[Antonb1985]

I was originally a liberal arts major, graduated with a good gpa and now thinking to getting an MSA to get my accounting credits and sit in for the CPA. My questions is, how much do the ranks really matter in the Masters prgoram if you’re aiming for a public accounting position? I got accepted into lower tier national university (Tamu- Commerce) and thinking of attending due to low cost and not having to redo the whole undergrad as a pre-req like alot of program out there require.

[Mayo]

In a nutshell, the higher the rank, the more that firms will recruit from your school.

Seeing that on campus recruiting is the best shot for getting your foot in the door at a good firm, I would eat the high cost and go to a good or great school.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[tmw0918]

In my opinion, getting your CPA is the whole point of doing the MSA……..I would go to a school that has the highest pass rate. And don't get caught up and the overall prestige of the school. Just benchmark based on MSA programs. It will surprise you how good some under the radar schools are. Good luck.

[Mayo]

The op mentioned looking for a public acc postion, so I would think CPA exam takes a backseat to getting recruited.

Fwiw, I went to a mid – low tier school and got a great edication. I'm not denying that. However, only like the best 10% of the class got PA positions due to the low numbers of recruitment.

In contrast, when I interned with people from top schools, only a handful were what I consider good accounting students. In other words, make it into a top program, get a 3.5 , have a good personality, and you will have a very very good chance at getting a position due to the sheer numbers of recruitment.

Even though you do all the right things at a low ranked school, you still might come away empty handed.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

When it comes to MSA (or any education)

either go Ivy League (defined as “top schools”) or go cheap.

Avoid student loans. Get an assistantship/TA-ship/fellowship if you can.

And give the GMAT a powerful body slam. If you can't get in the 700-800 range, try again.

[Anonymous]

@Mayo “I went to a mid – low tier school and got a great edication.”

You had me laughing for like 5 mins reading that….

[jeff]

Education means **** if you can't monetize it and get a return on both your time and money.

If you have a bachelors – get a certification…CPA…CMA.

They cost less and mean more. You can have a masters, but it doesn't necessarily mean you know anything or are a bigger asset because of it. CPA? CMA? Different story.

[Mayo]

Lol @education/edication. Typing on the ipad sucks.

@Jeff, yah but CPA means **** without actual work experience.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Minimorty]

Be careful with the CMA though. The new CGMA designation is a real threat to those CPA-less management accountants.

[jeff]

Nah – CPA still means a lot without work experience because a lot of people pass and then don't go through the hassle of getting licensed because they work in industry and don't need the license.

Everyone around the office knows they passed the CPA Exam…their boss knows…it's on their resume.

CPA on your resume > MBA, MAcc … with the exception being the Ivy League or a 10-ten “name” school or something.

Mini – CMA is huge overseas

[Minimorty]

@ Jeff – Yeah, but the new CGMA is putting a real squeeze on the CMAs, even overseas. I've been reading a lot about this. Check out the CGMA LinkedIn group. Interesting stuff. A lot of it is opinion-based since the CGMA is just now rolling out, but it really sounds like the CMA holders are going to be put in a tough spot in the next few years when more and more CPA, CGMAs hit the market.

[jeff]

Ok – what is a CGMA again? Certified Grand Management Accountant? lol … and what's the deal with CPAs being able get one easier early on then later?

Maybe I dreamed that.

[Mayo]

@Jeff, Ok I see what you mean. I thought we were still talking about op's situation. If he/she were to graduate from a school no one recruits from, passing the CPA would have marginal value.

Besides, even in the situation you mentioned, you're assuming the person is working in accounting….thus work experience…

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Minimorty]

CGMA is Chartered Global Management Accountant. The AICPA entered into a JV with some overseas organization that is, I guess, the largest organization of management accountants over there. Its supposed to be a pretty big deal. You're now going to have CPAs with a CGMA designation as well out there competing with CMAs. The CMAs are none too thrilled about this. And yes, there is a grandfathering in of the designation. If you are a voting member of the AICPA and have 3 years of experience (as they define it) then you qualify for the designation. It appeared that the experience requirement was pretty broad and included financial and managerial accounting roles.

[Anonymous]

I wish I could get CGMA, but I have no accounting experience. I did work in IT for ten years, and have several years working in the financial sector (again, only IT)….Oh man…..

[tmw0918]

@Mayo……In my opinion 10% isn't to bad. My school is mid-tier but the MSA program has the third highest pass rate in the state behind Wake forest (where something crazy like 90% pass), and Davidson. Big firms now recruit us heavily solely due to the fact we are more likely to complete the CPA exam……at least that's the vibe I got.

[Author]

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