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.
“It was the first time I felt natural at something in my college career, and my grades reflected that,” says Bolin.
That clarity set him on a new path. After earning his bachelor’s 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.
“After I finished undergrad, I knew the CPA was the next step, but I didn’t feel ready,” he says. “I thought, ‘I need an additional 10 hours anyway, let me just go get a master's.’”
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s 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’s in accounting allowed Bolin to pace himself around these changing demands.
“During busy seasons, I’d 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’s focus on accounting also made it a clear choice.
“Some programs offer an MBA with an accounting concentration,” says Bolin. “While some of that marketing and management coursework might’ve been useful, I wanted something more focused.”
Predictable deadlines and accessible instructors made it possible to balance evening work hours with coursework.
“The flexibility was probably the best thing, and it didn’t sacrifice the quality of the material,” he adds.
Shaping Real-World Accounting Skills
Beyond technical accounting, the program strengthened Bolin’s analytical skills and prepared him for remote collaboration.
“Undergrad gave me the foundational knowledge, but the master’s program really taught us to solve problems and think outside the box,” Bolin says.
One course that stood out was ACCT 505: Managerial Cost Accounting.
“Everyone hates cost management, but the professor made it enjoyable and used real-life examples,” he says.
Regular communication with instructors also made it easier to stay on track.
“They were always there,” he says. “If I had a question, they'd answer it very promptly. If I ever needed to hop on a call, they were available.”
Next Steps: Tackling the CPA Exam
Bolin and his wife recently welcomed their first child, and he’s 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’s degree might fit into their schedules, Bolin says it’s manageable with UL Lafayette’s online program.
“You 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.”
Advance your career with UL Lafayette’s online master’s in accounting program.
