The accounting major prepares students to become professional accountants and begin careers in large or small businesses, public accounting, government or private practice. The accounting program has a practical orientation, and accounting majors examine, in depth, the contemporary accounting systems that are used to fulfill the information needs of shareholders, managers, taxing authorities and others. All accounting majors gain hands-on, real-world accounting experience as interns. Accounting majors are encouraged to pursue one or more professional accounting certificates (CPA, CMA, CFM, CIA, CFE) after graduation.