Best Accounting Degrees in Oklahoma for 2025 - CPA Exam Requirements in OK

What is Accounting?

Accounting is the process of recording financial transactions, revenue and expenses. In accounting, transactions are summarized, analyzed, and reported to regulatory agencies, tax collection agencies, and oversight agencies. A company's financial statements present a summary of its operations, financial position, and cash flow during a period of time.

It can be overwhelming to sort out all of the steps you’ll need to take before you’re eligible for your CPA license. To become a Certified Public Accountant CPA, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree and complete the experience requirements. After you complete your education, you will need to pass the CPA exam to become a certified public accountant CPA. When you pass the CPA Exam in your state, you will become a certified public accountant. Becoming a CPA is challenging but rewarding. Here’s a guide to what can expect in the process of becoming a licensed CPA in Oklahoma.

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Top Ranked Campus & Online Accounting Programs in Oklahoma

1

University of Tulsa

Score: 80.28

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,602
- Out-of-State:$48,602
Net Price: $28,087
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 3,769
Undergrad Students: 2,647
Graduate Students: 1,122
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

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2

University of Oklahoma

Score: 80.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,595
- Out-of-State:$26,665
Net Price: $22,601
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 28,308
Undergrad Students: 21,282
Graduate Students: 7,026
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

3

Oklahoma State University

Score: 78.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,234
- Out-of-State:$25,754
Net Price: $16,718
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 25,372
Undergrad Students: 20,786
Graduate Students: 4,586
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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4

Oklahoma City University

Score: 75.56

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,586
- Out-of-State:$33,586
Net Price: $25,235
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 2,550
Undergrad Students: 1,361
Graduate Students: 1,189
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

5

Oklahoma Christian University

Score: 75.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,900
- Out-of-State:$25,900
Net Price: $20,237
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 2,537
Undergrad Students: 1,950
Graduate Students: 587
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

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6

Southern Nazarene University

Score: 72.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,600
- Out-of-State:$29,600
Net Price: $22,098
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 1,507
Undergrad Students: 912
Graduate Students: 595
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

7

Oral Roberts University

Score: 70.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,100
- Out-of-State:$34,100
Net Price: $22,360
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 5,051
Undergrad Students: 4,289
Graduate Students: 762
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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8

Oklahoma Baptist University

Score: 68.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,050
- Out-of-State:$34,050
Net Price: $24,672
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 1,399
Undergrad Students: 1,330
Graduate Students: 69
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

9

Northeastern State University

Score: 66.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,513
- Out-of-State:$16,633
Net Price: $9,669
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 6,702
Undergrad Students: 5,242
Graduate Students: 1,460
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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10

Cameron University

Score: 66.48

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,900
- Out-of-State:$16,320
Net Price: $9,674
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 3,418
Undergrad Students: 3,133
Graduate Students: 285
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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11

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Score: 65.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,200
- Out-of-State:$16,410
Net Price: $10,004
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 5,479
Undergrad Students: 3,022
Graduate Students: 2,457
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

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12

East Central University

Score: 65.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,032
- Out-of-State:$17,542
Net Price: $10,221
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 3,376
Undergrad Students: 2,730
Graduate Students: 646
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

13

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Score: 62.92

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,970
- Out-of-State:$11,664
Net Price: $10,448
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 1,852
Undergrad Students: 1,647
Graduate Students: 205
Grads Salary: $60,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

14

University of Central Oklahoma

Score: 62.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,522
- Out-of-State:$19,409
Net Price: $18,055
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 12,250
Undergrad Students: 10,739
Graduate Students: 1,511
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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15

Mid-America Christian University

Score: 61.28

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,896
- Out-of-State:$19,896
Net Price: $16,105
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 2,442
Undergrad Students: 1,867
Graduate Students: 575
Grads Salary: $60,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

16

Rogers State University

Score: 60.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,392
- Out-of-State:$15,176
Net Price: $13,446
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 3,155
Undergrad Students: 3,046
Graduate Students: 109
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

17

Langston University

Score: 60.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,728
- Out-of-State:$14,255
Net Price: $9,681
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 52%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 1,903
Undergrad Students: 1,774
Graduate Students: 129
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

18

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Score: 57.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,466
- Out-of-State:$31,466
Net Price: $27,590
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 848
Undergrad Students: 722
Graduate Students: 126
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

19

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

Score: 56.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,779
- Out-of-State:$9,564
Net Price: $7,015
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 45%

Graduation Rate: 13%
Total Enrollment: 4,340
Undergrad Students: 4,340
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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20

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Score: 50.34

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,922
- Out-of-State:$8,673
Net Price: $8,325
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 35%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 1,242
Undergrad Students: 1,242
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $50,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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Online Accounting Education in Oklahoma

The first step to becoming a CPA Certified Public Accountant in Oklahoma is to make sure that all of your education requirements are satisfied. You can start with an Associate's In Accounting degree, but you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in order to be able to take the CPA exam.

Before you’re able to sit for the CPA Exam, the Oklahoma Accountancy Board requires candidates to have completed at least a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, along with 150 credit hours of college credit from a college accredited by the U.S. State Board of Education.

Your required semester hours must include the following:

76 upper-division hours
30 semester hours of accounting courses beyond the introductory level
- One of these courses must deal with auditing or assurance, and must concentrate on external auditing standards (including Statements on Auditing Standards)
Nine semester hours in business classes, including but not limited to:
- Business communication
- Business law
- Business management
- Computer science
- Economics
- Finance
- Financial information systems
- Insurance
- Marketing
- Risk management
- Statistics

You must be able to provide the Board with official university transcripts to become a CPA. Contact the registrar’s office for guidance on how to proceed.

Oklahoma does require CPA candidates to reside in the state in order to be eligible to take the CPA Exam, so be aware and make sure to plan accordingly.

Online Associates (AS)

You can learn accounting basics in an associate degree program. You'll learn accounting fundamentals like spreadsheets, the accounting cycle, and more. This degree will give you access to entry-level positions only, and probably only in smaller companies. You’ll need a higher-level degree to move up. To learn more, see AS in Accounting.

National Online Rankings - Top 25 Accounting Associates

Online Bachelors (BS)

With a bachelor's degree you are eligible to become a CPA. You can open the doors to a long, successful accounting career with this program where you will gain knowledge in auditing, financial information systems, and financial reporting. You can access entry-level positions in the Big Four accounting firms and have numerous options for positions in small to medium-sized firms or companies. To learn more, see BS in Accounting.

National Online Rankings - Top 25 Accounting Bachelors

Online Masters (MS)

In this degree, you’ll explore managerial finance, data modeling, corporate taxation, and other advanced accounting functions. By earning a master's degree in the accounting field, you’ll gain access to promotions, even to the C-suites, and have enough education to pass the CPA exam or gain other vital credentials and certifications. To learn more, see MS in Accounting.

National Online Rankings - Top 25 Accounting Masters

Online Doctorate (PhD)

If you want to teach in the accounting field or be an expert in the industry, earning an accounting doctorate is the way to go. This is the most prestigious degree you can earn and the curriculum here will cover subjects like financial and economic theory but will focus in on research.

Online Degree in Accounting

Oklahoma’s online degree programs in accounting offer you the flexibility to work around your schedule and at an affordable price. These degrees allow you to earn your accounting degree on your computer in the comfort of your home and online programs have proven to be just as effective and just as high a quality as in-person programs. To learn more, see online accounting programs.

Learn more about accounting resources and scholarships

Oklahoma CPA Exam Requirements

Once you’ve satisfied your education and residency requirements, you should be able to sit for the CPA Exam.

Submit your application to become an exam candidate. You can apply online, or by mailing in the completed Qualification Application Packet, including:
Submit your application to take the CPA Exam. You’ll need to submit an additional $50 application fee at this time.
- Official university transcripts from every college where you received credits
- A 2 x 2 passport style photo of your head and shoulders
- Affidavit Verifying Lawful Presence in the United States (included in the packet, must be signed and notarized)
- $50 application fee payable to Oklahoma Accountancy Board

Your application and all supporting documents can be mailed to: Oklahoma Accountancy Board, 201 Northwest 63rd Street, Suite 210, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

If your application is accepted, you should find out within one to two weeks after submission. If you are approved, you will receive a letter allowing you to submit an application to sit for the CPA exam.

Upon approval or your application, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) will send you a payment coupon. You’ll need to submit payment for each section of the Uniform CPA Exam you plan to take. After payment is sent, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), either by email, fax, or mail (you can choose upon signup).
Register for your test on the Prometrics website. Oklahoma testing centers are located in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Arrive to your chosen testing site 30 minutes early on the day of your scheduled exam. Be sure to bring two forms of identification and your NTS.
After your exam is reviewed, you can access your scores online using the pin and password you’ll have set up already. You’ll also receive notice in the mail.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements

After completing your initial permit CPE requirements, you’ll need to keep up your education by completing 120 CPE hours every three years. This will ensure that your knowledge of the industry stays fresh, and keeps your permit valid.

Every three years, your CPE hours must include:

Four hours in professional ethics
If you work in industry, academia, or government accounting, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 72 hours in public accounting
If you review compilation agreements or supervise someone who does, a minimum of four hours every year must be spent on compilation agreements

You can meet this requirement in the following ways:

College credit courses in a relevant topic of study(one semester hour is equal to 15 CPE hours)
College non-credit courses in a relevant topic of study (one semester hour is equal to one CPE hour)
Group meetings and seminars
Leading instruction in courses

You may also consider joining accounting groups and organizations, like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) or the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Become an Accountant in Oklahoma

Candidates who pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam are now eligible to complete the work requirement needed to obtain Oklahoma CPA licensure.

Before work experience can begin, you’ll need to pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)’s Home Study Course on Professional Ethics Exam. Materials can be found online.
After completing the course, you’ll need to accrue one year (1800 hours) of accounting experience within four years of your anticipated CPA license application.

Experience must meet the following:
- Can either be full-time or part-time as long as hour requirements are met
- May be self-employed
- Must include experience in accounting, tax services, and/or attestation
- May be accrued by working in a public or private practice, as well as academia, government, or industry
- Must be verified by a current Oklahoma CPA in good standing, or a PA with licensing in either Oklahoma or another state
Document your experience hours in the Board’s Experience Verification Form. This must contain the name, contact information, and license number of your CPA verifier. Once you’ve signed and dated the form, you can send it to the Board by fax, or by email. Be sure to use a separate form for each source of employment experience.
After the State Board has reviewed and approved your experience, you’ll receive an Application for Certification.

Getting Your CPA License in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a two-tier system, which means that you’ll have to obtain both a license and a permit to practice before you’re able to start practicing accounting on your own.

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Apply for certification using the application sent to you by the Board. You’ll also need to submit:
- Certificate of Completion of the AICPA Ethics Exam (including your score)
- Official college transcript
- Three letters of reference
- Check or money order payable to the Oklahoma Accountancy Board

Send the required documentation to: Oklahoma Accountancy Board, 201 Northwest 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

If your application is accepted, you’ll receive your CPA certificate in the mail.
Before you can apply for your Permit to Practice, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) within a calendar year.

Once you’ve met that requirement, you can submit your application to the Board, along with:
- Certificates of CPE completion
- Certificate of AICPA Ethics Exam completion
- $100 application fee, payable to the Oklahoma Accountancy Board

You do not need a Permit to Practice if you work in a government or academia setting; however, you may still obtain your permit if you wish. You must have a Permit to Practice if you’re practicing in a public firm.

Careers for Accounting Graduates

Oklahoma Average Accountant Salary

In Oklahoma, auditors and accountants do relatively well. Northwest Oklahoma’s mean annual wage is $57,140 while in Tulsa, mean annual wage is $49,200. Southwest Oklahoma (nonmetropolitan) mean annual wage is $59,860, and the southeast non-metro area’s mean annual wage is a little higher, at $63,210. Rounding out this area, Lawton’s mean annual wage is $42,000, employing only 250 professionals.

Oklahoma’s urban centers do employ higher numbers of accountants and auditors. There are 5,470 auditors and accountants working in Oklahoma City. In Tulsa, 4,290 provide accounting services. In northeast Oklahoma’s non-metro area, 1,000 auditors and accountants provide their services, while Enid has 130 accounting professionals available.

City	Annual Median Wage
Tulsa	$49,200
Southwest Oklahoma	-
Lawton	$42,000
Oklahoma City	$49,400

Entry Level	Mid Career	Late Career
$46,200	$50,434	$56,700

Oklahoma Average Cost Estimator Salary: $57,400
Oklahoma Average Auditor Salary: $54,600
Oklahoma Average Budget Analyst Salary: $40,600
Oklahoma Average Credit Analyst Salary: $52,700
Oklahoma Average Financial Analyst Salary: $52,500
Oklahoma Average Personal Financial Advisor Salary: $50,000
Oklahoma Average Financial Examiner Salary: $55,100
Oklahoma Average Tax Examiner, Collector, or Revenue Agent Salary: -
Oklahoma Average Tax Preparer Salary: $50,000
Oklahoma Average Actuary Salary: $89,500
Oklahoma Average Forensic Science Technician Salary: $59,000
Oklahoma Average Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk Salary: $36,400

Learn about all accounting career paths and salaries

Oklahoma Accounting Frequently Asked Questions

What accounting jobs are available in Oklahoma?

There are a variety of career paths available in the accounting field.

Here are some of the options in Oklahoma:

Systems Accountant
Director of Financial Accounting
Federal Systems Accountant
Corporate Accountant
Portfolio Accounting Specialist
AP Analyst
Mortgage Accountant
Full Charge Bookkeeper
Assistant Controller
Forensic Accountant
Accounts Receivable and Collections
Senior Accountant
Director of Financial Reporting

What is the salary expectation with an accounting degree?

Here are some salary range examples in the state:

Systems Accountant - $64,000-$103,832 | The annual salary for this position averages $82,900.
Director of Financial Accounting - $126,000-$193,766 | The average salary is $157,150 for this position.
Assistant Controller - $112,000-$154,387 | An income of $131,700 is the average for this position.
Director of Financial Reporting - $136,000-$170,119 | The average annual income for this position is $154,500.

Do colleges in the state offer online degrees?

Yes, there are numerous online programs available in Oklahoma.

You can earn your degree in accounting online through colleges and universities like:

Bacone College
Cameron University
Career Point Institute
East Central University
Mid-America Christian University

How long does it take to earn an accounting degree?

There are many factors that determine how long it takes for degree completion. The degree you choose, the concentration, and the way you choose to take class - be it in person or online - all play a role and how long it takes for you to earn your degree.

Why pursue an advanced degree in accounting?

You may want to consider getting an advanced degree in accounting if the field that you have chosen for your career path requires additional certifications and skills. There are professions you cannot gain access to without an advanced degree. Speak with your academic advisor to determine the right degree program for you.

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How to Become an Accountant or CPA in Oklahoma

What is Accounting?

Top Ranked Campus & Online Accounting Programs in Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma City University

Southern Nazarene University

Oklahoma Baptist University

East Central University

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Mid-America Christian University

Rogers State University

Langston University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Online Accounting Education in Oklahoma

Online Associates (AS)

Online Bachelors (BS)

Online Masters (MS)

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Online Degree in Accounting

Oklahoma CPA Exam Requirements

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements

Become an Accountant in Oklahoma

Getting Your CPA License in Oklahoma

Careers for Accounting Graduates

Oklahoma Average Accountant Salary

Oklahoma Accounting Frequently Asked Questions

What accounting jobs are available in Oklahoma?

What is the salary expectation with an accounting degree?

Do colleges in the state offer online degrees?

How long does it take to earn an accounting degree?

Why pursue an advanced degree in accounting?

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