Most colleges offer introductory classes that relate to accounting as part of the core liberal arts curriculum. Students pursuing any major can take these classes to fulfill their college's core business or math requirements. You can also benefit by taking these courses if you have yet to declare a major and are considering studying accounting. Level 100 and 200 courses such as introduction to accounting, basic economics and financial accounting can help you get your feet wet with this type of subject matter.
Students who wish to major in accounting have to take at least 30 credits in specified accounting and business classes at most major colleges and universities. These courses are more in-depth and involved than basic accounting courses. Courses of this nature include cost management, financial reporting, tax accounting and accounting law. Be aware that most colleges require students to maintain a C average or above in all classes related to a chosen major. If you earn a D in an accounting course as an accounting major you will be asked to take the class over if you wish to receive credit.
Minoring in accounting can be beneficial to students pursuing other related majors such as business, finance, economics or management. Most colleges require 18 credits in a subject to complete a minor. Many schools do not allow students to choose a minor until they have a certain number of core classes completed and have picked a major. Classes for accounting minors usually come from a handpicked list of courses taken from the accounting major curriculum. Basics such as introduction to accounting are usually required, and students can then pick from a few of the higher level courses such as cost and accounting.
During the last semester of senior year, there are often special programs that seniors can participate in to earn credits instead of taking a typical class. One option is to do an internship for credits at a local business or accounting firm. Another popular method many schools use is to have all seniors complete a seminar or project to earn the last credits needed for graduation. Students normally can pick their own project and have it approved by their seminar professor or department head. The projects must show the use of the skills students have learned in previous courses.