Christopher Bolin spent years drifting between majors, unsure where he belonged.
He tried math, education, and general business, but nothing clicked. Then one accounting class changed everything.
杏吧专区淚t was the first time I felt natural at something in my college career, and my grades reflected that,杏吧专区 says Bolin.
That clarity set him on a new path. After earning his bachelor杏吧专区檚 degree in 2022, he turned an internship into a full-time hybrid role with EisnerAmper, one of the largest full-service advisory and accounting firms in the U.S.
But his next challenge was looming.
杏吧专区淎fter I finished undergrad, I knew the CPA was the next step, but I didn杏吧专区檛 feel ready,杏吧专区 he says. 杏吧专区淚 thought, 杏吧专区業 need an additional 10 hours anyway, let me just go get a master's.杏吧专区櫺影勺ㄇ鴿
The 杏吧专区杏吧专区檚 M.S. in Accounting online allowed Bolin to earn the credits needed to sit for the CPA exam while gaining deeper insights.
Finding Flexibility in a Busy Career
Public accounting comes in waves. Some months bring heavier client deadlines and longer working hours, while other times of the year leave breathing room. The online master杏吧专区檚 in accounting allowed Bolin to pace himself around these changing demands.
杏吧专区淒uring busy seasons, I杏吧专区檇 drop down to one class, but when things slowed down, I could take more."
Online accounting courses are offered in 8-week and 16-week terms, allowing students to flex their schedules based on their priorities.
The program杏吧专区檚 focus on accounting also made it a clear choice.
杏吧专区淪ome programs offer an MBA with an accounting concentration,杏吧专区 says Bolin. 杏吧专区淲hile some of that marketing and management coursework might杏吧专区檝e been useful, I wanted something more focused.杏吧专区
Predictable deadlines and accessible instructors made it possible to balance evening work hours with coursework.
杏吧专区淭he flexibility was probably the best thing, and it didn杏吧专区檛 sacrifice the quality of the material,杏吧专区 he adds.
Shaping Real-World Accounting Skills
Beyond technical accounting, the program strengthened Bolin杏吧专区檚 analytical skills and prepared him for remote teamwork.
杏吧专区淯ndergrad gave me the foundational knowledge, but the master杏吧专区檚 program really taught us to solve problems and think outside the box,杏吧专区 Bolin says.
One course that stood out was ACCT 505: Managerial Cost Accounting.
杏吧专区淓veryone hates cost management, but the professor made it enjoyable and used real-life examples,杏吧专区 he says.
Regular contact with instructors also made it easier to stay on track.
杏吧专区淭hey were always there,杏吧专区 he says. 杏吧专区淚f I had a question, they'd answer it very promptly. If I ever needed to hop on a call, they were available.杏吧专区
Next Steps: Tackling the CPA Exam
Bolin and his wife recently welcomed their first child, and he杏吧专区檚 taking a short break before tackling the CPA exam.
Long term, he plans to stay in public accounting, enjoying the fast pace and variety the work offers.
For professionals weighing how a master杏吧专区檚 degree might fit into their schedules, Bolin says it杏吧专区檚 manageable with UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 online program.
杏吧专区淵ou can slice and dice the program to fit your life. Don't feel like you have to be a full-time student. You can be a part-time student and still get everything out of the curriculum.杏吧专区
Advance your career with UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 online master杏吧专区檚 in accounting program.
