Accounting Papers?

[whimsyUnleashed]

I'm still trying to decide between UMPI or WGU for an accounting degree.  I see that everyone is saying that there will be no exams with the platform change this fall.  Are there really essay papers for the accounting degree?  Can anyone give me an example of what sort of topics there are, and how many of the accounting classes have papers (vs projects/assignments)?

[turbotortuga]

I'm still trying to decide between UMPI or WGU for an accounting degree.  I see that everyone is saying that there will be no exams with the platform change this fall.  Are there really essay papers for the accounting degree?  Can anyone give me an example of what sort of topics there are, and how many of the accounting classes have papers (vs projects/assignments)?

It won't be "essay" papers but rather more akin to a bunch of accounting problems or scenarios which you will have to provide written guidance. Some of the accounting courses like Federal Taxation I and II will most likely remain with the final "project" being completing full Individual, Estate, Gift, S-Corp/C-Corp, Partnership tax returns and such along with some taxation situations to solve. For example, the final assessment for BUS 476 and BUS 466 are a series of auditing and government accounting problems that you have to solutions for along with explanations on why or why not your solutions fall within GAAP or SEC regulation.

Thankfully, I completed all 7 of my exam based courses this Summer 2 Term, so I just have the essay/project courses left for the Fall 1 term remaining (BUS 240, BUS 466, BUS 469, and BUS 489). If I had to start in the Fall 1 Term at UMPI versus WGU, I'd still choose UMPI simply for the fact that they will accept far more alternative accounting coursework than WGU will. If you can manage to get down to only needing 10-12 courses, I believe that you can easily finish in 2 terms or less as I will easily finish next term. WGU will cost about the same in the end, but you will have to do much more coursework there than at UMPI, but if you are a good test taker, maybe that might be a better fit in the end as they will still have the proctored exams.

[bjcheung77]

@OP whimsyUnleashed, it really depends on your preferences, WGU is cheaper, easier, faster than the non-CBE options, but compared to UMPI it's slightly more work. I think you should stick to your UMPI double major plan if you have the energy, money, time to complete the WGU option. Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...quirements

[ss20ts]

How is WGU cheaper? 2 sessions at UMPI is $3000. Most people are finishing in 2 sessions. WGU is $3755 plus the fee. Yes, their term is 6 months so you have longer, but you'll also have more courses. I don't see a ton of people finish their WGU degrees in 1 term. Yes, there are a few, but it's far from the norm at WGU.

[dfrecore]

How is WGU cheaper? 2 sessions at UMPI is $3000. Most people are finishing in 2 sessions. WGU is $3755 plus the fee. Yes, their term is 6 months so you have longer, but you'll also have more courses. I don't see a ton of people finish their WGU degrees in 1 term. Yes, there are a few, but it's far from the norm at WGU.

"cheaper, easier, faster than the non-CBE options"

[ss20ts]

One thing to consider is if you want to deal with proctored exams and if you want to become a CPA down the line.

[whimsyUnleashed]

I'm still trying to decide between UMPI or WGU for an accounting degree.  I see that everyone is saying that there will be no exams with the platform change this fall.  Are there really essay papers for the accounting degree?  Can anyone give me an example of what sort of topics there are, and how many of the accounting classes have papers (vs projects/assignments)?

It won't be "essay" papers but rather more akin to a bunch of accounting problems or scenarios which you will have to provide written guidance. Some of the accounting courses like Federal Taxation I and II will most likely remain with the final "project" being completing full Individual, Estate, Gift, S-Corp/C-Corp, Partnership tax returns and such along with some taxation situations to solve. For example, the final assessment for BUS 476 and BUS 466 are a series of auditing and government accounting problems that you have to solutions for along with explanations on why or why not your solutions fall within GAAP or SEC regulation.

Thankfully, I completed all 7 of my exam based courses this Summer 2 Term, so I just have the essay/project courses left for the Fall 1 term remaining (BUS 240, BUS 466, BUS 469, and BUS 489). If I had to start in the Fall 1 Term at UMPI versus WGU, I'd still choose UMPI simply for the fact that they will accept far more alternative accounting coursework than WGU will. If you can manage to get down to only needing 10-12 courses, I believe that you can easily finish in 2 terms or less as I will easily finish next term. WGU will cost about the same in the end, but you will have to do much more coursework there than at UMPI, but if you are a good test taker, maybe that might be a better fit in the end as they will still have the proctored exams.

Thank you, this is very helpful information.