Master's Degree to help prepare for CPA exam?

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  • #174031
    whopper
    Participant

    Hello,

    I really would appreciate some advice on my situation. I graduated 6 years ago with a BBA in Accounting, then worked in the acct dept for the government. However, my job did not entail a lot of the accounting topics covered in college and was more IT/accounting.

    I’m thinking going back for a Master’s in Accounting would be a great refresher and better reinforce some of the concepts I haven’t touched in years. Does anyone recommed this approach? I’m concerned the Becker review (or any of the other reviews) may be too high level for someone like myself who hasn’t visited these concepts in years.

    I recently took the GMAT and the review material I purchased was very high level. Hence, my skepticism w/review material šŸ™‚ I appreciate any feedback!

    REG - 89, 04/29/13
    BEC - 81, 08/06/13
    FAR - 84, 12/19/13
    AUD - 82, 10/05/13

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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  • #376817
    MIA2CPA
    Member

    As someone who did not have ANY background in accounting before completing CPA requirements at a community college, I would only recommend a MAcc if you want to utilize campus recruiting by accounting firms. Otherwise, a review course like Becker(the one I'm using), a supplement like wiley test bank(also using), and a dedicated study plan should be more than enough for someone with a bachelors in accounting like yourself.

    That being said, if I could do it all over again, I would definitely have pushed harder to get into a MAcc program. Being outside of recruited schools is like being out in the “great abyss” and it's very difficult to get your name out. It also doesn't help that I'm not great at networking but hindsight is 20/20 and all we can do is move forward right?

    Also, my scores below are all first attempts. I will seek my revenge against AUD in October.

    Good luck to you whichever route you decide on.

    BEC - 84
    AUD - 83
    FAR - 82
    REG - 81

    I'm DONE! CERTIFIED PARTY ANIMAL!

    #376818
    Whatdidyou
    Member

    It might be a good idea, but I dunno. Seems sorta silly to get a Masters solely to get a refresher on accounting topics.

    Idk. In my view a good Masters program is so much more challenging & value-adding than studying for the CPA. In fact, your question almost offends me.

    Will getting a MACC help you with studying for the CPA? Probably. Is your 10 months better spent just studying BECKER full time and/or supplementing with a couple community college courses if passing the CPA is your only goal? Most likely.

    Really its gonna be a decision that you need to make. But you are right, CPA is tougher than the GMAT. So perhaps a “refresher” is in order afterall. If a refresher is all you're after, I think a cc course, textbook, and/or tutor would be better options.

    REG - Passed!!
    BEC - Passed
    FAR - Passed
    AUD - Passed

    Study Materials: Becker basic course

    #376819
    Minimorty
    Participant

    If you have a full scholarship, then go for it. Otherwise, it is a waste of time and money. I took zero accounting classes in college, took a few classes at a JC to sit for the exam, used Becker and passed with flying colors. Don't waste your time with grad school if you are just using it to prepare for the CPA exam.

    #376820
    jcw1503
    Member

    Well if you have to get additional hours to be able to get licensed then why not just go get your MACC….You could knock out the additional hours required and get a little more up to date on topics….The MACC mainly helped me in the area of FAR..It helped a little in other areas, but mainly it helped with FAR topics….Just my experience…

    FAR - Attempt 1-(70)...Attempt 2 (Passed Baby)-Praise the Lord-Couldn't have done it without him.
    AUD- Attempt 1-Passed!!!!!!!!! )-Praise the Lord-Couldn't have done it without him.
    REG-Attempt 1-(73)...Attempt 2 (Passed Baby)-Praise the Lord-Couldn't have done it without him.
    BEC-Attempt 1-(71)...Attempt 2 (Passed Baby)-Praise the Lord-Couldn't have done it without him.

    ****What is one Golden Rule for Passing the Exam? 1) Read the question properly. and 2) Leave yourself enough time to answer all of the....
    ****Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They makes mistakes, but they don't quit.
    ****Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

    #376821
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Sure, it would be helpful but is definitely not necessary. I graduated 11 years ago and have been out of the work force for almost 8 years, and passed all 4 of the computer-based tests on the first try (I did take the paper and pencil exam back in the day). You may have to study a little more than someone who is a recent college grad, but it's definitely doable.

    I would recommend a “teaching” review course as opposed to a true review course. I used Yaeger and have nothing but great things to say about it.

    #376822
    mla1169
    Participant

    There are some masters programs that are geared toward the CPA exam however most are not. I will say as someone who has their masters in accounting and CPA license that my undergrad classes were more relevant to the CPA exam than my grad classes were.

    FAR- 77
    AUD -49, 71, 84
    REG -56,75!
    BEC -75

    Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

    #376823
    yellowboy817
    Member
    #376824
    yellowboy817
    Member

    I have an undergraduate degree in Finance. None of my accounting courses counted towards the CPA.

    In Texas they require 10 upper level accounting courses to meet the requirements for CPA exam.

    I'm getting a master in accounting – which meets the CPA requirements and I get a degree.

    I would check with your state and see what they require.

    #376825
    whopper
    Participant

    I truly appreciate the feedback. It's great to have these discussions rather than trying to figure out all options in your head, by yourself šŸ™‚ I'll definitely take all of this into consideration as I do have 3 upper level courses to complete before eligible for the CPA exam.

    REG - 89, 04/29/13
    BEC - 81, 08/06/13
    FAR - 84, 12/19/13
    AUD - 82, 10/05/13

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