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Accounting Major

Study of financial record-keeping, analysis, and reporting for organizations.

Entry: $50,000
Mid: $70,000
Senior: $100,000
Growth: 4% (average)

Overview

Accounting majors learn to record, analyze, and report financial information for organizations. This essential business function involves preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing insights for decision-making.

Students study financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. The curriculum emphasizes attention to detail, analytical thinking, and understanding of business operations.

Accounting majors pursue careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, government, and non-profit organizations. The field offers strong job security and opportunities for advancement, including the CPA credential.

Career Prospects

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Financial Analyst
Auditor
Tax Accountant
Management Accountant
Forensic Accountant
Budget Analyst
Controller
Chief Financial Officer
Financial Consultant

Top Universities for Accounting

1

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • 5.9% acceptance rate
US News
#6
2

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • 15.0% acceptance rate
US News
#21
3

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • 3.6% acceptance rate
US News
#4
4

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • 5.2% acceptance rate
US News
#14
5

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • 7.0% acceptance rate
US News
#11
6

New York University

New York, NY • 14.5% acceptance rate
US News
#28
7

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • 11.0% acceptance rate
US News
#35
8

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN • 80.0% acceptance rate
US News
#73
9

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH • 41.0% acceptance rate
US News
#67
10

Arizona State University-West

Glendale, AZ • 75.9% acceptance rate
US News
#105

Popular Courses

Principles of Accounting
Intermediate Accounting
Cost Accounting
Tax Accounting
Auditing
Accounting Information Systems
Financial Statement Analysis
Government Accounting
International Accounting
Business Law

Admissions Requirements

  • Strong mathematics skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Interest in business and finance
  • Analytical thinking abilities
  • Ethics and integrity
  • Computer skills
  • Communication abilities

Essential Skills

Attention to detailAnalytical thinkingMathematical skillsTechnology proficiencyCommunicationProblem-solvingEthics and integrityTime management

Work Environments

  • Public accounting firms
  • Corporations
  • Government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Financial institutions
  • Consulting firms
  • Small businesses
  • Self-employed practice

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Accounting major?

A Accounting major opens doors to careers in certified public accountant (cpa), financial analyst, auditor, and many other fields. The skills you develop in attention to detail, analytical thinking, mathematical skills are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Accounting graduates?

The job growth for Accounting related careers is projected at 4% (average), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $50,000, with potential to grow to $100,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Accounting programs?

Most Accounting programs require strong mathematics skills and attention to detail. Additionally, many programs look for interest in business and finance and analytical thinking abilities.

Which universities have the best Accounting programs?

Top universities for Accounting include University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Stanford University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.