Those studying in the field of certified public accounting often learn the professional skills necessary to maintain financial records and prepare various, and sometimes complex, tax documents. Academic courses within the field of accounting may heavily focus on mathematics, business, management information systems and other accounting-specific requirements.

A bachelor's degree is given to students who fulfill the necessary requirements given by the college or university they are attending. The requirements include three to seven years of focus on a subject, typically referred to as a major or concentration.