[rschaf2]

[Background – I have a bachelor’s in psychology obtained in 2005; I originally qualified by piecing together accounting and business prerequisites from local schools. No bachelor’s or master’s in accounting]

Hi – I flamed out on the CPA exam a couple of years ago. I tried studying with Rogers and Yaeger, though had difficulty with both. I’m considering another run at the CPA exam. However, I’m curious as to whether I might not have a strong enough academic base to pass.

Does anyone feel that obtaining an MSA really strengthened their knowledge, to the point where it was truly beneficial in passing the CPA exam? Or, does the knowledge obtained in the review courses trump all? I would be willing to go back to get an MSA if I thought that additional education would help, but am concerned that perhaps my time (and money) would be better spent just studying a different program.

Thank you for your help.

Back at it.

FAR - 55, 72, 73, May 2016
AUD - 69, July 2016
REG - Late 2016
BEC - Late 2016

[mommyof3texans]

I went for my MSA primarily to get the hours I needed to reach 150 and figured I should at least get a degree out of the work. Every MSA program is going to be different, I think some are geared a bit more toward a CPA but the one I went through was not at all related in the sense of preparation. The review materials really are the key if you ask me.

BEC - 02/21/15 - 82
FAR - 05/29/15 - 82
AUD - 07/09/15 - 93
REG - 11/14/15 - 80

All done!!!

[Lion_of_the_Rock]

I'd in no way spend thousands on a MSA as prep for the exam. Review materials will get you through if you put in enough time. My background is similar, BA in History in 2006, and I took the ACC courses at my local community college. The classes were good, but essentially it was “cook book” accounting as Gleim likes to put it.

Because you already spent a bunch of money on a BA, ACC courses, and review materials you should call it good from an education standpoint and just try for the CPA. I doubt a MSA program, no matter how awesome it claims to be, will give you any more benefit than sitting down with a review book and studying. Honestly the review books trim down the info to what you need to know, a MSA program will probably give you too much.

BEC - 78
AUD - 75
REG - 74, 79
FAR - 75

You have to buy a ticket to win the raffle.

[MaLoTu]

I also earned my BA in Psychology. In order to qualify in CA to sit for the exam, I went back to school to do my MBA with an accounting focus. I am now 95% done with my MS in accounting. Truthfully, the only reason I took the MS is to satisfy the accounting study portion of the BOA licensing breadth. I feel that because you came from a social sciences background that you could benefit from the additional exposure to accounting theorem, but it is not going to be the defining factor of whether you pass the exam or not. Another thing is, if you are having trouble finding a job because your education is based in the social sciences, the degree may help there.

I am taking Becker and I feel like they teach you enough to pass the exam with very little knowledge/experience.

Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

All 4 passed - 2016

CA CPA

[Author]

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