MS Accounting without Bachelor's in Accounting

Question

Hi everyone!

I'm interested in doing a 2 year accounting MS, designed specifically for people with no accounting or business background. I just finished a B.A. in English. Has anyone else gone through a similar program? I'm concerned that Big 4 firms will prefer to hire those with 4 year undergraduate degrees in accounting.

Thanks for any insight!

nink · Answer

Most MS Accounting programs are designed so non-undergrad accounting students can enroll and still graduate with enough credits and courses that would allow an individual to sit for a CPA exam. Therefore, you don't have to worry about Big 4 firms snubbing non-undergrad accounting majors in MS Accounting program.

Big 4 firms care about overall GPA, Accounting Major GPA, communication skills, etc. If you have high GPA, you should at least land first round interview. And make sure that you tell them your goal is to practice public accounting and to become a licensed CPA. Don't give them misleading goals that sounds good just to impress them, just as - "I wanna save the whales..." or something. They want intelligent, assignment ready, workerbees..... :-D

jcelestine88 · Answer

I am interested to apply to an MBA program with emphasis in accounting and management. I will be finishing my B.A. in Journalism, but I do have several business classes on my school records. I want to become a CPA. I hope my degree in journalism do not affect my chances in getting hired by the Big 4 firms.

nink · Answer

One of the key traits that Big 4 firms look for in a candidate is his/her communication skill. You can use your BA in Journalism degree as an advantage, not a disadvantage.

Also, very few (usually low tier, although there are exceptions) MBA programs accept undergrads directly into their MBA programs without work experience. One reason why liberal arts undergrads pick MBA over MS degree in Accounting is the fact that liberal arts majors have to take extra business courses required by MS programs in addition to core accounting curriculum. Therefore, it makes sense to get a MBA degree, rather than a MS degree since the total number of credits required will be similar.

However, if your goal is becoming a CPA at a Big 4, I would also recommend looking into top MS Accounting programs in the nation such as Notre Dame, UVA, USC, UTexas and UNC etc. These programs have limit on enrollment and they have over 90% placement rate after graduation. All Big 4 firms target candidates from these schools as a priority candidates.

MS Accounting without Bachelor's in Accounting

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards