The purpose of the undergraduate accounting major is to provide students with a solid educational foundation for entry into a wide range of accounting careers, and prepare students to pursue graduate or advanced professional education. The accounting profession may be divided into two major segments: public accounting and other accounting jobs.

Specialties in public accounting include auditing, tax, and management advisory services. Some of the larger public accounting firms have reorganized these activities along industry lines. Students entering public accounting should prepare to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Many students who graduate with an accounting degree are employed by CPA firms at the international, national, or local level. After becoming certified, some CPAs choose to open their own independent practice.