(I posted this on another thread but idk how to delete it so pls ignore it. Thank you!)
Hello! I had a question. So I’m pretty bummed I didn’t get into the schools I wanted but I want to do accounting for sure.
Is it worth it to go to UCR or CSUF for accounting? I read some threads and they said it would be better to go to CSUF but also UCR’s business school is doing pretty well right now. I pay around the same amount for both of them so the cost does not concern me at all. It’s just that people look down on you going to UCR and Cal States. To be honest I don’t mind but it might affect my chances of getting a better job in the future.
I also read that CSUF has these classes that fulfill a requirement the big 4 firms look at but I wasn’t quite sure. I also read that only UCB and USC also fulfills those requirements as well.
I was also considering going to CSUF and then transferring to UCI, UCB, or USC, but I’m not sure at the moment.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Chin up! Long-time Calif CPA here. Big 4 firms hire grads from schools all over (lots of CSUs as well). You can do great from either of those schools. You just need to figure out what works best for you to get a CPA license (with the 150 hour rule).
Here’s a possible plan; accounting undergrad from CSUF. Then off to USC for a masters in taxation or accounting.
Also note, you can a have good career in accounting without working for a Big 4.
Congrats and good luck!
If your goal is to work in a Big 4 or the next tier like BDO, Grant Thornton, getting a degree from UCR or CSUF or a CSU is fine. The only drawback is that UCB Haas, USC or UCLA Bus. Econ. or UCSB Accounting Econ., are more heavily recruited by the large accounting firms and there are more spots available to those schools than to UCR, CSUF or CSU students. It is very competitive and you’ll have to get top grades for the few spots available.
As mentioned by the previous poster, you’ll need the 150 semester hours or 225 quarter hours, basically 5 years of college. However, instead of getting a Masters as your 5th year, you can achieve the extra units by AP college credits via passing the AP exam during your senior high school year, taking extension courses or community college courses.
UCR offers a good Masters in Accounting and a lot less expensive than USC’s, though USC’s is more prestigious.
If you have to go the Masters in Accounting route that is cheaper than USC, I would rather go to a UC than a CSU or another private school in the So. Cal. area. Additionally, UCI now offers a Masters in Accounting in their Business School.
You’ll need to plan ahead. Also, keep in mind that many of the Big 4 job offers after graduation come from the summer internships. Many of the summer internship offers come from the Big 4’s 2-3 day Summer Leadership programs in the summer prior to the summer internships. It is very competitive to get accepted to the Summer Leadership and then the summer internship programs. Do your best and plan well ahead at least a couple of years before your planned graduation date. Good luck!.