Mark Fogle's Journey: Finding Direction with the online MSA

At 27, Mark Fogle has already experienced a career transformation that many professionals spend decades pursuing. Working as a tax associate at Forvis Mazars, a prominent public accounting firm in Madison, Wisconsin, Fogle's daily responsibilities include preparing corporate tax returns, partnership returns, and managing supplementary documentation—a far cry from where his professional journey began.

"I graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2020 with my bachelor's in political science," Fogle explains. After completing his undergraduate studies, Fogle worked for his sister's small business for about two years—an experience that unexpectedly shaped his future. "In that time, I realized my love for business. After doing some research and having taken some classes in accounting back in my community college days, it made perfect sense to get my [Master of Science in Accountancy]."

This realization came at a challenging time in Fogle's life. "I grew up poor and just knew that I wanted to be successful, no matter what. I just didn't know how or where to start. I didn't have a guide or someone to give me advice."

Fogle's journey is similar to many professionals who discover their true calling later in their careers—exactly the type of student that DePaul University’s online MSA program is designed to support. Unlike traditional accounting programs that require an undergraduate background in the field, DePaul's online MSA welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, recognizing that successful accounting careers can begin at any point in one's professional journey.

For Mark Fogle, this inclusive approach to accounting education would become the foundation for a remarkable personal and professional transformation.

Finding Direction and Building Skills: Fogle's DePaul MSA Experience

Fogle's journey to DePaul's MSA program came about through a combination of careful research and serendipity. "I was going to attend [a university in the southeast], and had already paid my deposit, when I stumbled across, by pure chance, the MSA program at DePaul," he recalls. Family ties also influenced his decision—his younger brother had been accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, strengthening Fogle's desire to relocate to the Midwest.

The program's reputation played a crucial role in his decision-making process. "I had heard amazing things about DePaul's accounting program, and that it was essentially a powerhouse for accounting in the Midwest," Fogle shares.

Fogle's natural aptitude for accounting helped smooth his transition into this new field. "As with anything worth doing in life, you will have challenges and obstacles. My path to becoming an accountant was no different. What made the experience a bit more seamless though, was that my personality and way of thinking lent themselves very well to accounting. I am naturally detail-oriented and analytical."

The flexibility of DePaul's 100% online format proved ideal for Fogle's needs, allowing him to balance his studies while building his new career path. Even more impressive was how the program fostered meaningful connections despite the virtual environment. "As a bilingual professional and member of DePaul Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), I was able to make meaningful connections with other DePaul students of Hispanic background and I felt like I had a community, despite being online," he explains. This sense of belonging highlights DePaul's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their location or background.

The faculty at DePaul made a lasting impression on Fogle's educational experience. "Professors John Vitanovec, Kenton Klaus and Frank Recchia were my absolute favorites, and each one of them made my time at DePaul unforgettable," Fogle enthuses. "I was able to get to know them, ask questions whenever I had some and learned a ton from them. I will forever be grateful for them." This personalized attention from expert faculty is a hallmark of DePaul's program, ensuring students receive not just theoretical knowledge but practical industry insights.

What stands out most to Fogle is the direct application of his coursework to his current role. "There's so much from the program that I apply to my job. Even if I'm not applying the principles of financial accounting daily, I still remember what I learned in Professor Recchia's class–my very first one at DePaul. Things like the chart of accounts and their numbers are helpful when looking at a client's trial balance, for example." This practical curriculum design ensures graduates like Fogle enter the workforce with immediately applicable skills, prepared to contribute from day one.

Career Launch: From MSA to Tax Associate

DePaul's reputation as a top accounting program in the Midwest isn't just marketing—it's a reality that Fogle experienced firsthand through the program's robust career resources. "I actually applied for the Forvis Mazars internship through DePaul's student job board," he explains. "I remember seeing countless up-to-date accounting positions and recruiters messaging me constantly, and that only solidified my belief that I chose the best school to study accounting."

This seamless pathway from classroom to career highlights one of DePaul's significant advantages: its strategic location in Chicago's financial district and strong relationships with major accounting firms. While the university's campus is mere blocks away from the Chicago Financial District—home to numerous financial institutions and the headquarters of three major national accounting firms—the benefits of these connections extend to online students like Mark as well.

The career center’s job board that connected Fogle to his position at Forvis Mazars is just one component of DePaul's comprehensive career support system. The university leverages its extensive alumni network of successful professionals spanning various industries to create opportunities for current students and recent graduates. This network becomes an invaluable resource for students looking to break into the accounting field, especially career changers like Fogle who are building professional connections from scratch.

For Fogle, the transition from student to professional was supported by the practical, industry-focused education he received at DePaul. The program's curriculum is balanced by core accounting principles and specialized electives, ensuring he was well-prepared for the demands of his tax associate role. Each day, as he works on corporate tax returns, partnership returns, and related documentation, he draws on the foundation built during his time in the MSA program.

The career success Fogle has found so quickly after graduation exemplifies DePaul's commitment to producing not just graduates, but career-ready professionals. In a field where the demand for qualified accountants continues steadily¹ and the payoff for licensure is higher pay², Fogle’s smooth entry into the profession demonstrates the value of DePaul's industry-aligned approach to accounting education.

Life-Changing Impact and Future Aspirations

Fogle’s online MSA experience wasn’t just educational, it was transformational. "DePaul completely changed my life, because I was sort of lost, professionally-speaking, after finishing my undergraduate degree," he reflects. This sentiment resonates with many career changers who find themselves seeking new direction and purpose in their professional lives.

The impact of the program extends far beyond the technical accounting knowledge Fogle gained. "Earning my MSA from DePaul is the most impactful thing I have done in my life. It helped put me on a professional path I didn't even know existed," he shares with genuine appreciation. "I was able to find a career that is fulfilling and rewarding, and I still pinch myself because I can't believe that I'm so fortunate to have the career I do now."

Fogle’s education journey continues beyond graduation as he pursues the next milestone in his accounting career. "I am currently pursuing my CPA [Certified Public Accountant license], and plan on taking the FAR [Financial Accounting and Reporting exam]," he explains. "DePaul did prepare me well, and I feel well-equipped to handle any material that the exam throws my way." This confidence speaks to the comprehensive nature of DePaul's curriculum, which is specifically designed to prepare students for the rigorous CPA examination.

The CPA credential is increasingly important in today's competitive accounting landscape. According to industry data, CPAs typically earn substantially higher salaries compared to non-CPA accountants—nearly $30,000 more annually on average—and are more likely to hold senior accounting roles. By providing Fogle with the educational foundation needed to pursue this credential, DePaul has positioned him for continued career advancement.

Looking ahead, Fogle has a clear vision for his future. "In the next few years, I see myself working up the ranks in public accounting and gaining more experience in the corporate tax sector," he shares. With the current shortage of accounting professionals—three-quarters of all CPAs in the nation are at or near retirement age—the field offers abundant opportunities for ambitious professionals like Fogle.

Even as he advances in his career, Fogle recognizes the lasting value of his DePaul education. "I know that DePaul's MSA will continue to support me because what I learned at DePaul and the connections I made will be with me for as long as I can help it." This ongoing support—through knowledge, skills, and a powerful professional network—represents the true value of a DePaul education.

Investing in Your Future with DePaul's Online MSA

Fogle's transformation from a political science graduate to a successful tax associate at Forvis Mazars illustrates the life-changing potential of DePaul's online Master of Science in Accountancy program. His advice for prospective students is straightforward and powerful: "Invest in [yourself] and [if you] want the best head-start to any career in accounting possible, consider DePaul. It's a powerhouse in accounting and you'll not only learn the necessary skills in the classroom, but you'll also make lifelong connections, whether your program is online or in-person.

"Being a DePaul alum carries its weight in gold, and recruiters know this.''

What makes Fogle’s success story particularly compelling is that it could be replicated by others seeking a similar transformation. DePaul's online MSA program is specifically designed for career changers like Mark, welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds with no prior accounting experience required. The program's meticulously crafted curriculum provides both the fundamental knowledge and advanced skills needed to excel in this dynamic field.

As Fogle’s experience demonstrates, the 100% online format doesn't come at the cost of community or connection. Through student organizations and regular engagement with professors and peers, online students build meaningful professional relationships that last well beyond graduation. From the comprehensive curriculum delivered by expert faculty to the powerful alumni network and career support, DePaul provides the tools needed to excel in the competitive field of accounting.

If you're ready to take the next step in your accounting career—whether you're a recent graduate seeking direction or a professional looking to pivot into a more rewarding field—DePaul's online MSA program is designed to equip you with the same skills, mentorship, and industry connections that helped Mark achieve his goals. With the ability to complete the program in as little as 12 months, you could soon join the ranks of successful DePaul alumni making their mark in the accounting profession.