I’m currently an undergrad majoring in a dual accounting/finance degree in Indiana. I am certain that I want to achieve more than just my bachelor, not only to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam, but to acquire skills for a specific field. From the looks of it, and what I am more intrigued in in my current classes, taxation is my key interest. However, from an older discussion that I read, an MACC, MSA, and MST is not worth it and holds absolutely no value. I was wondering does this still stand for today? Should I just stick with the MBA program even though, in my opinion, it does not help me acquire the knowledge pertinent to my career field and assist me in obtaining specific certifications such as the CPA, CMA, CFE etc.
Also, I was looking at Mendoza School of Business and Kelley School of Business for my grad degree. If anybody has taken their courses and know of their MSA and MST programs, the input would be helpful. Graduates with an MBA and works in Accounting related fields are also helpful.
Practically speaking, a CPA is sufficient to do most things you want. You will learn a work from your job. Experience trumps all kinds of degrees you mentioned. Grad degree is not necessary unless you are in management, then an executive MBA may be in order.
With the 150 credit requirement for the CPA many accounting majors do go on for a MS. The major CPA firms will not hire anyone full time unless they are CPA eligible (meaning that they will have the 150 credits) before they start full time employment.
My S went to Mendoza for his MS in Accounting and had a very good experience overall. I don’t know the details of the classes but I know that he was challenged and did not feel that that the ND classes were in any way a rehash of his undergrad work. The program had about 100 students (about half ND undergrad and half new to the school for the MS program). He developed some good friendships in his year there (mainly with others in his program who were new to ND) and enjoyed the big time sports environment which he did not have as an undergrad. And he got multiple Big 4 offers interviewing out of ND. My S went on the audit track in the program but his roommate at ND was on the tax track and also did very well in terms of job offers.
When my S applied ND had rolling admission to the program so if you are interested (assuming that is still the case) it is best to apply early. If I remember correctly, S applied in October or November, did a Skype interview, and was admitted to ND in December which took a lot of pressure off.
Thank you for the responses! I am in my last year and this is a big concern for me. Work experience I know is expected regardless. It’s a requirement now for a CPA certification as well. My most important concern was specialized courses or knowledge that I could apply to my daily work. @happy1 thanks for the info! My primary choice was Mendoza, it’s closer to my family near Chicago, even if it cost more. Even though it was challenging, did he take the usual 15 credits per semester? Also did he attend immediately after undergrad?
He did attend immediately after undergrad. That is the norm as people need the 150 credits to work at one of the big public accounting firms. I don’t know exactly what he took, but I think it was a pretty normal course-load and he was challenged academically. You may be able to look online at the courses offered/required in the MSA program.
I do remember that (at least when he went) they had a couple of half semester classes as options so he worked things out to have a slightly lower course-load the second half of the second semester and he started studying for and passed a part of the CPA exam when he was at ND.