Accounting Schools in Oregon

This page offers information on undergraduate and graduate accounting degrees in Oregon. Students can choose between different degree formats, such as full-time, accelerated programs, part-time working professional programs, and fully online degrees. Schools in Oregon also offer numerous concentrations or certificates in different fields of accounting. The information below provides details about program options and career opportunities in accounting in Oregon.

Quick Facts

23 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Oregon.¹
9 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Oregon.¹
16 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
14 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
14 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
8 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
No schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.⁴
2 schools 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 Oregon

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

University of Oregon (Charles H. Lundquist College of Business) #100
Portland State University (School of Business Administration) #106

AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Oregon

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 Oregon have been accredited by the AACSB:

Oregon State University (College of Business)
Portland State University (School of Business Administration)
University of Oregon (Charles H. Lundquist 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 Oregon in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Oregon being 59.7%:

University of Portland 68.4%
University of Oregon 65.3%
Oregon State University 61.5%
Linfield College 60.6%
Western Oregon University 60.0%

Schools in Oregon with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting. This undergraduate degree is ideal for those interested in a career in public, corporate, or governmental accounting, or in leadership or management roles in the business world. The curriculum consists of ten core business courses and seven accounting-specific courses, such as Advanced Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, and Auditing and Information Systems. Students are also required to take some interdisciplinary non-business courses in other departments of the university. UO students can also combine their undergraduate degree with an accelerated Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) from Lundquist and still graduate in just four years.

Oregon State University

Students at Oregon State University can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from the College of Business. Graduates are prepared for careers in the field of accounting such as tax accounting, cost accounting, and auditing. Students first complete the OSU undergraduate core curriculum before beginning the business and accounting curriculum. Coursework focuses on the theory and techniques used in real-life business decisions as well as the technical skills used to report financial information. Students learn through lectures, case studies, projects, presentations, and seminars. OSU also promotes experiential learning through field activities, internships, and networking events.

University of Portland

At the University of Portland, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. The undergraduate degree requirements include core liberal arts classes, business fundamentals, and accounting major-specific courses. Accounting students take courses such as Accounting Information Systems, Business Taxation, Auditing, and Cost Accounting. These courses prepare students for professional designations that can be pursued as undergraduates, such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Those interested in the CPA examination can apply for the dual-degree BBA and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that can be completed in five years.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of Oregon

Students at the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon can earn a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. This 45-credit program can be completed in one academic year. The curriculum focuses on advanced accounting subjects such as Taxes and Business Strategy, Accounting Measurement and Disclosure, and Financial Statement Analysis. After completing the core curriculum, students can also choose from numerous advanced accounting electives. UO also offers professional development seminars and connections with alumni and industry partners. Those without an undergraduate degree in accounting may need to complete some prerequisite courses before beginning the program.

Portland State University

At Portland State University, students can earn a Master of Taxation degree. This 45-credit program is available online, with quarterly on-campus residencies, and can be completed in 12 months on a full-time schedule or in 24 months through a part-time format. The academic calendar is structured to accommodate full or part-time employment during tax season so students are able to pursue relevant work experience. To ensure courses are relevant, the curriculum has been collaboratively developed with the local public accounting and corporate tax community. Students learn advanced taxation knowledge as well as analytical and critical thinking skills. This degree is ideal for working professionals or undergraduate accounting majors seeking to fulfill the educational requirements of CPA licensure.

Online Accounting Programs

Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in accounting. This degree can be completed on-campus or entirely online, and students are prepared for further study and preparation for the CPA designation. The program starts with a core curriculum covering some liberal arts classes and business courses. Students then take specialized accounting courses such as Financial Accounting, Individual Income Tax, Managerial Accounting, and Auditing. Accounting majors can also choose from electives like Corporate Tax or Project Management, Planning, and Control. Graduates from Eastern Oregon University can go on to work as a public accountant, personal financial planner, internal auditor, or forensic, tax, or government accountant.

Southern Oregon University

Students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in accounting entirely online through Southern Oregon University. This online program is ideal for those interested in careers as a corporate accountant, consultant, auditor, financial analysts, or business leader. Through courses such as Economic Analysis, Advanced Organizational Behavior, Financial Management Practices, and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, students learn accounting knowledge and skills that are relevant in the industry. The courses focus on skills in accounting information systems, business valuation, and financial statement analysis. Online courses are offered in a seven-week format, and the program includes 33 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of electives.

Oregon CPA Requirements

According to the Oregon Board of Accountancy, those who wish to become publicly certified accountants in Oregon must complete 150 credit hours and at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. After passing the four-part Uniform CPA examination, candidates must log at least one year of experience in public accounting under the supervision of a CPA. After all of these requirements are met, candidates can apply for licensure, and this licensure must be maintained through Continued Professional Education (CPE) hours.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grad in Oregon

Both CPA-holders and students who enter the workforce immediately upon graduation may find many different employment opportunities in Oregon. Companies such as eCommerce and mail-order giant Harry & David run operations from Oregon, offering positions in accounting and business management. . Other state and local businesses may offer positions in management or accounting roles. Oregon is home to offices of many large CPA firms, including Deloitte Touche, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Local branches of the IRS and other government entities also employ large numbers of accounting, tax, and finance experts.

Oregon Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro Area	Accountants & Auditors Employed	Average Annual Salary
Bend-Redmond	320	$63,940
Corvallis	290	$64,210
Eugene	830	$63,220
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro	9,510	$70,350

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.⁸

Schools with Accounting Degree Programs in Oregon

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.

Eastern Oregon University (La Grande, OR)
1 University Blvd
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 962-3672
https://www.eou.edu/

Student Review: “Eastern Oregon University’s program for accounting is mixed with the business administration program. It involves at least 30 credits of accounting with emphasis on financial accounting and managerial accounting. Classes are also offered in not for profit and corporate accounting. I have enjoyed all of the accounting classes especially not for profit where I felt I learned a great deal. I do wish there was more emphasis on different computer programs that are used in the accounting field such as Sage 100. I believe it is a skill I will need to obtain employment after graduation. Overall it has been a great experience and I feel that I have a good grounding in accounting theory and if I chose to follow the CPA path I am well prepared. I have taken most of the accounting classes online and the teachers have been quick to respond with help when I had question or was stuck on a homework problem.” -Christa S., student at Eastern Oregon University

Portland Community College
12000 SW 49th Ave
Portland, OR 97219
(971) 722-6111
https://www.pcc.edu/

strong>Student Review: “I studied accounting through an online program at Portland Community College. Online courses allowed me to work at my own pace, at my own convenience, and in the comfort of my own home. All of the tools I needed to succeed were readily available, including access to help from the instructors or tutors, outside resources and materials to expand one’s learning opportunities, and access to up-to-date technology. The course materials were also up-to-date, which is important in our ever-changing economy. I enjoyed learning about accounting practices and procedures. The instructors were all seasoned accountants, economists, or computer specialists with the knowledge and experience needed to effectively teach the courses. They also expressed optimism about future career opportunities in the field. Accounting itself is fairly easy to learn in an online environment, but I did have some difficulty with other necessary courses in the curriculum, such as Economics and Management. Economics, for example, is a somewhat complex social science, and learning about it through books or text-based discussions leaves something to be desired. Overall, however, my experience taking accounting courses online at PCC was very rewarding and I would recommend the same for any student interested in doing so.” -Student at Portland Community College

Student Review: “To put it frankly, my program felt utterly un-engaged. I understand that at a community college you can only anticipate so much depth from programs, as you are meant to go on to a four year college afterwards, but I witnessed the depth other programs gave, such as bioscience majors. Accounting and business, meanwhile, felt like being handed a list of rules, with no expectation of real-world experience, told to repeat the rules on a test, and then shipped out the door. The teachers were able to make it engaging on their own, but as a whole it felt like I was going through prerequisites and not the program itself.” -Student at Portland Community College

Portland State University (Portland, Oregon)
1825 SW Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97201
(503) 725-3000
https://www.pdx.edu/

Student Review: “I had a pretty positive experience in Portland State University’s accounting program. I gave it a 4 and not a 5 because I was very bored and didn’t feel like I was getting much out of it at first. The initial classes that everyone has to take were presented in a very monotone and boring fashion. I almost changed majors because I didn’t want to go through an entire major and be bored. Granted, accounting isn’t a very glamorous profession to begin with, but I think you can make it more interesting than lecturing straight out of a text book. Once I got into the upper level courses, I was pleasantly surprised. All the teachers had real world experience, and most of them still have full time accounting positions, either with a large company or an accounting firm. It was very refreshing to be able to talk to someone with real world experience, that wasn’t the case in the lower-level classes. I felt like I always had someone to bounce questions off of, and the accounting department even helped me find internships while I was in school and for the summers so I could get some real world experience while at school prior to finding a job. Overall, I was very happy with the resources that PSU provided for accounting students. The professors were great and excited to teach.” -Student at University of Portland

Student Review: “I would say my overall experience in Portland State University’s accounting program was a good one. I felt the curriculum was sufficient to gain the knowledge needed to take the next step in becoming an accountant. I had a very basic understanding of accounting going into the program and I never felt like I couldn’t keep up. The staff was very welcoming and their office doors were always open if I was struggling with a concept or had general questions. My only complaint is that I wish I had more teachers with real world experiences. Most of the teachers I had, at least until I got into higher level classes, seemed to be career teachers with no accounting work experience.” -Student at University of Portland

University of Oregon (Eugene, Oregon)
1585 E 13th Ave
Eugene Oregon, 97403
(541) 346-1000
https://www.uoregon.edu/

Student Review: “My teachers have always been very available after class to answer questions and concerns. The problems I’ve experienced were related to large class sizes, expensive and unnecessary books, and poorly scheduled classes. We have wonderful and technologically advanced facilities and top notch professors who seem to genuinely care about our success. Obtaining our undergraduate elective credits is easy and fun. We have a large school with lots of options. I took two years of French and had the opportunity to study abroad. Another benefit at our school is that although we have to buy many overpriced books, we have the opportunity to sell them back at almost full price. We have accounting tutors who are on staff full time every term. We have a staff of mentors and advisors just for our business college. I felt like I had a lot of help along the way to getting my degree.” -Emily C., student at University of Oregon

Student Review: “The program was definitely designed for students to pass the CPA (which affords the best work opportunities post graduation). If you follow the coursework as planned, you should have enough credits and practice in all four areas to sit for the CPA upon graduation. However, I felt that the teachers were hit or miss. One issue with Oregon is that it’s a research institution, so the majority of the professors are there to write and publish papers, not necessarily teach. This can be an issue for some students, but if you’re willing to self-learn (when needed), the degree you get from this school will definitely open doors for you with great firms looking for accountants.” -student at University of Oregon

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, Oregon: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm