Continuing professional education (CPE) courses are part of life for every Certified Public Accountant (CPA). They are stepping stones to successful careers and practices. Now, for Ohio CPAs, they can also be the stepping stones to an Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA).

The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA) has partnered with Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, to allow CPAs to apply CPE credit toward the Franklin MBA. The Applied Leadership Focus allows CPAs to apply qualifying CPEs towards as many as eight credit hours in the Franklin MBA Program. CPAs applying CPEs toward their MBA can obtain their degree in as little as 14 months, reducing the usual 17-month duration by up to three months. Four credit hours are the equivalent of 120 CPEs.

“CPAs are committed to lifelong learning and fulfill a stringent continuing education commitment requiring 120 hours every three years,” explains J. Clarke Price, CAE, President and CEO of the Ohio Society of CPAs in announcing the partnership. “Through this unique partnership with Franklin University, Ohio Society members can apply their CPE credits toward an MBA. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to create value-added benefits fo rour members.”

CEO Leaderboard reports that the Franklin MBA is the largest MBA Program in central Ohio. The Franklin MBA is unique in the choices and flexibility it offers. Students can select from two academic formats: the new Life Cycle format and the traditional Discipline-Based format. Further tailoring is available through seven Focus Areas, including the accounting-focused Financial Leadership Focus. Students can also choose to complete their MBA online or on-site. Finally, Franklin’s rolling admission and flexible start dates all students to begin the MBA Program at multiple pints during the year.

“The Ohio Society of CPAs is an outstanding organization. Franklin University and the Society’s Center for Leadership share a commitment to providing high-quality lifelong learning and leadership development opportunities for working adults,” Christopher L. Washington, Franklin’s Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Faculty said in the statement announcing the partnership. “This partnership is just one more example of Franklin “University’s innovative approach toward keeping education relevant to the needs of professionals and the businesses they serve.”