Which MSF program to accept

Last week I was admitted to Gtown, Nova, American, and Rutgers (which is a master in financial analysis, not MSF). Waiting to hear back from UMD still. I am curious what everyone’s thoughts are on these programs.

I am an accounting major with a full time position lined up at a top 15 accounting firm, as a staff consultant on the financial advisory services team. I am interning with this firm this summer, which is a commitment I would have to abandon to attend Villanova (which may make things awkward in the office).

Anyways, I will be pursuing the CPA upon completion of the MSF I choose, and hope to use my experience & MSF to take my career into the middle market M&A industry.

Looking for some advice on how to approach this decision and which programs will help me accomplish my goals. I thought it would be nice to gather some new input to help me rationalize through this big decision (which I need to make within the next 10 days).

Thanks guys!

9 Comments
 

The 150 is certainly a part of the decision to do an MSF. My undergrad is a non target, and I lack the finance experience. I also think MSF will significantly help me with networking and breaking into the M&A industry, and am uncertain that my work experience alone will be sufficient.

I could do a fifth year, but the tuition would be slightly less expensive than Nova’s tuition, including the scholarship I received. Also gives me a chance to put a target school on my resume, which looks a lot better than my current undergrad.

 

You'd need to find jobs again with msf, and OK, other than Georgetown as borderline target and UMD like a semi target, there are no targets period.

No clue with top 15 means, but it'd be not too hard to elevate into big 4 if you kill on the job.

Overall i'm not so hot on these msf IMO. If you really are to chase 150, try UNC online macc

 
Best Response

I’d pick between Gtown and Nova. Seems like you’re in the DC area. If so, lean Gtown. Look at JHUs masters in Econ as well. It’s in DC, at night and affordable.

Nova is fine, but as you’ve noted, you’ll have to quit your gig. Probably not worth it if you are in the DC area and have a Gtown admit.

Note to all - Gtown is online and in person. Really flexible.

 

My understanding is that there is a weeklong residency requirement at the start of the program in October. The program itself is 21 months long. I am uncertain if there are additional residency requirements.

 
"TNA" I’d pick between Gtown and Nova. Seems like you’re in the DC area. If so, lean Gtown. Look at JHUs masters in Econ as well. It’s in DC, at night and affordable.

Nova is fine, but as you’ve noted, you’ll have to quit your gig. Probably not worth it if you are in the DC area and have a Gtown admit.

Note to all - Gtown is online and in person. Really flexible.

Any of these useful for m&a?

 

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