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.

Table of Contents

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.

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
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		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
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 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 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—BSBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		N.Av.25%$13,446$20,500$42,648
Rose State College—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
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.

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 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

Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University (NSU) offers two degree options for aspiring CPAs, a Master of Accounting and Financial Analysis (MAFA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Managerial Accounting and Finance. The 36-credit MBA can be completed online or as a hybrid degree combining classes at the Broken Arrow campus. This degree teaches students about a broad range of business functions while also providing the opportunity to develop an area of specialization. Eight core courses are required for all MBA students, including Strategic Management, Managerial Finance, and Marketing Strategy. Students must also take 18 semester credits in the concentration area, such as Accounting and Finance Analysis Seminar I; Investment Analysis and Portfolio Theory; and Financial Statement Analysis. The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis and completed in as little as two years. The 30-credit MAFA degree must be completed at the Broken Arrow campus and prepares students for careers in accounting, financial services, and financial reporting.

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.

Oklahoma CPA Requirements and Steps

The Oklahoma Accountancy Board (OAB) requires that CPA candidates complete a total of 150 semester hours to be eligible for licensure. There are ten main steps to complete in order to earn an Oklahoma CPA license.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Submit an application for qualification.
  3. Submit the Candidate for Examination Application.
  4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Apply for a certificate.
  6. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  7. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  8. Complete continuing education.
  9. Apply for a CPA permit.
  10. Receive a CPA license from the Board.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

Aspiring CPAs must complete 150 semester hours of college-level education including a four-year undergraduate degree. The degree major must be accounting or an equivalent course of study as determined by the Board and include 76 semester hours of coursework at the upper division or graduate level. The coursework must include at least 30 semester hours in accounting above the introductory level, with at least one course in auditing or assurance. Additional accounting coursework can be taken in related subjects, such as the following:

  • Accounting information systems
  • Accounting history
  • Accounting theory
  • Cost accounting
  • Federal income tax
  • Financial accounting
  • Governmental or not-for-profit accounting

Candidates must also take nine upper-division semester hours from related subjects, such as:

  • Business law
  • Business communication
  • Business management
  • Computer science
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Insurance
  • Management information systems
  • Marketing
  • Risk management
  • Statistics

2. Submit an application for qualification.

After completing the education requirements, candidates must submit a Qualification Application for Eligibility (CPA) to the Board. Official transcripts from all schools attended must be sent to the Board in support of the qualification application, as well as a recent photograph. Once the qualification application is approved, candidates will receive notification that they are eligible to apply for the AICPA Uniform CPA Exam.

3. Submit the Candidate for Examination Application.

Once notified of qualification for the Uniform CPA Exam, the next step is to apply to the exam using the Candidate Examination Application. Approved candidates will receive instructions on completing the application process and submitting the required exam fees to NASBA.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Once approved for the Uniform CPA Exam and upon submitting the required fees, candidates will receive a Notice to Schedule to schedule and take the Uniform CPA Exam through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), who administers it. This exam is a requirement for licensure in all 50 states. All four parts of the exam must be passed within a 30-month rolling period with a grade of at least 75 in each section in order to receive credit for passing the exam.

5. Apply for a CPA certificate.

Once the Board has received notification of a passing score on the Uniform CPA Exam, the candidate will be notified that their CPA certificate has been issued.

6. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

At least one year (1,800 hours) of experience in accounting is required to qualify for a CPA license in Oklahoma. Candidates can begin accumulating experience once they have met the educational requirements for licensure. The experience must include the provision of services and/or advice involving skills in accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, and/or consulting. Work experience may be in government, industry, academia, or public practice. All experience claimed for the purposes of this requirement must be verified by a licensed CPA and completed within four years of applying for certification.

7. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

The Board also requires that candidates for CPA licensure complete the AICPA Professional Ethics course and exam, which is available as a self-study course online. Candidates can order the course materials through the AICPA website.

8. Complete continuing education.

If applying for the CPA permit to practice public accounting, candidates must have completed 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) within the 365 days preceding the application.

9. Apply for a CPA permit.

In order to work at a public accounting firm or provide accounting services to the public, Oklahoma accountants must have a CPA permit. The application must be accompanied by an Experience Verification Form signed by the candidate’s supervisor(s) or another licensed individual in a position to verify qualifying work experience. Applicants are also required to submit a national criminal reference check and proof of 40 hours of CPE.

10. Receive a CPA permit from the Board.

The Board will issue a permit once the application is received in full and approved. The CPA designation cannot be used until the individual has received the permit in the mail with confirmation of approval.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

An Oklahoma CPA license expires annually on the last day of the individual’s birth month. The Board mails reminder notices 30 days before expiry to licensed CPAs, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to ensure the license is valid. Oklahoma licensed CPAs are able to renew online through the Board’s website as early as the month prior to the birth month and are given a grace period to the end of the month following the birth month, although late fees may apply. CPAs must complete at least 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) for each three-year reporting period to remain in good standing, with at least 20 hours reported for each individual year. Four of these hours must be in ethics. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

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

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Oklahoma

  • Hogan Taylor LLP: A large business and accounting services firm with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, as well as Arkansas.
  • Finley & Cook PLLC: A Shawnee-based CPA firm offering accounting, assurance, tax, and consulting services.
  • Gillispie & Ogilbee: Started in 1985, Gillispie & Ogilbee is a full-service accounting firm with expertise in tax planning and preparation.

Oklahoma Accounting Associations

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/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Oklahoma Accountancy Board: https://oklahoma.gov/oab.html