Cal Stagg ’23 sought an accounting program that would put him on the fast-track to becoming a CPA with a competitive edge. With the ambitious, long-term goal of becoming a partner for a major accounting firm, Cal chose Marist’s dual degree program in accounting for its modern course topics, knowledgeable faculty, and accelerated format. 

Marist’s MS/PAccy program enables students to simultaneously work towards their Master of Science in Professional Accountancy while completing their bachelor’s in accounting. In total, the program takes four years and four months to complete, enabling students to become CPAs and be industry-ready in just 12 weeks.  Additionally, “In talking with peers and professionals alike I have not found a program that is more efficient in providing its students with a competitive advantage over others,” Cal said.

As a student, Cal built close relationships with Marist’s knowledgeable faculty and found creative ways to combine his shared interest in the academic and industry sides of the field: “I completed my own original accounting research proposal in one day and the next was creating a database that could be used in any enterprise resource planning system.”

Cal’s achievements throughout his student experience earned him an exclusive invitation to the quarterly School of Management Advisory Board meeting in New York City–“a fantastic experience in terms of both operational exposure as well as networking.” –and, ultimately, secured a full-time job offer from Ernst & Young.

“The  Dual-Degree MS/PAccy program will give you the upper hand on many other industry candidates nationwide,” Cal said. “My advice would be to put in the extra work, as it will pay off in great ways and in a shorter time than you may think. Get to know our great faculty to learn more about the program and how it differentiates itself from others, you will not be disappointed.”