MS Accounting vs MBA vs CPA

<p>Hello Guys. I'm a 2009 graduate where I double majored in accounting and finance (so I have 150 credits).</p>

<p>Currently I am working at a bank making less than I should be imo.</p>

<p>I'm thinking about goingto Rutgers here in Jersey to pursue a masters.</p>

<p>What I'm thinking about doing is getting a MS in Accounting, then a cpa, followed by a MBA, all probably from Rutgers.</p>

<p>Is this the best course of action? Should I for example, just drop the masters in accounting and go for mba, or just go for the cpa?</p>

<p>Does the CPA increase my chance to find a accounting job? I've read some state that it really doesn't so much as help you once you do have an accounting position.</p>

<p>Thanks guys.</p>

<p>Hello, ArmorPierce. I am an accountant, let me analyze the problem standing at your view. </p>

<p>If I have a choice between Master of Accounting and MBA, I will prefer MBA. I believe businessman/women should know something such as finance, economy, marketing etc other than accounting. We can study the comphensive business knowledge from MBA studies, these knowledge can benefit to your future career. If you really like accounting field, you can take MBA concentrated on acounting in the second year. However, master of accounting focuses on business knowledge of accounting ONLY. If you do not plan to be accounting specialist, master of accounting should not your preference.</p>

<p>By the way, the tuition of MBA is much higher than that of master of accounting. However, more amount of investment, more amount of returing. I do not think it is necessary for you to get both MBA and MA. Take one of them ONLY, and show your degree to demonstrate your excellent academic knowledge to your future employer. </p>

<p>Moreover, CPA is a positive asset absolutely. If you have an opportunity to pursue it, try to get it. It seems that you have some working experiences in commericial banking system. From my own professional experiences, CPA for you should be a positive asset. If you stay in commericial banking system, your employer will focus on your previous working experiences. That is fine for you not holding CPA. If you want to change to other industry (let’s say manufacture or auditing), CPA can show your superior professional skills because these employers have limited interest with your working experiences in banking system. In my personal opinion, I will not care about some rumours holding the position that CPA do not help accountants so much. </p>

<p>In conclusion: Take MBA and CPA, reject master of accounting.</p>

<p>xiao, truly excellent response</p>

<p>fully agree</p>

<p>At my school, there is a combined-degree program with a MAcc, but at the end I could get my CPA.</p>

<p>If I get a CPA and MAcc, will I still be alright in MBA admissions, or would I be “double dipping”?</p>