Accounting Degree Advice

[jcarter]

Hi All,

I am nearing an Accounting degree completion and was wondering if anyone with experience in the field or who has completed a degree in Accounting recently can offer their opinions.

I am currently 29, and have been working in entry level related accounting roles for a few years now.

I worked as an A/P Clerk for a major fortune 500 company for 16 months, and before that was a full cycle bookkeeper so while not glamorous, I do have some basic financial experience.

Now, I have taken Accounting and general business coursework at a local Oregon college, as well as several CLEP, and I applied to Thomas Edison State College and am only 5 classes away from having a BSBA in Accounting.

My eventual goal is to enroll in an Masters in Taxation and become a CPA.

But, with a degree from TESC, I am concerned that I will have a hard time getting a job either in industry or public. Do you think I would be best starting fresh and taking another year or so and spending more time and money on finding a different online program with more recognition? (I cannot afford to go to campus- I have a family and need to be working) Or alternatively, should I continue on and get this degree and then enroll in a MTAX program from a more reputable school to increase my marketability?



So far I have come up with three options: Eastern Oregon University, Southern Oregon University, Peru State College.

My concern is just from doing a Google search on Linkedin everyone in my area has graduated from well known schools such as Oregon State University, University of Oregon, etc.. that I am concerned I will have a hard time securing a consideration even with some limited experience and an interest in writing the CPA.

On the other hand- I could save more time with a TESC degree and could enroll in an MTAX with a reputable university for resume purposes.

Any advice is appreciated- thanks.