So here is the decision I am currently trying to work through: I will be finishing up my Bachelors of Science in Management at the University of Phoenix, which I am only a couple classes away from so I am too commited before someone says transfer. I want to become an accountant when I get out of the Air Force in two years. I finished up all my upper division elective, 18 credits, in accounting so I only require 2 more classes to sit for the CPA exam in CA. I want to do an MBA regardless of the route I chose and I found out recently that I have $4500 I can spend on a certificate program. Here is the routes that I am considering: Route one: -Finish BSM -Complete Prerequisities for UMASS MBA with concentration in accounting through foundation of business certificate program -Then move onto the program itself. (This route I will likely not complete before getting out of the Air Force so transition in the accounting field I think might be tougher.) Route two: -Finish BSM -Complete AACSB online accounting certificate (12-16 credits) -Start MBA at UMASS or somewhere else AACSB before getting out I think I like route two better as I will have a better resume transitioning out of the Air Force and I would complete the certificate before getting out. The only downside is that I cannot seem to find a accounting certifcate program that is right for me. What do you think?
If you want to be an accountant, have you considered doing your master's in accounting instead of doing a MBA?
Yes actually, but I have yet to find a program that does require me to take a bunch of prerequisites. I do like the programs at University of South Dakota and Rider University, but both have a lot of proctored exams and it is kind of hard to get proctors at my current location. Does anyone else know any good online MSA programs?
Don't forget that there are other options available for proctors besides the local education office. For example, I had flight docs proctor exams for me while on deployments when I was finishing up my B.S. and I proctored officer/SNCO PME exams and a few master's exams on my last deployment.
It looks like Stetson has a really good MACC program with no proctored exams. I need to fill some prerequisites somewhere else though, I'm tempted to just do them at University of Phoenix as well in conjunction with my final courses. I would need a Stats, auditing, taxation, and advanced accounting course. Does anyone have any personal experience with Stetson?
Hi. I am thinking of going for MSc Financial Management from EBS (Heriot-Watt University) because I have done ACCA and will be given exemptions. Now I want to a pursue a career in teaching so can you please tell me whether this degree will help me in my career choice of teaching? Regards.
For teaching, I find it is better to do a M.Sc in Accounting than a M.Sc in Financial Management. Check the M.Sc in Accounting and Financial Management at the University of West of England, the program can be completed with dissertation only and gives exemptions for ACCA as well. UWE is AMBA accredited that is the equivalent of AACSB accreditation. I was about to enroll in this program but I have few concerns, I have ACCA as well but it was evaluated as the equivalent of a Bachelors degree in Canada and US by WES. The problem is that some schools require 18 graduate credits in Accounting for teaching purposes, the UWE program is all dissertation and the transcript will not have any graduate course but only research. I am concerned that an employer might reject it for the lack of course work, one could argue that ACCA is a graduate degree but according to WES is at the undergraduate level. I don't practice Accounting and don't intent to get the required experience to become full member of ACCA so the M.Sc was the exit point for me but I am not too sure if this degree would be accepted for teaching purposes in Canada and the US. In summary, most schools would want a MSc in Accounting to teach Accounting. If you are planning to work in the US, the 18 credit might become an issue with research only programs like the one from UWE. However, there are also plenty professors with British PhDs and MSc in Accounting teaching at American schools, these programs are research only so I guess that the 18 credit requirement might be flexible at some schools.
No first hand experience but they are a local school in this area (the law school) and very well respected.
I want to work as an accountant in California and be able to sit for the CPA exam there. I also found another school, CSU Sacramento. All these schools do really have a strong online recruiting department though, so I want to be able to stand out on paper other than just my military years.
Here's one from American Public University (RA, not very expensive, completely online): APU Degree Program: Master of Science in Accounting