Accounting Schools in Oklahoma

There are many colleges and universities in Oklahoma offering certificate and degree programs for students interested in beginning or advancing careers in accounting. Different schools offer various degrees, concentrations, and curriculum options. This summary of accounting schools in Oklahoma can help you find the information you need to make the right choice for your interests and career expectations. Read on below to find out more information about specific programs, professional accountant certifications, and career outlooks in Oklahoma’s accounting industry.

Quick Facts

33 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Oklahoma.¹
11 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Oklahoma.¹
25 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
7 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
19 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
9 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*¹
No programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.²
No programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.³
1 school ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.⁴
1 school ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016.⁵

*Public or private not-for-profit colleges and universities only.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Oklahoma

The Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018

University of Oklahoma

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

University of Tulsa (Collins College of Business) #99

AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Oklahoma

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) is a globally-recognized organization that provides accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. While over 800 business schools have been accredited by the AACSB, only 186 institutions hold AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs, having been found to meet the rigorous standards established by the AACSB.⁶ The following accounting programs in Oklahoma have been accredited by the AACSB:

Oklahoma State University (Spears School of Business)
University of Oklahoma (Michael F. Price College of Business)

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

Each year, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.⁷ The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Oklahoma in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Oklahoma being 58.9%:

Oklahoma City University 81.8%
Oklahoma Baptist University 81.3%
University of Oklahoma Norman 72.6%
Central Connecticut State University 49.1%
Oral Roberts University 64.4%
Oklahoma State University 63.0%

Schools in Oklahoma with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Oklahoma City University

At the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. This undergraduate degree curriculum starts with a business-related liberal arts core. Students then complete fundamental business classes and specialized accounting classes, such as Cost Accounting, Auditing, Advanced Accounting, and Individual Taxation. Through these courses, students develop technical accounting skills and knowledge in auditing and tax regulation. Students are also encouraged to pursue experiential learning through internships or creating potential business and marketing plans through the School of Business. OKCU also offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree that has evening classes for working professionals as well as preparation for the CPA examination.

Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Baptist University’s Paul Dickinson College of Business offers a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (BPA) in Accounting degree. Graduates from this interdisciplinary program are prepared to work in many different organizations, such as accounting firms, international and regional businesses, and non-profit organizations. Students learn accounting fundamentals in courses such as Cost Accounting, Tax Accounting, Not-for-Profit Accounting, and Auditing, and all courses focus on interpersonal skills such as communication and leadership. Through elective classes, students can also add an Interdisciplinary emphasis or a concentration in Information Assurance. OBU’s undergraduate degree prepares graduates to pursue further advanced accounting education and sit for the CPA examination or pursue entry-level positions in the accounting field.

Oral Roberts University

Students at Oral Roberts University’s College of Business can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program’s curriculum starts with a broad business foundation before incorporating specialized accounting courses. Required classes include Principles of Financial Accounting, Quantitative Analysis, Accounting Information Systems, and Tax Accounting. Students can add a concentration in Entrepreneurship and they can also apply for Oral Roberts’ fifth-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to meet the 150-hour CPA educational requirement. Courses in the College of Business emphasize analytical and critical thinking as well as quantitative and financial skills. Student groups, such as the Accounting Society and career advisors at the university offer support for networking and professional opportunities, and many graduates go on to work as analysts, consultants, government employees, or public accountants.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of Tulsa

At the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa, students can earn a Master of Science in Accountancy (MAcc) that prepares them for careers in accounting in many different types of organizations. Through required courses such as Management Control Systems and Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis, and electives ranging from Fraud Detection and Prevention to Financial Reporting in the Energy Industry, students learn research, analytical, and communication skills. The coursework emphasizes technical competency and professional skills as well as knowledge of business ethics. Students can add an “Applied Option” to their degree to pursue a formal Collins College of Business internship. This program is designed for those interested in pursuing the CPA designation. Students without undergraduate accounting backgrounds are welcome to apply but may need to complete additional prerequisite courses.

Oklahoma State University

Students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting at the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. This program focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to gain CPA licensure and adapt to a fast-changing global accounting industry. Students learn technical skills in information technology as well as research and analytical strategies. OSU offers multiple concentrations, such as External Reporting, Tax, Entrepreneurship, Finance
Fraud Examination, Tax Research, Estate and Gift Taxation, and Financial Statement Analysis. The Spears School of Business also encourages students to pursue internships in the field, and students can sit for the CPA examination as part of their MS Plan of Study. Those without an academic accounting background may need to complete additional prerequisite courses before beginning the program.

Online Accounting Programs

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Accounting. Through the Division of Business, students can take online accounting courses on their own schedule. Most courses, such as Accounting Information Systems, Auditing, International Accounting, and Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting, are offered in an asynchronous format that allows students to choose their courseload. These classes emphasize accounting fundamentals as well as practical technical skills used in the field. Many general education classes required for this undergraduate degree are not currently offered online by NWOSU, so many online students choose to attend regionally accredited two- or four-year schools and transfer the academic credit.

University of Oklahoma

At the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma, students can pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree completely online. This 30-credit-hour program can be completed in less than two years, even if a student is working full-time. Through classes such as Fraud Examination, Income Tax Accounting, Corporate Finance, Management of Information Systems, and Organizational Behavior, students learn advanced, specialized accounting knowledge while fulfilling the 150-hour educational requirement for the CPA designation. The online program is a cohort-based model, and students have the opportunity to take an international trip for academic credit that provides international business and accounting experience. For post-graduation career opportunities, online students can take advantage of an extensive alumni network or OU’s career services.

CPA Requirements in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Accountancy Board requires that CPA candidates hold at least a bachelor’s degree and 150 semester hours of academic credit to sit for the CPA examination. Once individuals have met the academic credit requirements and passed the examination, they must complete at least one year, or 1,8000 hours, of public accounting work that is verified by a licensed CPA. Additionally, applicants must be legal residents of Oklahoma state and pass a background check and ethics test before qualifying. After an individual is approved for licensure, he or she must complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours in technical and ethical training to maintain the professional designation.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Oklahoma

Graduates with accounting degrees in Oklahoma may find many different opportunities to work within the state. Oklahoma serves as headquarters to the large banking and finance firm, BOK Financial Corporation, which employs many accounting program graduates from local colleges and universities. Other businesses based in Oklahoma that may hire finance, tax, and accounting experts include AT&T, Dell, Hertz, and Boeing. Local and federal government departments in the state may also need qualified accounting professionals to fill long-term positions as well as small, local firms may have open positions for accounting graduates.

Oklahoma Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro Area	Accountants & Auditors Employed	Average Annual Salary
Fort Smith	450	$59,490
Lawton	250	$73,200
Oklahoma City	5,470	$69,690
Tulsa	4,290	$75,380

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.⁸

Oklahoma Schools with Accounting Degree Programs

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Cameron University
2800 W Gore Blvd
Lawton, OK 73505
(580) 581-2200
https://www.cameron.edu/

Student Review: “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Cameron University. I took several accounting classes during my time there, from August 2004 to May 2008. Cameron University is a small campus, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality. The professors truly cared about their students, and often went out of their way to help in any way needed. Also, the accounting program encouraged networking with local business people in the field and even brought them in as guest speakers. Cameron also offered many opportunities to learn and take part in activities outside the classroom. Overall, I would give Cameron University’s accounting department an enthusiastic recommendation.” -Student at Cameron University

University of Tulsa
800 S Tucker Dr
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2000
utulsa.edu

Eastern Central University
1100 E 14th St
Ada, OK 74820
(580) 332-6347
https://www.ecok.edu/

University of Central Oklahoma
100 North University Dr
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-2000
https://www.uco.edu/

Oklahoma Panhandle State University
323 Eagle Blvd
Goodwell, OK 73939
(580) 349-2611
http://www.opsu.edu/

Student Review: “I attended Oklahoma Panhandle State Univeristy’s accounting program. I really enjoyed the classes I took online classes because I was still able to attend normal classes and tutoring sessions if needed. There were always teachers or tutors available to me. This was a plus as I needed a lot of extra help. The school is a small school and the staff were able to help me successfully complete my program. I believe that without the individual time I would not have passed my accounting classes in college. The program went above and beyond with this aspect.” -Student at Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Oklahoma State University
219 Student Union
Stillwater, OK 74074
(405) 744-5000
http://www.okstate.edu/

Northeastern State University
600 N Grand Ave
Tahlequah, OK 74464
(918) 456-5511
https://www.nsuok.edu/

Student Review: “I really enjoyed my experience in the accounting program at Northeastern State University. While there, I learned about the principles of accounting and how to apply them to a job situation. I feel that I was challenged by the work given to me, but the professor was very helpful in guiding me to understand the material. He would always stay after class to help anyone that needed it. The one thing that I disliked about the program was the group projects. The projects should be incorporated, but that aspect was not well thought out. There were many groups of three or four, but many times only one or two people were helping with the projects. When the professor was told about it, nothing was fixed and the people who did not participate still got full credit for the projects. I really enjoyed the program other than that, and I would strongly recommend the accounting program to anyone.” -Student at Northeastern State University

Popular Accounting Degree State Pages:

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
3. US News & World Report Best Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
4. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2018 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2017.
5. Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-best-undergrad-business-schools/
6. AACSB-Accredited Universities and Schools, Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
7. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2015 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2016 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Oklahoma: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm