M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership
The M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership at OCU is a 36-credit-hour program that can be complet...
M.S. in Accounting
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Accounting at OCU is a 30-credit-hour program designed to provide students with the breadth and depth in accounting necessary for professional careers. It's offered primarily with evening, on-campus courses, fostering an engaged community and personalized input from experienced faculty. The program's core objective is to ensure graduates have an in-depth understanding of highly technical financial accounting standards, auditing standards, and tax statutes and regulations. It also offers CPA Exam Prep classes for academic credit, utilizing Becker CPA Exam Review materials, further enhancing preparation for licensure.
Curriculum: The curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering advanced topics essential for professional accounting practice. Core courses typically include "Accounting Theory & Research" (focusing on financial accounting standards and research using the Accounting Standards Codification), "Advanced Audit Policies & Assurance Services" (emphasizing technical auditing skills, AICPA and PCAOB standards, and fraud detection), and "Income Taxation of Entities" (covering C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and estates/trusts). Elective options may include areas like Financial Statement Analysis, Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting, Energy Accounting, and Forensic Accounting, allowing students to specialize based on their career interests. The program also integrates data analytics to reflect modern accounting practices.
Research Focus: Oklahoma City University's M.S. in Accounting program has an applied research focus, aiming to equip students with the skills to conduct and utilize accounting research for professional practice. The "Accounting Theory & Research" course explicitly focuses on learning to apply financial accounting standards through research using the Accounting Standards Codification. Faculty members, who bring years of real-world public, industry, and government experience, instill pragmatic knowledge, often drawing from contemporary issues in accounting and auditing. The program emphasizes the integration of technology and data analytics for efficient analysis of transactions, fraud detection, and financial statement analysis, preparing students to leverage research findings in their professional roles.
Industry Engagement: Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business has strong connections to the business community, particularly within the accounting sector. Accounting firms (including the Big Four), Fortune 500 corporations, and government employers actively recruit OCU graduates. Faculty members bring extensive public, industry, and government experience directly into the classroom, providing students with invaluable insights and networking opportunities. The program encourages active learning experiences, such as participation in the Student Accounting Society and events with local business leaders, ensuring graduates are well-connected and career-ready for various accounting roles.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Accounting at Oklahoma City University integrates a global perspective by preparing students to work in a global marketplace where accounting standards and business practices may vary. While not explicitly highlighting study abroad, the curriculum's emphasis on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and auditing standards implicitly prepares students for the international dimension of accounting, given that many large corporations operate globally. The AACSB accreditation, an internationally recognized standard, also signifies a commitment to global business education. Furthermore, the program's STEM designation often attracts a diverse international student body, enriching classroom discussions with varied global viewpoints on accounting challenges and practices.
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14190
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to attract and support talented international students. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and reward academic excellence, leadership, and artistic achievement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OCU provides merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and community involvement. These scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process, and amounts vary based on academic achievement and program of study.
Performance and Talent Scholarships: Students applying to OCU’s renowned performing arts programs, including music, dance, and theater, may be eligible for performance-based scholarships. These awards recognize exceptional artistic ability and provide financial support to help students pursue their creative passions at a professional level.
Transfer Student Scholarships: International students transferring from other accredited institutions may qualify for transfer scholarships. These awards acknowledge previous academic success and help make the transition to OCU more affordable.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate students, especially those in business, law, and healthcare fields, can access scholarships and assistantships that offer tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research support. These opportunities provide valuable experience and financial relief.
Oklahoma City University's M.S. in Accounting program is a robust and highly practical degree designed to prepare graduates for successful careers across various accounting sectors. With its strong emphasis on technical accounting standards, auditing, and taxation, along with integrated CPA Exam preparation, the program ensures graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern accounting profession.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This is a primary career goal for many M.S. in Accounting graduates. CPAs provide a wide range of services including auditing financial statements, preparing tax returns, offering financial planning advice, and consulting for businesses and individuals. They can work in public accounting firms (including the Big Four), corporations, or even independently.
External Auditor: Works for public accounting firms to examine the financial statements of client companies, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS). They provide an independent opinion on the fairness of financial reports.
Internal Auditor: Works within an organization to assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. They help ensure operational efficiency and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Tax Accountant/Tax Advisor: Specializes in tax planning, compliance, and preparation for individuals, corporations, and other entities. They advise clients on minimizing tax liabilities while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local tax laws.
Forensic Accountant: Investigates financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. They analyze financial data, conduct interviews, and often serve as expert witnesses in legal proceedings. OCU's program, with its electives in Forensic Accounting and Principles of Fraud Examination, directly prepares students for this specialized field.
Corporate Accountant/Financial Reporting Specialist: Works within a company's accounting department, responsible for preparing financial statements, managing general ledger, handling accounts payable/receivable, and ensuring compliance with financial reporting requirements.
Government Accountant/Auditor: Works for federal, state, or local government agencies, managing public funds, auditing government entities, or ensuring compliance with governmental accounting standards and regulations.
Management Accountant/Cost Accountant: Focuses on providing financial and non-financial information to management for internal decision-making, strategic planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation. Cost accountants specifically analyze costs related to production and operations.
Financial Analyst (Accounting Focus): Leverages accounting knowledge and analytical skills to assess financial performance, project future financial outcomes, and evaluate investment opportunities. While a finance degree is common, an M.S. in Accounting with strong analytical skills is highly valued.
Controller: A senior-level position responsible for overseeing all accounting operations of a company, including financial reporting, internal controls, and coordinating with external auditors. They play a crucial role in maintaining the financial integrity of the organization.
Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Analyst: Bridges the gap between accounting and information technology. These professionals help design, implement, and manage accounting software systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and efficiency in financial reporting processes.
