Hey Guys, As you can see I'm new to this forum, but that doesn't mean I haven't done my research. I have BS in Finance, completing 181 quarter units. Really, I haven't accomplished much since graduation (2007), other than help managing a very small product design business. Time wise, I have all the time in the world to do anything I want. What I want to do is try to get my CPA. This is where it becomes unusual... I want to get my CPA just to have one. What I mean by this is that I'm financially well off that I can retire, but I hate doing nothing. I like to work. From all the threads and posts I've read from this website along with CPAnet and Accounting.com, I've gathered that I will be needing additional accounting classes. State of CA require 24 units of accounting. I've taken two classes worth 10 quarter units, that I did not care about at the time. So basically, I will need the 24 units. My questions for you guys are: Will the BS in Finance plus the 24 accounting units cover the 150 units required to be licensed? I know you have to have work experience as well, but I plan to cover that while taking the courses. Are the courses at LSU sufficient enough to cover all 24 units (introductory accounting courses plus the ones listed in their certification program)? Should I just go to UCLA or Berkeley extension schools? GGU is pretty expensive. I believe UCLA has a more complete program for accounting and CPA track than Berkeley. Berkeley has the brand, though. If I do, should I go ahead with a MAcc? I also plan on getting a MBA from a NA top tier such as Harvard (which I'll never get into), or maybe just Penn State. Can I use my CPA and MAcc as leverage, offsetting my non-existent work experience and mediocre BS GPA? Please, helpful advice in only welcomed. No need for flaming or burning, as I too am a moderator of a enthusiast forum. Needless to say, I know the rules. Thanks guys!
You'll need 150 Semester hours, which is equal to 225 Quarter hours. Your 181 Quarter hours = 120.67 Semester hours + 24 Semester hours = 144.67 Semester hours (you'll need a couple more classes). Now, Washington State counts graduate hours as 1.5x. In other words 24 Graduate Semester hours is equivalent to 36 Undergraduate Semester hours. Check with your State Board on their rules. UCLA and Berkeley have similar brands, IMHO. I took accounting correspondence courses from both of them years ago. From my experience, I would say you may get just a good of instruction from LSU for a fraction of the price. However, I would recommend a masters for you rather than accumulating additional credits like I did. You sound like a good candidate for the new online ASU program. If you have enough $ to retire and are considering Harvard, you should have no trouble with the bill . To get into the Top 15 Full-Time MBA programs, you will need at least a few years of progressing experience. The MAcc + CPA might help a little too, but you'll need a great GMAT, solid experience, quality recommendations and more.
I think I know what the answer to this question is, but since most people on this forum are more knowledgeable... Say I want to go for a MAcc, but the university has the typical tiered requirement of GMAT and 3.0 GPA. If I take the classes that apply, i.e. take a accountant certification class which includes most courses in the MAcc track, can I use the courses taken there as leverage? I have a 2.97 Major GPA and 2.91 cumulative, but my last 6 quarters I averaged 3.66. Still haven't taken the GMATs, but I know I'm a mediocre test taker, so let's just say barely passing. I've read somewhere that if you can show that you can handle the courses at the graduate level taken using open university or extended university, then admissions/counselor/recruiters would be more understanding. Is this true?
You'll be fine if you can get a decent GMAT; shoot for 600+. You are close and finished strong in the last 6 quarters. Keep in mind, if you are wanting to go to a TOP MBA, you should shoot for the magical 700 GMAT score and make sure the Quant score is high in particular. Scores are good for 5 years, so you may want to study hard and pass with a high score now to get into both the MAcc and the MBA. P.S. The Sacramento State online MS/ACCY is a bargain at $12,870. It, like the ASU program, has very few pre-reqs, yet is AACSB (the gold standard for accreditation of business schools). According to this page the minimum GPA is 2.5 with a modest GMAT score.
Thanks Macattack! Really helpful! Would taking a certification program help? Are most classes transferrable into a MAcc degree? I figured if you can take a certification program without the degree program requirements such as GMAT, it should give me an advantage, right?
