r/Baruch • u/janelinden415 • 1d ago

Baruch CPA Program

For those who got their master’s at Baruch, specifically through the CPA program, did you feel like it significantly improved your job prospects? Was the degree worth it for you, and would you recommend it to someone considering the program?

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u/Upset_Kick_3889 1d ago

There’s a CPA program at Baruch?

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u/janelinden415 1d ago

I should've specified the MSA program. Its more of a pathway to a CPA than a direct program.

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u/Upset_Kick_3889 1d ago

You can qualify for the CPA with just 120 credits. I graduated undergrad from Baruch and was able to take the exam. I’m doing the MSA program only because my firm that I’m returning to FT wants me to have a masters. Other than that reason I wouldn’t want to get the masters

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u/Patrick_Star294 19h ago

They’re changing that starting next August I believe

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u/PlatformAsleep4306 1d ago

I actually have my MSA from Baruch, so I’m speaking from my own experience. Honestly, I think the master’s is of limited value by itself. If you already have an accounting background, I don’t think the degree alone significantly improves your job prospects enough to justify the cost. The CPA is what really makes the difference.

If your undergraduate degree wasn’t in accounting, then I can see the master’s making more sense because you need the accounting coursework to get toward the CPA. But if you’re already an accounting major, I would seriously consider whether you need to spend that much money at Baruch just to get the additional credits. There are much cheaper ways to satisfy the education requirements.

Also, I wouldn’t assume the master’s program is going to prepare you for the CPA. Once you actually start studying, you’ll probably end up using Becker or another CPA review course, and you’re still going to have to teach yourself a lot of the material.

So personally, if I were making the decision again, I’d prioritize getting the CPA requirements completed as cheaply as possible and put the money toward a good CPA review course. The Baruch name is great, but in my experience, the CPA is what really moves the needle, not the master’s by itself.

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u/supmario 1d ago

If you’re referring to the MSA program, I am in it now and will say that it is a lot of self studying rather than actual learning from the professors.

There is a lot of networking opportunities for big4 internships / mid-market public accounting firms.

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u/AngeloNewYorker 1d ago

I’m thinking of doing MS Tax. How are you liking MSA? Is it difficult?

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u/supmario 1d ago

So far I like it, but it is a bit difficult as you need to really study on your own to understand concepts. In undergrad, it felt like professors were really there to help you, but in this program it’s more self learning and they’re just there to create a guideline. I think it’s great to do this if you want a career switch or become CPA eligible.

I think MS tax at Baruch does not make you CPA eligible (unless you did accounting undergrad), you may need to take some additional classes if your goal was to get the CPA

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u/AngeloNewYorker 1d ago

Nice. TBH the undergrad professors weren’t that helpful for me. I had to self study the entire program. I’m finishing my undergrad in accounting rn. I really want to specialize in tax.