MBA or Master of Accountancy?

[Chris Patao]

Would it be more valuable to a potential employer if I get my MBA or Master of Accountancy?

I am a veteran and nontraditional student who is graduating with a BBA in Accounting in May. My goal is to get my CPA once I meet the education requirements by going through a Master of Accountancy or MBA program.

Totally not a real estate question, but I know there may be people in the forum that may be able to chime in.

I appreciate any advice or wisdom you can provide.

Thank you in Advance!

[Alan Rohrer]

@Chris Patao

As a CPA myself, hopefully I can offer some insight.

If your goal is to go into public accounting at a large or midsize firm, just know that your masters will not actually fetch a higher pay. 

Also it probably won't help with the CPA exam... studying for the CPA exam with a good prep course is what helps with the CPA exam.

I fulfilled my education requirements in undergrad just taking additional classes to get to my 150 hours. When I started at a large public firm, those who had their masters were not any better or worse at the job (and we all got paid the same).

If you're close to the 150, I would just take a few extra business-related classes and avoid the tuition of a masters/MBA.

If I wasn't close to the requirement and had to pursue an advanced degree, I would do the MBA 100% no questions asked (if the prices are similar). The thing about accounting education is that it seems to be closer to a trade school- (not that there's anything wrong with that) in that you learn the correct and incorrect ways to do things (like how to account for transactions).

In the business world, there are few instances where there are correct or incorrect ways to do things. It's way more beneficial to get experience in a concentration that builds on higher level thinking.

In undergrad, I also got a major in Finance and minor in psych. Finance, especially at the 300 level+ is very beneficial with higher level thinking, and I'm incredibly thankful I got that experience.

In summary- in the public accounting field, the MBA or MSA title does not impact anything... pay/promotion track/skill/etc. Having the CPA determines everything.

In the general business field, an MBA will will hold more weight than an MSA for sure. However, it probably won't impact your career path vs just having a CPA until you're trying for upper level management.

Because of these reasons, that's why I generally recommend staying away from the MSA and either doing extra classes or doing an MBA (in that order of priority).

Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions!