MSA/MBA combo or MBA? Thoughts on different programs

<p>Hey all,</p>

<p>I have a few questions as I'm in a transition period trying to figure out my next career/academic move...</p>

<p>I was wondering if there are any other programs similar to Northeastern's MSA/MBA program around? I got into accounting late and Cornell's undergrad business program only recently added an accounting specialization, so I graduated with a focus in finance. I'm in a unique situation in that I've taken a few accounting courses, but it would take about 4 or so to be eligible to start a masters in accounting program.</p>

<p>Their program doesn't require any accounting courses as prerequisites and somehow fits 4 semesters into 15 months, including a ~3 month internship with an accounting firm. The last two sessions focus mainly on the MBA. The program totals 72 credits and apparently 99-100% are hired before completing the program - many with big 4 accounting firms. I'm not quite sure how credible the MBA is and I've wondered if it would detract or limit me since it's tied in with a MSA and doesn't require experience. However, I met a partner at E&Y and she went through Cornell and then the Northeastern program about 12 years ago so it worked pretty well for someone.</p>

<p>Overall, I was pretty eager to get into either finance or accounting but for now I feel like it's a better move to look into accounting - there's no doubt it could help if I felt the desire to move into finance/consulting later on (I had a banking internship this summer in NYC but things turned pretty sour after Fannie/Freddie and Lehman). </p>

<p>Another issue:</p>

<p>After taking the GMAT, I've received letters from Notre Dame and Purdue MBA programs indicating that I'm a 'priority candidate.' It sounds great but with my relatively little experience in the working world I'm not sure how much of a candidate I really am. Anyone else have any insight on the merit of these letters?</p>

<p>I'm really just trying to keep my options open and I would consider different moves. As of now, Northeastern's program seems to be the one I'm really considering. I understand there are a few different topics I've posted in this message but I'd really appreciate any thoughts or viewpoints!</p>

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After taking the GMAT, I've received letters from Notre Dame and Purdue MBA programs indicating that I'm a 'priority candidate.' It sounds great but with my relatively little experience in the working world I'm not sure how much of a candidate I really am. Anyone else have any insight on the merit of these letters?

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<p>Your score probably triggered them, or just the fact that you took the GMAT. I am still getting e-mails and letters from MBA programs and I took the GMAT over 2 years ago and am halfway through my MBA program. If you don't want to go to those schools then don't apply.</p>

<p>As for MSA/MBA I am always leary of the joint programs, but this is coming from someone who knows nothing of them really. My thought process is why? IMO, the MS is saying I want to increase my technical experience and the MBA is saying I want to increase my business acumen, it's like 2 paths in different directions, or at least a cart before the horse type analogy. I think both degrees are great to have and I think the combo is awesome, but without the work experience to back up the degrees they aren't really worth the paper they are printed on. I would suggest getting the MS then more experience then MBA if needed at that time.</p>

<p>Hey, I'm in pretty much the same predicament, and I'm leaning towards applying to the MS/MBA program. I spoke with a college friend of mine who just finished the program in August 2008, and she's now working with EY. She said that her class at 50 students, and only 3 of them didn't have job offers from their internship (but those 3 managed to find jobs before graduation). Apparently, you are GUARANTEED an internship for the three-month period, because if no one wants to hire you as their intern, the accounting firm that gave you your admissions interview is required to take you on. Northeastern works with EY, PwC and Deloitte (not KPMG, though), and with the national firms like Grant Thornton, etc. Sounds like a good deal to me.</p>

<p>However, she also mentioned that the MBA is more of a tacked on bonus, and that the focus is definitely on accounting, so if you're not intending to work as an accountant after the program, then you should not do it.</p>