Is UMPI too outdated?

[kliezert]

Just started at UMPI. Currently taking a business course and the material is 10-15 years old and some of the info is no longer true. I don't care about the business courses being outdated but about the accounting-specific courses. Does anyone have experience with the accounting courses? Will I be years behind what other universities are teaching? Also, has anyone had issues with a state CPA board accepting UMPI accounting credits?

[Tswede]

Just started at UMPI. Currently taking a business course and the material is 10-15 years old and some of the info is no longer true. I don't care about the business courses being outdated but about the accounting-specific courses. Does anyone have experience with the accounting courses? Will I be years behind what other universities are teaching? Also, has anyone had issues with a state CPA board accepting UMPI accounting credits?

Which course?  There are a couple known to be very outdated.

UMPI is in the process of transitioning to a new provider with potential updates to new materials, expected next session.

[kliezert]

Just started at UMPI. Currently taking a business course and the material is 10-15 years old and some of the info is no longer true. I don't care about the business courses being outdated but about the accounting-specific courses. Does anyone have experience with the accounting courses? Will I be years behind what other universities are teaching? Also, has anyone had issues with a state CPA board accepting UMPI accounting credits?

Which course?  There are a couple known to be very outdated.

UMPI is in the process of transitioning to a new provider with potential updates to new materials, expected next session.

Bus 101. It's the only course I've taken, just started today. As I said, I'm more concerned with the accounting courses. Being that they aren't aacsb nor acbsp accredited I suspect they may be outdated but I'm hoping not.

[bjcheung77]

@kliezert, And that's the reason you want to take a look at the requirements for each state, especially the state you want to get the CPA from... We recently have had members complete their UMPI and are in the process of getting/going for their CPA, not many (if anyone) has mentioned that the courses are 'outdated'.

Basically, You want to verify with the state their CPA requirements, such as GPA, number of credits, amount of years max for current courses (so the subject isn't that out of date), someone mentioned their state required an 'Accounting Info Systems' course that isn't offered at UMPI and had to take it elsewhere...

[kliezert]

@kliezert, And that's the reason you want to take a look at the requirements for each state, especially the state you want to get the CPA from...  We recently have had members complete their UMPI and are in the process of getting/going for their CPA, not many (if anyone) has mentioned that the courses are 'outdated'.  

Basically, You want to verify with the state their CPA requirements, such as GPA, number of credits, amount of years max for current courses (so the subject isn't that out of date), someone mentioned their state required an 'Accounting Info Systems' course that isn't offered at UMPI and had to take it elsewhere...

I reviewed several state requirements. Based on the info I gathered I see no reason UMPI's courses wouldn't be accepted plus I'll be pursuing a masters. I suppose I'm more concerned with ensuring I'm learning up-to-date information and will not possess a knowledge gap when I go on to a masters program. I've contacted some members who completed the accounting programs so hopefully, they can clear up my hesitation. Thanks for the feedback.

[rvm]

In the world of academia, it may take years if not decades for them to catch up to real world work experiences.  That could be due to a variety of circumstances ranging from bureaucracy to available funds to make updates to the professors' relative experiences - knowledge, wishes , etc.  

While some professors move to academia from real world experiences, many start in academia and remain there.  The side effect of this is they often are unaware of how things operate outside of academia.  Additionally, once they attach themselves to certain concepts they teach, it can be difficult to be flexible.

That need to be flexible to constant change is present in the professions of IT, engineering, business (accounting included), etc.

I work in IT with Microsoft Dynamics (D365) for finance and operations.  It changes so rapidly, it's difficult to keep up with the changes.  I have  to understand the basics of how the business team uses D365 in order to work with on an IT level.  My VP suggested I take a D365 class on Udemy and I will because she's the kindest, most gentle and knowledgeable VP in IT and I am blessed to be on her team.  However, it's likely any class we find will be outdated, even if it's only a few months old.

I can somewhat understand your concern about passing your CPA exam as my good friend - a brilliant guy - studied for months (or maybe a year) from the time he graduated UF until he passed the CPA exam.  During that time, he was working as a non-licensed accountant for a major CPA firm in our area.  His work experience combined with his study schedule and his determination allowed him to pass the exam on the first attempt - with flying colors.

If you're here in this group, you are self-motivated.  That's the largest part of any successful recipe!

Best of Luck!

[bjcheung77]

@kliezert, And that's the reason you want to take a look at the requirements for each state, especially the state you want to get the CPA from...  We recently have had members complete their UMPI and are in the process of getting/going for their CPA, not many (if anyone) has mentioned that the courses are 'outdated'.  

Basically, You want to verify with the state their CPA requirements, such as GPA, number of credits, amount of years max for current courses (so the subject isn't that out of date), someone mentioned their state required an 'Accounting Info Systems' course that isn't offered at UMPI and had to take it elsewhere...

I reviewed several state requirements. Based on the info I gathered I see no reason UMPI's courses wouldn't be accepted plus I'll be pursuing a masters. I suppose I'm more concerned with ensuring I'm learning up-to-date information and will not possess a knowledge gap when I go on to a masters program. I've contacted some members who completed the accounting programs so hopefully, they can clear up my hesitation. Thanks for the feedback.

There are many variables at play when it comes to being 'current' on any subject, including accounting. Most concepts, formulas, principles, would remain the same over the years, it's the technology that advanced in these years that may make things seem outdated. I suggest reviewing the last post by rvm, I think the best to keep up-to-date is to continue on with your educational goal and gain any certs, degree, experience during that journey...so, continue onward and working this trifecta...

[MasterShu]

For accounting classes, most of the materials are up to date. The only exception that I've noticed was taxation II.

In that class, and the 2nd part of taxation I, the material were dated back to 2018. Although they're both after the 2018 tax reform, some minor differences, like the estate tax & gift tax exemption, still exist.

Also, it's worth noting that UMPI will have you get an advance cert from IRS and complete a whole set of individual tax return for taxation I, BUS 350. So be ready to spend some time on that.

All in all, good luck } :