[lkh9596]

I am an accounting major at university and I am planning to take CPA exams right after graduation.

But my concern is that

I saw that the state requirement for NJ is the minimum of 120 hours at college in order to take exams.

And 150 hours to get a license.

I am planning to graduate college with 120 hours and pass all CPA exams. (hopefully)

Then I will work at the accounting firms.

Then I will go to MBA if I am not happy with my job.

My question is

the work experience at accounting firms and the credits from MBA would make me a license CPA?

[Anonymous]

You would have to check with your state, but most states don't expire. Also, some people decide to just take community college classes to fulfill the requirements if they don't want to go for their masters. I got my remaining credits from a community college.

[Anonymous]

this^

[Anonymous]

Yup. Ashley hit the nail on the head. An MBA is great, but remember, the best MBA is a free one. Unless an employer is going to pay for your MBA, I don't think it's necessary. You'll already have a better business background (as far as education goes) than most MBA grads if you have your CPA. I would say get your CPA in the most cost effective way, and keep your options open as far as an MBA goes. You never know what opportunity might present itself.

[Mayo]

Op, just remember that you get what you pay for.

While community colleges have a subastantially lower sticker price, they also many times lack in one main thing: On campus recruiting.

So if you finish your bachelors without a job or with a job you're not happy with, remember that on campus recruiting is your best shot at working at “the accounting firms”. The majority of entry level jobs are given thriugh this process.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[LittleMoe]

My question is

the work experience at accounting firms and the credits from MBA would make me a license CPA?

Work experience, 150 credit hours and passing the CPA exam will make you eligible for your license. The credit hours are lower in some states to sit for the exam than they are to get your license. This is because some people start taking the exam before they have all 150 credit hours. But, you will still have to pass the CPA exam, have the required work experience and 150 credit hours in order to get your license. Trust me, if I could do it with just work experience and credit hours without taking the exam, I would. As would most people!!

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[Author]

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