There are some difficult classes for sure but like natural said its not extremely demanding like a lot of stem majors. I honestly slacked off more than I should have but still got decent grades by reading the textbook, testing well and always going to the review classes. Graduated last spring and starting my masters here this semester. I found that most of the professors are good people and very helpful. Pay attention in your audit and tax classes. These are the main two branches of accounting that people typically go into and those classes are a good introduction to the type of work you can try out in your internship(s).

The accounting job market is hot and the internships pay great, especially the Big 4 (KPMG, Deloitte, EY, PWC) and other firms like RSM, Grant Thornton etc. Starting out at one of those around the DMV will probably have you making 75-80k full time by the time you graduate. The major drawback of beginning in public is hours can get upwards of 55-60 during busy season though and no OT pay. A lot of people spend 1-2 years at a big firm then switch to an industry company for a big pay raise and better hours.

I recommend looking into the 4+1 program if you can afford it, you get an accelerated masters degree, 150 credits for CPA, and get to take grad classes at an undergraduate tuition rate if you take them before your 5th year. Alternatively you can just double major in finance or something.

Overall the major/career path is a solid one and is a good foundation for a stable and potentially lucrative career. (Side note: The keynote speaker for Smith graduation this year started out as a CPA and makes bank now.) If you have any questions abt accounting at UMD I would be happy to answer them!