What it is
Accounting is the study of recording, analyzing, and reporting financial information — the backbone of every business. Accountants track money, ensure compliance, and turn numbers into insight. It's one of the most stable, always-in-demand business fields.
What you'll study
Accounting builds technical and business skills:
- Year 1–2Financial & managerial accounting, economics, statistics
- Year 2–3Intermediate accounting, taxation, auditing, accounting systems
- Year 3–4Advanced accounting, business law, and (toward the CPA) 150 credit hours
Concentrations & focus areas
- Public Accounting / AuditFirms & audit
- TaxTaxation
- Managerial / CorporateIn-house accounting
- Forensic AccountingFraud & investigation
- Financial ReportingStatements
- Accounting SystemsTechnology
Skills you'll build
- Financial analysisReading the numbers
- Attention to detailAccuracy
- EthicsTrust & compliance
- Technical accountingGAAP & standards
- SoftwareAccounting systems
Careers & job titles
- Accountant / auditorThe core role (~$81,680)
- Tax professionalTaxation
- CPA / public accountantWith the CPA
- Controller / accounting managerWith experience
- Financial / cost analystAnalysis
- CFO / finance leadershipSenior
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects accountants and auditors to grow about 5% (faster than average), with roughly 75,000 openings a year. Accounting is famously stable and in constant demand; the CPA significantly boosts opportunities and pay.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors had a median of $81,680 (May 2024), higher with the CPA and in finance/insurance. Controllers, managers, and CFOs earn substantially more.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's is the standard entry; a master's (often an MBA) accelerates advancement into management and leadership.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you like working with people and organizations, are practical and results-oriented, and want a flexible degree with clear advancement.
Edge: business rewards internships, quantitative/analytics skills, and a concentration — and the MBA is a well-worn path to leadership and higher pay.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusRecording, analyzing & reporting finances
- StudyFinancial/managerial accounting, audit, tax
- CredentialCPA (typically 150 credit hours)
- Outlook~5% growth (faster, BLS)
- Pay$81,680 median (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: