Accounting Major
Accounting is the study of how organizations record, report, and analyze financial information. It is a major within Business & Management.
Accounting is the study of how organizations track, record, and report money and financial information. Accountants help answer fundamental questions: Where did money come from? Where did it go? Is the organization financially healthy? The field focuses on understanding financial statements, following established rules and standards for reporting, identifying errors or inconsistencies, and using data to support business decisions. It requires careful attention to detail, logical thinking, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to people who may not have accounting backgrounds.
Students drawn to accounting often appreciate working with numbers and systems, value precision and accuracy, and want to understand how organizations operate financially. The major typically starts with foundational courses in financial and managerial accounting, building knowledge of basic principles and practices. As students progress, they encounter more specialized topics, take on more complex case studies and real-world scenarios, and develop technical skills using accounting software and analysis tools. The curriculum balances conceptual understanding with hands-on problem-solving and practical application.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Accounting program commonly includes topics such as:
- Financial accounting
- Managerial accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Accounting information systems
- Business law
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Accounting is commonly offered at these levels:
- Associate
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Accounting background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Tax preparer
- Financial analyst
- Controller
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Accounting major?
Accounting is the study of how organizations record, report, and analyze financial information. It is part of business & management, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Accounting majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Accounting major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as accountant, auditor, tax preparer. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Accounting offered at?
It is commonly offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.