Deciding between USC and Texas -- help please!

Question

Hey guys,

I've been fortunate enough to be admitted to both the USC MAcc and Texas MPA programs and am scrutinizing over the decision. I am a SoCal resident and intend to settle there in the long-term, but at this age want to get the best education and professional experience I can. I'm a liberal arts major at a top university. I've taken several classes in econ and finance but only one course in accounting.

I understand the programs are structured differently but am wondering if there is a sizable difference in the quality of these programs, in terms of academics, pedigree and recruiting. I have heard accounting firms like to hire from local universities, a fact that makes me lean towards USC, but have also heard that Texas has a strong reputation nationally

I'm hoping to visit as soon as possible.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

bakerlooline

merkin · Answer

Texas has the #1 accounting program in the country by almost anyone doing the rankings (pulled the info below from the UT website). Having said that, I would let the geography be your driving force. If you live in SoCal, and want to be there long term, I see no reason not to go to USC. I assume USC's department is pretty good considering that their b-school is strong. I applied the same advice for my MBA search (live in TX, want to be in TX = no reason to go to Duke, UVa etc just for a couple higher notches on the rankings).

Texas Accounting
#1 Accounting (Undergraduate), U.S. News (8/09)
#1 Accounting (Graduate), U.S. News (4/09)
#1 Graduate Program, Public Accounting Report (10/09)
#1 PhD Program (Teaching), Public Accounting Report (10/09)
#1 PhD Program (Research), Public Accounting Report (10/09)
#2 Undergraduate Program, Public Accounting Report (10/09)
#3 Accounting, Financial Times (1/10)

afrosamurai · Answer

If you want to work in Southern Cali, go to USC. It is also a top rated accounting program.

Most of the Texas MPAs end up working in Texas.

Cyan · Answer

Accounting seems very regional though Texas did place decently in NYC according to a linkedin search and might have some pull in the West.

USC though seems to have adjuncts who WORK at the big4. This might be good for connections if you really really want SoCal.

rayparlour · Answer

Both Schools have national recruiting.

That being said, if you want to stay in SOCAL then USC has probably more networking opportunities.

Cyan · Answer

they may be national but many UT's stay in Texas and many USCers stay in SoCal, now that could be by choice, im just making a point that managers/partners from big4 are very regional in terms of hirng preferences even if the PAR says otherwise.

xintian · Answer

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dim9989 · Answer

I applied to USC and UT and am currently waiting to hear back from both. What was your GMAT score and GPA?
I have a 3.2 and a 710 with a double major in accounting and finance from Florida State. Do you think I have a chance at either school? Any help would be great

dim9989 · Answer

I got an interview with with USC yesterday

hkhangura101 · Answer

USC is a great school. If fact ask any teacher and they will say USC is one of the best in California. In fact they have a 94% job placement rate in accounting, if you think about it that is crazy! Also, from what i heard USC's alum network is comparable to harvards, which is why there job placement rate is so high. But if you got in and want to be in so cal then go there and you'll have a job here afterwards.

Deciding between USC and Texas -- help please!

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