I need help deciding between different master’s programs for my consulting career goals. I got accepted to a Master of Science in Accounting program at a highly ranked business school, but it costs about 20k more than similar programs at less prestigious schools. I keep reading mixed opinions about whether MSA degrees are worth it and if school ranking really matters.
The expensive school also has a well-regarded MBA program, so I’m thinking the MSA might help me get accepted there later. My long-term goal is definitely management consulting, not traditional accounting work like Big Four auditing.
I also applied to some Master of Science in Finance programs at decent schools. My undergraduate degrees were in accounting and management.
Basically I’m trying to figure out three options:
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Go somewhere cheaper for the MSA, get CPA certified, work in audit until I can apply for MBA programs
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Pay extra for the prestigious MSA and try to use the school’s reputation to my advantage
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Choose an MSF program instead and try to get into consulting or investment banking directly
Which path makes the most sense for someone targeting strategy consulting roles? Does the school name matter enough to justify the higher cost, or should I focus more on the specific degree type?
I’ve been in strategy consulting for years, and honestly? I’d scrap all three options and rethink this completely. None of those paths are the most direct route into management consulting. McKinsey, Bain, and BCG care way more about analytical thinking and problem-solving than specialized technical knowledge. Sure, these firms recruit heavily from top MBA programs, but they also want candidates from diverse backgrounds who can show strong quantitative skills and business sense. You’ve already got solid analytical training from your accounting and management background. Skip the master’s degree for now and get 2-3 years of real work experience instead. Look at corporate strategy roles, smaller consulting firms, or Big Four advisory (not audit). Quality experience will make your MBA applications much stronger and give you actual context for case interviews. If you’re dead set on more school right now, pick programs with proven consulting recruitment track records and good case prep resources. But remember - consulting firms care about strategic thinking and communication skills, not your specific degree.
Option 2 is the way to go from a recruiting standpoint. MBB firms are obsessed with school prestige - about 70% of their hires come from target schools. The prestigious MSA gets you straight into their recruitment pipeline and alumni network, which is huge. Sure, MSA isn’t the typical consulting track, but firms love candidates with solid finance skills now. The extra cost? Think of it as buying access to networks and opportunities you won’t get at cheaper programs. Your plan to transition into their MBA program is smart too - internal candidates usually get a boost. Just make sure you’re networking with consulting clubs and career services from day one. The MSF option is riskier since finance programs don’t have the same consulting recruitment setup, even though it looks more relevant on paper.