Determine which accounting program is most suitable for you by evaluating the programs at various institutions with a counselor or adviser. Consider the institution's accreditation, reputation and location as well the national ranking of its accounting program.
Courses that students must take to obtain an accounting degree include financial and managerial accounting, accounting information systems, auditing, accounting theory and federal taxation. Other business courses are required, such as finance, marketing and business law.
Program costs vary by institution. In a 2010 "BusinessWeek" survey, annual tuition cost for the top 100 rated undergraduate business programs ranged from $4,000 to $40,000. Note that tuition costs often are different for in-state and out-of-state students.
An undergraduate degree in accounting provides the career flexibility to work in government, hospitals, not-for-profit organizations and corporations. The field also provides steady employment; employment for accountants is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.