[Trees202]

This might be a controversial topic, so let’s try to keep it friendly! People may have different opinions and that’s ok! 🙂

I switched my major around so much during undergrad that I racked up enough credits to sit for the CPA without having to take any grad level courses.

I’m *hopefully* finishing CPA this year–I only have BEC left.

Do you think getting a Masters will help me professionally? Or do you think that being a CPA will give a pretty good competitive edge / pay boost on its own.

(Obviously having a masters is better than not having a masters, but I’m not looking to be a CFO of a fortune 500 and I’m really wondering about the ROI for spending 30k on a masters degree when I’ll already be a CPA. Now…if an employer offers to pay for it, I’d absolutely love to put in the time and effort! I’m just concerned about how good of a financial investment it is for me.)

*I would not be going to a ‘prestigious’ school with a well-known respected program.

[reallytired]

In my opinion, if you truly want a masters, you should pursue an MBA! I have my MAcc and no one is truly impressed by it and I really don't feel that I learned anything valuable from it. I wish I had chosen an MBA, as you learn a lot more of how to be a leader in the workplace. Just my two cents 🙂

B 10/29/16
A 10/1/16
R 9/2/16
F 7/26/16

[Pete E. Rino]

In my opinion, If you have the CPA and can be certified w/o the Masters, don't bother with the Masters. I think a CPA is more important. I am on the same boat as you. I have 145 credits from bachelors since I transferred so I am 5 short but was able to sit for the exam. I put in the effort to get the CPA instead of a Masters for now (I can get the 5 easily later). I am glad I did because the CPA takes a toll in forcing myself to study. I am confident that a CPA with or without a Masters will be able to get a great job.

[Anonymous]

Anyone can get the masters degree as long as one fulfils course requirements. Not everyone can be a cpa.

[Missy]

The ROI of having masters + cpa isn't worth it (the masters changes your salary potential very little). That said if its a personal goal, or if you get tuition reimbursement theres much to be said for doing something sheerly for the personal satisfaction.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Ib]

I was also thinking about the same thing. I don't think it's worth it. I already have a master's degree in Business Admin. I don't see any benefit of taking additional master's in MACC. I guess most people take it so that they can sit for their CPA exam. Obviously, MACC is beneficial for anyone taking the CPA exam. That being said, if your employer is sponsoring for your MACC and you are willing to invest your time. It cannot harm your career.

@Mla11692
What is the cost of maintaining your CPA license in MA? Which CPE provider you are using?

FAR 79
AUD 87
BEC 78
REG 08/31/2016

[Gatorbates]

Masters/MBA's these days are a dime a dozen. I personally wouldn't bother with it.

Put it this way, in terms of hiring appeal (disclaimer, I hire):

All things even, CPA vs just MBA or Masters: CPA gets it every time.

All things even, CPA with MBA or Masters vs CPA only: Look deeper … experience, personality, professionalism then all come into play.

My 2 cents: don't waste time and money on a Masters/MBA if you are ultimately planning on getting a CPA license.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[xkc5]

I work with several people who have MBA, MACC, CPA, all 3 or just 2 of 3 etc. Should be noted I work in industry and have never been in public, these people all have the same background.

Macc is mostly considered (only) the best way to get your hours if you didn't double major in Finance, MBA is considered a decent way to get a broad view but most people here got it because of what reallytired said. There's one guy who went back to get his Macc but he is one of those guys who gets every possible certification or opportunity if it keeps him busy.

The CPA, though, is the only thing that matters in the end of those 3 for pay, respect etc and noone will bring up the other 2 besides in the scope of the hiring process. I think the guys who had Macc got an additional 5% over a standard undergrad, and then CPAs got 30% more than the Maccs roughly. In other departments than mine (Finance/Accounting/Controlling) the MBA is a huge deal for their growth.

I'd go get my MBA, my employer will pay me for it but I'll be burned out now that the CPA is over and it's been less than 48 hours since I got that last score.. Too soon 🙂

I think it's a great conversation to have as other areas of the country or businesses may be quite different.

FAR - 84! (1/09)
AUD - 82! (4/09)
BEC - 91! (5/23)
REG - TBD (9/03)

Controller at Volkswagen
2:52 marathoner at Boston in 2016!

[ultrarunner]

@Trees202, I am thinking about applying for MS Taxation. I finished CPA exams, but I have no accounting degree. Also, I want to get into tax research and planning. Please consider taxation program if you'd like to pursue tax field.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[Mayo]

Benefits of a Masters:

1.) Gets you the CPA requirements if you need 150 hrs

2.) Gives you additional time and access for on-campus recruiting

3.) Your mom will be able to brag to her friends that their child has a Masters

So yeah…I'd say the answer is a clear “No” if you don't need recruiting access or the 150 hrs.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Valar Dohaeris]

I agree with @reallytired. If you want a masters, go for an MBA. CPA is the gold standard for accountants.

BEC - 85
AUD - 81
REG - 84
FAR - 7/24/16

[tg7174]

Master's holder here. Go for the CPA and don't bother with the MBA or any other master's unless your employer pays, it's required for your job, or it results in an automatic pay increase.

[WANT2BTXCPA]

I think a MACC is only important IF you are trying to get the 150 hours needed. If you already have the hours, I would get a MBA or a MST (or some form of the MST, if you're into tax).

[melody_pinaycpa]

I recently passed all 4 parts but I still have 25 credits to complete for licensing. I have fulfilled the required number of credits for Accounting and Business courses. I initially thought of pursuing Masters but that might duplicate some of my Accounting and Business courses so the cheaper and shorter route for me is CLEP exams.

In this part of the globe where I am right now, I know a lot of people with Master's but not that much people who has CPA. But then again, it depends on personal preferences.

FAR (Apr 2015) - 88
AUD (July 2015) - 86
BEC (Oct 2015) - 82
REG - 73, 70, retake Sept 2016

[Ib]

@Melody What is CLEP exam? I assume you are in UAE? How is the job market for US CPAs there?

FAR 79
AUD 87
BEC 78
REG 08/31/2016

[melody_pinaycpa]

I learned CLEP Exam from this forum.lol Basically, these are subjects in which you take the test online and once you pass (50 passing score) you get credit for it. You just have to make sure that these subjects will be reflected in the transcript of a regionally accredited institution.

Yes I am in the UAE. I only know very few CPAs here, my 2 bosses and some of our Big 4 auditors. My 2 bosses are paid extremely well, the other one is Arabic speaking so he's paid a lot more. The other boss has only 2 years experience post certification and she immediately landed Managerial post and she's earning pretty much as well. There's no income tax here but VAT will be introduce come Jan 2018.

I'm joining a new company in 2 weeks, I got a 55% hike but I was told in this forum previously that I'm still receiving way below considering my 13 years experience. But personally, I'm pretty much content and happy with the offer given to me. This was before passing the last section.

FAR (Apr 2015) - 88
AUD (July 2015) - 86
BEC (Oct 2015) - 82
REG - 73, 70, retake Sept 2016

[Author]

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