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Accounting Major: Careers, Salaries and Job Outlook

A degree in accounting is in high demand across every industry.

Drexel LeBow’s BSBA in Accounting equips you with in-demand skills and expertise in developing, interpreting, analyzing and communicating financial information. Accounting is ideal for those interested in a career where they routinely face new challenges, work in dynamic teams and continue to learn in-demand skills.

5%

Projected employment growth for accountants and auditors from 2025 to 2035

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$78,050

average starting salary for accounting majors

Class of 2025

Accounting Career Outlook

Early career opportunities for accounting students are diverse and include financial analyst, auditor, tax analyst and management consultant. The major is excellent preparation for professional certifications including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Managerial Accounting (CMA), and meets the educational requirements needed in most states to sit for the CPA.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for accountants and auditors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.

What Skills Will You Gain From Majoring in Accounting?

Students gain insight on valuable topics like investor reporting, financial evaluation, tax planning and strategic decision analysis. An undergraduate degree in accounting gives you a solid foundation in accounting and tax principles, information analysis, and communication and collaboration skills needed for business success.

  • Managerial accounting
  • Tax planning
  • Cost accounting
  • Auditing
  • Financial accounting
  • Strategic decision analysis
  • Navigating accounting information systems

Drexel Co-op Outcomes

$23

Median co-op hourly pay for accounting majors

2024–2025 Academic Year

50%

of accounting majors received a job offer from a former co-op employer

Class of 2025

Our students have done their LeBow co-ops in a variety of organizations, both locally and around the world.

The top co-op employers for accounting majors include:

Accounting majors have done their Drexel co-op at Anderson, The Campbell’s Company, Exelon, Johnson & Johnson, PwC, Chubb, Comcast, Grant Thornton, KPMG, Vanguard.
Malinka Ranasinghe

The research aspects of so many of my classes really prepared me for this position with EY. I loved that it was not just theory, it was real world. You would read a paper about some real problem that is going on and then see the theory in action.

Malinka Ranasinghe ’16

Tax Staff

EY

Read more about Malinka

What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?

Think accountants just do taxes? Think again! An accounting degree can prepare you to be a leader in a variety of fields. The unique skills learned through an accounting degree provide you with the versatility to enter the industry of your choice and prepare you to make an impact in your field.

Busting Top Accounting Myths

Common Job Titles for Accounting Graduates

  • Accountant
  • Actuary
  • Auditor
  • Bookkeeper
  • Budget / Performance Analyst
  • Buyer / Purchasing Agent
  • Cost Estimator
  • Credit Analyst
  • Financial Analyst / Manager
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Insurance Underwriter
  • Public Accountant
  • Risk Assessment Officer
  • Tax Examiner
  • Tax Collector / Revenue Agent

What Do Accounting Graduates Earn?

The average salary reported one year out for accounting graduates in LeBow’s class of 2025 was $78,050. Salary outlook can vary greatly depending on the local job market, skill level and work experience.

Where Drexel LeBow Accounting Graduates Work

Recent LeBow accounting graduates have landed jobs at companies including:

  • Ametek, Inc.
  • BlackRock
  • CHUBB (formerly ACE USA)
  • Comcast Corporation
  • Deloitte
  • EY (Formerly Ernst & Young)
  • Grant Thornton LLP
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Independence Blue Cross
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • KPMG
  • Lockheed Martin
  • PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
  • QVC
  • Vanguard

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations allow you to expand your local and national network while also broadening your skill set through professional development opportunities.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Many students go on to pursue graduate degrees including the MBA and a PhD with a specialization in accounting .

Career Support at Drexel LeBow

LeBow’s Center for Career Readiness provides resources and personalized support to help students prepare for their job search, from résumé reviews and interview preparation to career guidance and networking opportunities.

Take the Next Step

All undergraduate applications are processed through Drexel University’s central admissions portal. Have questions about applying to LeBow? Our undergraduate enrollment team is here to help.

Real Experience. Real Results.

Connect with Us

Our staff is ready to help you with any questions you may have about the application process, including which program is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Caitlin Brady

Director, Undergraduate Programs and Recruitment

(215) 571-3570

Gerri C. LeBow Hall 333