HELP: Master of Accountancy versus Local Community College Certificate

College Majors Business Major
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<p>Question:
So I'm currently a third year business econ major at UC Irvine and I want to land a job at a Big Four or maybe BDO, Grant Thorton after graduating. BUT I've applied and just recently been rejected by the UCI Accounting Minor (avg accepted GPA was 3.6 =/); being the average student that I am (3.30 GPA), it means that I now have two options:</p>

<p>1) Go for one more yr of school- Try to apply to master of accountancy programs (University of San Diego, USC, SJSU, Univ. of Wash., Bentley) within my last yr of college. And what are my chances of getting in one of these programs ?(3.30 gpa, probably a 680 GMAT, a couple semi-related jobs, not that many extra-curric.)</p>

<p>2) Get the credits/hours at Irvine Valley College (local JC) to be eligible for CPA during my senior yr and try to land a job at Big 4. But I'm afraid it wouldnt have as much credibility as the UCI accounting minor offers and it won't land me a job.</p>

<p>any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>ranminisce asks,"And what are my chances of getting in one of these programs ?(3.30 gpa, probably a 680 GMAT, a couple semi-related jobs, not that many extra-curric.)"</p>

<p>Response: At least for Bentley, you should have a good shot.</p>

<p>You could take courses at your local CC,but they usually don't have enough credits for the CPA. Thus, you will need to go elsewhere anyway.Moreover, credits at community colleges aren't looked upon too well by accounting firms. In addition, some states such as Florida, don't even count courses taken at community college towards their educational requirements.</p>

<p>Frankly, if I were you, I would transfer to a school that will immediately admit you to their accounting program and NOT wait another year in order to see if you can get your grades up enough to get into their program.</p>

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<p>Thanks a bunch taxguy. Now that I think about it, you're right, it's probably easier to transfer as an undergrad rather than applying for masters.</p>