What is next - opinions please

[topdog98]

Now that I have completed my bachelors, I am deciding on what is next.

I had just about made up my mind for the LSU Accounting Certificate until Rebel100 threw a wrench in those plans by bringing the Harvard Extension School Accounting Certificate to my attention.

I was hoping that the group here could help me with the pros and cons for this decision and any other factors that I may not be aware of.

LSU: Including one prereq., I would need six three-credit courses. The cost would be $3354 plus books ($$$) and proctor fees. These courses are at an independent pace which is my preference. This would give me all the credits needed to pursue the CPA exam. These courses are undergraduate courses that could never count toward a masters. https://is.lsu.edu/ACCTCertificateProg.asp

HES: There are four four-credit courses. I think all of these could be completed online, but they would not be independently paced. This would also probably mean that these four courses would take longer than the six at LSU. I would be 2 credits shy of the CPA requirements, but that could be easily supplemented. The base cost is $9600. These courses are graduate level and could count toward a masters through HES in management or finance, and I assume that they could transfer elsewhere toward a masters. Of course, the main pro to HES is the Harvard brand on my resume. Accounting Principles Certificate Program | Harvard Extension

I am undecided about a masters at this point. I am not sure about the utility of a masters in accounting if I get the CPA. Instead, I might diversify and get a masters or MBA in finance or management. Since it might make a difference in your advice, I am 17 years old. So things are pretty wide open for me. I do have a job opportunity that has been offered that would give me great experience.

Please reply with any advice you have. Thanks.