Q: Hello, I have a BA in Anthropology. At the undergraduate level, I have one general Math/Algebra class and one Statistics class (both of which I received As in). I have no prior accounting or finance experience. For a career change, I would like to become an Accountant. Should I just take the accounting courses at my local (and inexpensive) community college to fulfill the 48 credit hours to sit for the Illinois CPA exam; OR should I spend the money and time on a Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) degree, and possibly pursue the CPA credential at a later date? Please compare job prospects and salaries of the MS in Accounting vs. the BA in Anthropology PLUS the CPA credential. I'm just wondering if it will pay off to go the long and expensive track rather than the fast and cheap track. FYI I'm making a career change, so I'm not a kid anymore...time is running out for me ;). Thanks!
A: Check out the minimum requirements in the job advertisements where you live (or where you want to work). I'm willing to bet that you will find many more employers would prefer a CPA (or a CPA candidate, which just means you are eligible to sit for exam) over an MSA (unless your neck of the woods is a lot different than where I live!) Most employers could care less about masters degrees if you are a licensed CPA. In fact, one of my previous employers thought I was crazy for wanting to get the masters degree on top of the CPA! Good luck in your decision!
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