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Subject Topic: Dual degree: MPA (Accounting) and MBA (Topic Closed Topic Closed) Post ReplyPost New Topic
  
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zakaria
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Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 01:05 | IP Logged  

Should I go for dual degree: MPA (Accounting) and MBA?

I am an international student in USA and I am doing my MS in Professional Accounting (MPA) in University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). I have a plan to take CPA after completing the program, and also I want to work in audit field.

In addition, i have been told that if you can have an MBA that will show a great impact for your career purpose, and in UTA, if I do 2 more semester with my current program I will have dual degree.

But, initially my planning was to have the MPA program, then I will go for CPA and accounting firm. After completing 3-4 years of experience there I will do a top-notch MBA program in USA.

My question is to fellow accounting people who has significant industry experience-

1) Do you think it is sufficient if I only have CPA, or do I require MBA?

2) and if I go for MBA which is preferable in my situation: top notch MBA or any MBA (UTA has AACSB accreditation) as because I will have CPA at that time?

n.b: MBA in UTA doesn't cover the required 30 credit hours in accounting in Texas.
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late bloomer
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Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 02:52 | IP Logged  

 

You will be more marketable with CPA designation than MBA degree. Now, whether to pursue MBA in addition to CPA-depends on individual. In general, CPA is the most sought qualification than MBA. A degree from AACSB-accredited school is preferable if you want pursue Ph.d program.



Edited by late bloomer on 23 Nov 2008 at 02:55

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Jerry
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Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 06:55 | IP Logged  
late bloomer wrote:

 

You will be more marketable with CPA designation than MBA degree. Now, whether to pursue MBA in addition to CPA-depends on individual. In general, CPA is the most sought qualification than MBA. A degree from AACSB-accredited school is preferable if you want pursue Ph.d program.

I have 3 degrees, including an MBA with a 4.0 GPA  That does not mean sh--!  An MBA is useless in the job market.  If I had to do it over again, I would skip the MBA.

Trust is so important in business.  There should be a place for trust on the financial statements.  A CPA translates into trust in the minds of people.  I would gladly trade in my 3 degrees for a CPA! 
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fleurya
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Posted: 13 Dec 2008 at 14:01 | IP Logged  
MBA's definitely are not worthless. You just have to be in the right job to
take advantage of the education you get. The problem with the MBA is,
too many people are going for them who are not in positions to use the
information they learn, which creates thee perception that they are
worthless.

I was in the same position when I went back to school. I was getting a
dual degree; MPA and MBA. But I decided to drop the MBA for 2 reasons.
One is because it would have taken me another 2 years to finish the MBA
on top of the MPA, which is a lot of extra time out of work and a lot of
extra loan debt. The second reason is because I realized the kind of job I
would likely get in accounting would not benefit from the MBA education.
Maybe someday if I move up in my career where I job would involve
strategic business planning and management I will go back for the MBA,
but until then it's not necessary and getting an MBA too soon would mean
I would eventually lose the knowledge it would be out of date before I
could apply it.


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Jerry
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Posted: 13 Dec 2008 at 16:36 | IP Logged  

Government is interested in credentials.  Private business is interested in competence.  Universities run by the government assume that credentials equals competence.  Credentials and competence are not the same.  Additionally, schooling is not the same as education.

 

Good luck in your endeavors.    

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