This message has been cross posted to the following Discussions: Young Professionals Forum and Job Advice Exchange P2P Support .
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I enrolled in an M.S. Accounting program at a regional school with two goals. The first is to get 150 credits to sit for the CPA and second to get a graduate level education. After this semester, I will have the 150 credits to sit for the exams but will need another 15 credits to finish the degree.
I am struggling with the decision to complete my degree. My undergraduate degree is from a small school with an outstanding accounting program. Comparatively, my M.S. program has not given me the challenge I expected from grad school. Frankly, I am concerned I am wasting my time. I have my CMA and will finish my CPA regardless of the education path. I feel like I have three options: 1) finish the program at my current school and just appreciate the work-school- life balance; 2) transfer to a more challenging school and learn something; or 3) quit school entirely as I don't need any more credits. Transferring to the new school will require I take more courses as not all of my credits will transfer. I am willing to do that but only if the caliber of the degree matters more than simply have a degree. Right now, I am not interested in an MBA.
My question is: How much value is placed on an M.S. degree given I'll have my CMA and CPA? Is an M.S. perceived as merely a route to the CPA or does it have value itself?
Thank you for you comments.
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Ryan Kuhn
Parsippany NJ
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