[TexasGrad]

I have the opportunity to either do a MACY program or an MBA program to meet the 150 hour requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Some classes in both the programs are similar but obviously the focuses are different. I would like feedback from anyone if they think one program would be better for the CPA exam than the other. The MACY program is not molded for the CPA exam and upon googling most people say the MACY program doesn’t prepare you for the CPA exam. The MBA program is at a different university than where I received my undergrad degree and a bunch of classes are online so it’s overall cheaper but I’m willing to spend the money for a MACY program if people agree that they do better on the CPA exam with a MACY. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It's my understanding the the University of Mary uses the Becker review course as part of their Master's program and the entire program can be taken on-line and the next class starts Sep 2012. https://www.umary.edu/pdflibrary/cade/Fargo_M.B.A.%20in%20Accountancy_September_2012.pdf

My two cents!

[Anonymous]

Sorry. That might not be the best link…but this one will work: https://www.umary.edu/academics/index.php?degreecategory=Online&categorytitle=Degree Programs Online

[Whatdidyou]

Master of Accountancy programs are generally programs that are trying to make you a better accounting professional and not necesarily to help you pass he CPA exam. Personally, I think this is a good thing.

I think the value of the program will be in my development/preparedness for work at the end and not because it helped me pass the CPA exam (although it has certainly been very useful in my BEC preparation – although it is by no means designed with that in mind). T

In general, for our profession: MACC > MBA > online program. I would try to avoid an online heavy MBA or MACC if you can but that's just me.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[HFinn]

Texasgrad, what university are you looking at? I got my MACY in Texas too, and have a feeling I went to the school you're talking about..

[JakeO]

If you plan on staying in accounting as your profession, then the Masters of Accountancy is much more useful. However, if you plan on getting more into business consulting, administrative roles, CEO's, etc. than a good MBA can be very valuable. Honestly though, both lose a lot of prestige as soon as you get the other three important letters…CPA!! At the end of the day, an MBA might actually be more helpful in gaining employment once you become a CPA, especially if you plan on going into less accountant-type roles in an industry. I would also consider the cost and time each one would take.

AUD-Failed (Waiting for Score)
BEC-PASSED (First try)
REG-Failed (Retake February 2013)
FAR-Failed (Retake January 2013)

[Anonymous]

I got my Masters in Accounting from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and it completely prepared me for the CPA exam. A lot of the curriculum covered in the one year program is specifically designed to help you prepare for the CPA exam. I agree with prior posts–it really depends on your end goal. If you plan on continuing in the accounting industry, I would go with the MSA and forget the MBA unless you have aspirations of a career in consulting, management, supply chain, you get the idea…Not to say that you can't have those jobs with only your CPA license minus the MBA. Nowadays, MBAs are a dime a dozen and underqualified people can get MBAs at crap schools. There's only one type of CPA license and I personally feel that it adds much more depth to your resume than an MBA would. Choose a Masters in Accounting program that will prep you well enough for the CPA exam and move on–just be sure to do your research before applying and get a lot of opinions.

[Anonymous]

I finish my MSA in 1 week and 2 days! Do I think it prepared me for the CPA Exam? REG and BEC, absolutely. I had four more tax classes and a financial statement analysis class. AUD, somewhat. I made sure I took an advanced auditing class for the exposure to the terminology, mostly. FAR, no.

I needed 30 more hours for the CPA requirement, so the MSA seemed better than underwater basket-weaving. What's more is I actually feel like I am going to my firm adding more value than I had before my MSA. Feels pretty good. I wanted a master's degree more than I needed one for any particular purpose.

I will echo everyone else. If you plan on going the public accounting route, or even plan to hop out into industry accounting roles, the MAcc is definitely the way to go…unless you want to work for Deloitte. Apparently, they are the number one employer of MBAs in the country.

[Author]

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