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    Accounting Schools in Oklahoma

    Table of Contents

    1 – Comparison of Schools and Programs
    2 – Top-Ranked Schools in Oklahoma
    3 – Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
    4 – School Profiles
    5 – Oklahoma CPA Requirements
    6 – Career Opportunities for Graduates

    There are many colleges and universities in Oklahoma offering accounting programs, with different schools offering various certificates, degrees, concentrations, and curriculum options. This summary of accounting schools in Oklahoma can help you find the information you need to choose the right school 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

    • 28 not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Oklahoma.1
    • 10 schools offer a certificate in accounting.1
    • 8 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.1
    • 21 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.1
    • 12 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.1
    • 3 schools ranked in College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023.2
    • 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for Accounting Majors 2023.3
    • No programs ranked in US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023.4
    • 5 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023.5
    • No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023.6
    • 2 schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in Business and Accounting.7
    • 13 schools have accounting programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).8
    • 2 schools have accounting programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).9

    Comparison of Oklahoma Accounting Schools and Programs

    The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Oklahoma to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options. For further school statistics, including median SAT, ACT, and GMAT scores, see the tables on our Oklahoma business schools page, which break out information at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
    Bacone CollegeIACBEBSBA-Accounting54.5%N.Av.$16,165$26,187$37,408
    Cameron UniversityACBSPBAccN.Av.25%$9,674$8,898$25,355
    Community Care College—AOS-Accounting Assistant;
    UG Cert-Bookkeeping    		N.Av.54%$23,914$17,671$43,159
    East Central UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting: Managerial Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting: Treasury Management;
    Accelerated BS to MSA;
    MSA    		64.7%31%$10,221$17,671$43,159
    Langston UniversityACBSPBBA-AccountingN.Av.23%$9,681$26,000$33,964
    Mid-America Christian University—BBA-Accounting and Ethics;
    UG Cert-Financial Core Accounting;
    5-Year BBA to MBA-Accounting;
    MBA-CPA Accounting;
    MBA-Management Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Management Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Management Accounting    		N.Av.39%$16,105$26,394$45,508
    Northeastern Oklahoma A&M CollegeACBSPBBA-Accounting: Managerial Accounting;
    BBA-Accounting: Public Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Fundamentals of Accounting;
    Accelerated BBA to MAFA;
    MBA-Managerial Accounting and Finance;
    MS-Accounting and Financial Analysis    		N.Av.33%$9,560$11,000$38,278
    Northeastern State UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Fundamentals of Accounting;
    MBA-Managerial Accounting and Finance;
    MS-Accounting and Financial Analysis    		99.5%38%$9,669$17,367$43,257
    Northern Oklahoma CollegeACBSPAAS-Business Management: AccountingN.Av.36%$6,866$11,000$38,286
    Northwestern Oklahoma State UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		59.3%27%$10,448$17,355$43,404
    Oklahoma Baptist UniversityACBSPBPA;
    BPA-Interdisciplinary Emphasis;
    Minor-Accounting    		55.7%54%$24,672$24,801$44,360
    Oklahoma Christian UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
    BBA-Accounting/Finance;
    Minor-Accounting;
    BBA-Accounting/MAcc
    MAcc    		96.5%57%$20,237$26,000$47,069
    Oklahoma City Community CollegeACBSPAAS-Business: Accounting/Finance Support SpecialistN.Av.18%$6,318$10,388$37,836
    Oklahoma City University—BBA;
    MBA-Corporate Accounting;
    MSA;
    Grad Cert-Financial Fraud and Forensic Accounting    		79.2%69%$25,235$20,835$50,325
    Oklahoma Panhandle State University—BBA;
    BBA-Accounting Systems Information;
    Minor-Accounting    		N.Av.22%$8,325$12,500$45,592
    Oklahoma State University-Main CampusAACSBBSBA-Accounting: Internal Reporting, Control and Auditing;
    BSBA-Accounting: External Reporting, Control and Auditing;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year BSBA to MS-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting: Corporate Finance;
    MS-Accounting: Data Analytics & Systems;
    MS-Accounting: Financial Reporting & Auditing;
    MS-Accounting: Research Methods;
    PhD-Business Administration: Accounting    		68.4%65%$16,718$20,500$53,923
    Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma CityAACSBAAS-AccountingN.Av.13%$7,015$14,250$39,704
    Oklahoma Wesleyan UniversityIACBEBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting    		53.9%34%$27,590$24,813$54,357
    Oral Roberts UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
    3-Year BS-Accounting;
    Accelerated BS-Accounting to MBA-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting    		85.0%63%$22,360$27,000$44,293
    Rogers State University—AA-Accounting;
    BSBA-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting    		N.Av.25%$13,446$20,500$42,648
    Rose State College—AAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Payroll Accounting;
    UG Cert-Professional Bookkeeping;
    UG Cert-Accounting Software Specialist;
    UG Cert-Accounting Specialist    		N.Av.21%$11,572$10,453$37,492
    Southeastern Oklahoma State University—BBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting    		73.7%34%$10,004$17,000$44,617
    Southern Nazarene UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
    BS-Accounting: 150-Credit Hour Program    		N.Av.57%$22,098$21,900$52,663
    Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting    		94.1%39%$13,699$15,954$45,817
    Tulsa Community College—AAS-Accounting Specialist;
    UG Cert-Accounting Specialist;
    UG Cert-Income Tax and Software Specialist    		N.Av.24%$4,471$12,223$38,691
    University of Central Oklahoma—BS-Accounting81.3%35%$18,055$21,000$47,453
    University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusAACSBBBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    Accelerated BBA-Accounting to MAcc;
    Accelerated BBA-Accounting to MS-Finance;
    Accelerated BBA-Accounting to MS-Management of Information and Technology;
    MAcc;
    PhD-Accounting    		85.2%76%$22,601$20,654$59,648
    University of Tulsa—BSBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year BSBA-Accounting to MAcc;
    MAcc;
    MAcc-Applied Option    		75.2%72%$28,087$21,500$56,788

    Table Notes:
    *Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on ​​National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
    **Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.

    Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Oklahoma

    College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.

    College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023

    • University of Oklahoma (#75)
    • Oklahoma State University (#121)
    • University of Tulsa (#167)2

    Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

    • University of Oklahoma3

    US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023

    • Cameron University (#91 tie)
    • Northwestern Oklahoma State University (#98 tie)
    • Northeastern State University (#112 tie)
    • Oral Roberts University (#112 tie)
    • Rogers State University (#141 tie)5

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

    The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Oklahoma in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in Oklahoma being 57.1%:

    1. University of Tulsa 75.7%
    2. Rogers State University 75.0%
    3. University of Oklahoma Norman 74.7%
    4. Oklahoma Baptist University 73.1%
    5. Oklahoma State University 68.1%
    6. Oklahoma Christian University 61.5%

    *As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.

    Schools in Oklahoma with Accounting Degrees

    To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Oklahoma, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.

    Undergraduate Accounting Programs

    Oklahoma Baptist University

    Oklahoma Baptist University’s (OBU) Paul Dickinson College of Business offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (BPA) in Accounting degree with the option to add a 30-credit Interdisciplinary Emphasis. OBU’s BPA prepares graduates to sit for the CPA examination and pursue entry-level positions in the accounting field or further advanced accounting education. The curriculum prepares students 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. Students in the Interdisciplinary Emphasis track take an additional 30 credits in finance, management, marketing, international business, or computer information systems, allowing them to complete the 150 credits required for CPA licensure.

    Oklahoma City University

    At the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University (OCU), students can earn a Bachelor of Business in Accounting (BBA). The BBA curriculum starts with general education courses before progressing to a 59-credit business core and 24 credits of accounting major requirements. Students complete required courses such as Cost Accounting, Auditing, Advanced Accounting, and Individual Taxation, which help them develop technical accounting skills and knowledge in auditing and tax regulation. Meinders School of Business students are also encouraged to pursue experiential learning through internships, business competitions, study abroad opportunities, live investment activities, and events with local members of the business community. For those interested in CPA certification, OCU also offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree that has evening classes for working professionals, as well as an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Corporate Accounting Concentration.

    Oral Roberts University

    Students at Oral Roberts University’s (ORU) Fenimore and Fisher 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. Coursework in the College of Business emphasizes analytical and critical thinking as well as quantitative and financial skills. Required classes include Principles of Financial Accounting, Quantitative Analysis, Accounting Information Systems, and Tax Accounting. ORU offers a “Degree in Three” option for those looking to finish their undergraduate degree at an accelerated rate and a Fast Track Master of Business Administration (MBA) program which allows students to complete the BS and MBA degrees in five years and meet the 150-hour CPA educational requirement. 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

    Oklahoma State University

    Students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting at the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University (OSU). 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 four specialty areas: Corporate Finance; Data Analytics and Systems; Financial Reporting and Auditing; and Research Methods. 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. OSU undergraduate accounting students can complete the program with just one additional year of study, while those without an academic accounting background may need to complete additional prerequisite courses before beginning the program. Those interested in careers in research or teaching at the collegiate level can pursue OSU’s (PhD) in Business Administration in Accounting option.

    University of Tulsa

    At the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa (TU), students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that prepares them for careers in accounting in many different types of organizations and 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. 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. TU Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Accounting students can apply for the 4+1 MAcc program, which allows them to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree.

    Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

    Northwestern Oklahoma State University

    Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) 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; Individual Income Tax; and Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting, are offered in an asynchronous format that allows students to choose their course load. 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 some 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 (OU), students can pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree completely online. This 33-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 Strategic Leadership Communication, students learn advanced, specialized accounting knowledge while fulfilling the 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.

    Related Articles:

    CPA Requirements in Oklahoma

    The Oklahoma Accountancy Board (OAB) requires that CPA candidates hold at least a bachelor’s degree and 120 semester hours of academic credit (with 24 hours of specific accounting coursework and nine hours of specific business coursework) to sit for the CPA examination, but they must complete a total of 150 hours to be eligible for licensure. Once individuals have met the academic credit requirements and passed the examination, they must complete at least one year, or 1,800 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, they must complete continuing professional education (CPE) hours in technical and ethical training to maintain the professional designation.

    Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates 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. Graduates may also find positions with local firms and government departments in the state.

    Oklahoma Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

    Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
    Fort Smith530$64,270
    Lawton280$68,200
    Oklahoma City6,430$77,400
    Tulsa4,650$82,540

    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

    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

    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. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
    3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
    4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
    5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
    6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
    7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
    8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
    9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/results/
    10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
    11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/