<p>ferryboat10, of course there is a difference.</p>
<p>There are non AACSB schools out there that are more heavily recruited than some AACSB schools. Not too common, but true. And there are schools where the Big 4 will pull out all the stops and hold multiple networking events and office tours while others will just get a rep at the career fair.</p>
<p>I agree with taxguy that which school you go to for an undergraduate in accounting does not make a massive difference in keeping you from getting into the field. At the same time, however, I agree with aswedc is correct that recruiting will be much more focused on certain schools than others, and the beginning pay packages will be slightly better at certain schools--but not all that much at the BS level, so taxguy's advice is essentially what I would follow if the cost is a key factor in getting through school.</p>
<p>When it comes to MBA programs though, I would not agree that the school makes no difference (and I don't think taxguy was saying this in his post). One should definitely search out a top-tier MBA program if at all possible--and especially so if one has an accounting degree and is looking to change careers or get into an area like consulting.</p>
<p>I can speak with experience on the subject, since I received a BS in Accounting from a lower-ranked school (CSULB), but got a MBA (in a different field) from UCLA--and this was very key in opening doors to consulting, even when the consulting was in the finance/accounting field.</p>
<p>This is an old thread but I am bumping it because it is relevant. </p>
<p>I am an accounting major at Fordham. For the fifth year to be CPA certified, I can either get an MS or an MBA in professional accounting through Fordham’s graduate school.</p>
<p>Which should I do and why?</p>
<p>Or should I apply for a different graduate school for my fifth year?</p>
<p>My GPA is around 3.7 FWIW.</p>
<p>MSA, a low ranking MBA is worthless.</p>
<p>What I said about schools apply only to undergraduate degrees in accounting or MS in accounting. For the MBA, the cache of the school name DOES make a difference. However, if you majored in accounting as an undergrad, I generallly don’t see the need for an MBA.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. I suppose the MS would best prepare me for the CPA. I guess I would save a higher-ranked MBA for later if I decided I wanted a career change.</p>
<p>I have a question for taxguy (or any members here that may know the best answer). </p>
<p>I have a bachelor of science in business but in (MIS concentration). I currently got accepted to a MSA program at the University of Dallas. I am switching from IT to an accounting career. </p>
<p>My question is that I would like to take the CPA exam. Is it worth getting the MSA spending about $30,000 or should I just go to a community college that is certified by the Texas State Board and take the 30 hrs of accounting classes there?</p>
<p>The biggest difference would definitely be the cost of school. $135 per credit hr at community college vs $30,000 total for the MSA. Since I have a Bachelor in business but just missing the accounting classes but I have the business classes. Would it be worth getting the MSA to get my foot in the door for accounting job. For both public or private? Or would just getting the classes at community college be enough since I have bachelor already?</p>
<p>Thank you guys for your responses.</p>