Do you have to master in accounting to sit for the CPA exam or what other post graduate degree option ?

Question

Do I have to get a masters in accounting sit for the CPA exam or can I get a masters in something else. If I can what are my other options? I'm aware that in Texas, I have to complete 30 semester hours of post-graduate coursework in acounting but not sure on what I can specialize in. Please help!

Answer 1

The way it is in Ohio, if you pursue your masters degree in accounting it basically prepares you up for the CPA exam.  If you want your CPA certification you have to take the exam and have at least a year (if not more) of accounting experience.  In some states, entering into the masters program lessens the amount of experience time you need to wait after you pass the exam.  If you want to get your masters in say....finance or economics you could but it won't necessarily help you out if you plan on becoming a CPA, but you always could.  I'm pretty sure these are basic rules that apply in almost every state, if you get your CPA you can take it in a lot of different directions, hope this helps...

Answer 2

there is 150-hour rule which you need to observe if you want to sit for the example.  you also need to figure out if you can study for the example yourself if you don't go to graduate school.  grad degree will not 100% prepare you for the exam, but will be lots of help.  if you can make yourself study with prep materials, then you may skip accounting grad degree and get something else, like MBA (finance, MIS, etc.).

in most states, you need at least one year of accounting experience before you can get your CPA license.  in some states, it's two years.  also, in some states one of that two years can be substituted with a graduate degree.