I’ve completed 2 sections of my exams and my goal is to complete the remaining 2 by November 30, 2012 (FAR and BEC are left). I’m a PA resident and already have 150 credits from undergrad (due to changing universities from a mgmt/mktg degree to accounting).

To meet the 150 credit hours some PA colleges are offering programs now where students complete a BS/MBA or BS/MS in Accounting in 5 years to meet the 150 credit hours. My concern is that in a few years, employers will require potential employees to have a master’s degree to be considered for jobs. My goal is to either remain in public accounting at a regional firm or be a controller.

Currently, I’m working full-time in public accounting and if choosing to return to school, it would be part-time after the CPA is over. To summarize, I’m concerned that in a few years employes may NOT consider a job candidate who doesn’t have a master’s degree due to many students obtaining a master’s degree before their CPA. Any thoughts on what the best course of action is? Anyone in a similar boat?

Thank you in advance.

[mena je twa]

Its a far fetched thought that employers will want to see a candidate with a masters degree in the future.

All i know is that if you want to stay in accounting, your CPA designation will take you ways, far more than masters will.

I can't comment further on this topic, cause anything else that i say on this subject matter will be a pure speculation and guesses on my part.

Goodluck.

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[HFinn]

It depends. I've heard of some companies absolutely disqualifying a candidate for not having a Master's.

Many jobs postings mention “MBA or Master's degree preferred”, but not required.

Still, I think it's a value-added investment if you can get into a decent program, and stay away from crappy MBAs or online programs.

[kgirl]

If I did return to school, it would definitely be an AACSB-accredited school, for sure.

Side note- 100% agree with you about careful selection of a program. Fortunately, I'm in SW PA and there's some really good universities in the Pittsburgh area, which is less than an hour away from my job. (If I choose that route)

[MeaDebitum]

I doubt it will be necessary. Of all the jobs I interviewed for before being hired, I think 1 company wanted to know if I would pursue a Master's. Most of them just care that you will have your 150 credits for the CPA.

[HFinn]

I've seen the requirement for higher level positions. Mostly for Controller or CFO jobs or some other VP level position. I agree that most accounting jobs really only look at the CPA.

[gans555]

Kgirl, that's awesome that your from pittsburgh, I'm from the south hills. lol I just graduated my undergrad in accounting. I am now going to Duquesne University in the fall to do my masters. (also to get the 150 credit hours) I am also knocking out 2 parts of the CPA exam during my summer break.

Duquesne is better than Pitt to me cause Pitt doesn't have forensic accounting. If you're looking into it, I can really help you with Duquesne. I know people there and the professors are great. I don't want to brag, but with my GMAT score, college GPA, and internships I could have gone a lot of places. I chose Duq because I legit feel like it's the one of the best schools out there. Also, its top 3 in ethics, which is important to me. If you have any questions, you can email me a ganleys@duq.edu. or message me on here.

[Author]

Replies