Finance Programs and Careers in Oklahoma

This overview of finance degrees and careers in Oklahoma provides details to help you make an informed decision and reach your career goals. Those interested in a finance degree in the state can choose from a number of different programs, from Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs with a concentration in Finance to Master of Science in Finance (MSF) programs. With programs that range from full-time to part-time to fully online, students can choose the program that best fits their schedule and desired career path. Alumni from finance schools in Oklahoma may find opportunities in the state’s financial sector after graduation. Continue reading to learn more about earning a finance degree in Oklahoma as well as finance career opportunities and salary information in the state.

Quick Facts

• There are 18 colleges and universities with finance degree programs in Oklahoma.¹
• 7 schools offer a certificate in finance.¹
• 2 schools offer an associate’s degree in finance.¹
• 16 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in finance.¹
• 7 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in finance.¹
• No schools ranked in Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019.²
• 1 school ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020.³
• No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Finance Programs 2021.⁴
• No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Finance Programs 2021.⁵

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with finance degree programs.

Table of Contents

• Comparison of Finance Programs
• Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Oklahoma
• Select Schools in Oklahoma with Finance Degrees
• Oklahoma Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
• Finance Associations in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Finance Program Comparison

We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in Oklahoma from not-for-profit schools. In addition to allowing you to compare the business school’s accreditation, finance degrees that appear in bold are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Programs, those that have been recognized for curricula aligned to preparing for the CFA Exam.

• * indicates combined program.
• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Oklahoma

Georgetown CEW’s ROI Ranking by Long-Term Net Present Value 2019

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) has compared 4,500 colleges and universities on graduates’ return on investment (ROI). We use their net present value (NPV) ranking, which is the current dollar value of earning a four-year degree from the school over a 40-year horizon.

• University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (#373; $1,068,000)
• Oklahoma Wesleyan University (#460; $1,030,000)
• Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (#607; $987,000)
• University of Tulsa (#612; $985,000)
• Southern Nazarene University (#634; $981,000)
• Oklahoma City University (#1,346; $843,000)
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University (#1,399; $836,000)
• Oklahoma Baptist University (#1,406; $835,000)
• University of Central Oklahoma (#1,619; $804,000)
• East Central University (#1,706; $793,000)⁷

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020

• University of Tulsa

Select Schools in Oklahoma with Finance Degrees

Traditional Undergraduate Programs

Langston University

The School of Business at Langston University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Financial Economics for students seeking careers in the financial service industry. The ACBSP-accredited program is designed to develop skills in financial planning, assets valuation, risk management, and financial analysis. The program requires completion of an internship which earns students three credit hours toward their degree; four upper-level electives (12 credit hours) in finance/economics must also be completed. To apply to the program, students must have already completed 45 credit hours and be in their sophomore year, as well as hold a grade of at least “B” in select mathematics courses and a grade of at least “C” in select English/writing courses. An Associate of Science (AS) in Financial Planning, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance, and minor in Finance are also available.

Oklahoma City University

At the AACSB-accredited Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University (OKCU), students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with a concentration in Finance that focuses on effective business practices as well as financial theory. The curriculum is designed to give students a broad understanding of business and management. Students receive professional training in the operations of securities markets; investment and risk concepts; and the merger of enterprises. Through a mix of hands-on experiences and team-based learning, the program at OKCU emphasizes entrepreneurship, critical thinking, creativity, and strategic analysis in the business world. Students must complete a total of 59 business core credit hours and an additional 29 credit hours in finance courses in addition to general education requirements. A certificate in Financial Fraud and Forensic Accounting is also available.

Traditional Master’s Programs

Northeastern State University

At Northeastern State University (NSU), students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Managerial Accounting and Finance in two years or less. The flexible program is offered face-to-face, online, and in a blended format. The 36-credit hour curriculum utilizes immersive learning, case studies, and interactive projects to teach the skills required of professionals in finance. Students who do not hold an undergraduate degree in Finance may be required to complete prerequisite courses before beginning the program. The 24 required courses include Analysis for Business Decision Making, Managerial Finance, and Information Systems for Managerial Problem Solving. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 is required throughout the program. A certificate in Financial Planner Preparation and Finance Essentials, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance, and a minor in Finance are also available.

Oklahoma State University

The Watson Graduate School of Management at Oklahoma State University (OSU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Quantitative Finance. This AACSB-accredited program teaches students the quantitative skills needed in finance as well as the managerial competence to make organizational decisions. Students start with foundational courses in subjects such as statistics, derivative securities, and econometric methods before tailoring their coursework to their interests and career aspirations. Students graduate from the 33-credit hour program with a knowledge of the role of advanced mathematics in finance and can work in industries like energy, financial services, risk measurement and management, and investment management. Alumni from OSU have gone on to work as market analysts, risk managers, investment managers, and financial engineers. Other graduate degrees offered include an MS in Accounting with a Corporate Finance emphasis, an MS in Financial Reporting and Auditing, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, and an MS in Family Financial Planning.

University of Oklahoma

At the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma (OU), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Finance in a full-time, 16-month format. The first year comprises core courses such as Quantitative Analysis, Financial Accounting, and Investments. The 32-credit hour curriculum emphasizes corporate finance and risk management and the internationally-recognized faculty have particular financial experience in the energy sector. The program is available completely online for working students who require a more flexible schedule. Students must demonstrate strong quantitative skills prior to admission and although not required, previous work experience in the finance sector is preferred. OU also offers a professional Master of Business Administration (MBA) that can be completed on a part-time basis in two to five years and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance.

Online and Hybrid Programs

Oklahoma State University

The AACSB-accredited Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University (OSU) offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree ideal for professionals working full-time. This 33-credit hour program can be completed full-time in as little as 12 months or on a part-time basis in 16-18 months. Although there are no formal prerequisite courses, a background in calculus and quantitative skills is recommended. The program is designed to give students the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to achieve their career goals. The courses emphasize teamwork to help students develop their interpersonal and communication skills. Students also practice analytical methods and strategic planning through real-world case studies. For post-graduation opportunities, the Career Services Center offers students assistance with resumes, interview skills, and potential internship placements. The same program is also offered on campus for students who prefer an in-person option.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

At Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU), students can earn an IACBE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in Finance 100% online. The highly flexible program can be started at any point in the year and its asynchronous format allows students to work at their own pace. Each course is five weeks long, with a total program length of 75 weeks. Because students are only required to complete one course at a time, professionals can continue to work while earning the degree. The 126-credit hour program is designed to develop skills in leadership, business operations, marketing, managerial finance, and research. Concentrations in Healthcare Administration, Management, Marketing, and Accounting are also available. A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Financial Services and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance are also available.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program focuses on the essential skills needed to succeed in business. The 36-credit hour program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students first complete core coursework in subjects such as finance, accounting, economics, behavioral management, research, and data analysis. Students can then choose to specialize and select elective finance courses to create a concentration. Students with a Finance specialty start with foundational business courses before studying specialized topics like securities investments and international financial management. Other specializations include Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Strategic Communication Management, and Hospitality Marketing. The general MBA can be completed in as few as 12 months, but students looking to specialize may need to take additional classes. A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance and a minor in Finance are also offered.

Oklahoma Finance Careers and Salary Outlook

Oklahoma’s largest cities, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Edmond, headquarter many national companies. Many of the state’s largest companies are natural gas and oil companies. Corporations like Devon Energy Corporation, SandRidge Energy Corporation, ONEOK, and The Williams Companies are based in Oklahoma and may offer positions in finance roles. Other large companies such as AT&T, Boeing, Dell, and UPS are headquartered or have large offices in the state. There are many financial institutions in Oklahoma, including BancFirst, MidFirst Bank, BOK Financial Corporation, and American Fidelity Assurance.

Financial managers in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $118,020, significantly lower than the national average of $147,530.^8,9 However, financial manager positions in the state are projected to grow at a rate of 14.1% through 2028, which is close to the national projected growth rate of 16%.¹⁰ Financial specialists earn an average salary of $76,500 in Oklahoma, less than the national average of $94,160, and these positions are projected to match the national projected growth rate of 6.2% through 2028.^9,10,11 Personal financial advisors in Oklahoma earn an average salary of $87,130 annually, much lower than the national average of $119,290.^9,12 Personal financial advisor positions are estimated to grow 7.3% through 2028, on par with the projected national growth rate of 7%.¹⁰ Loan officers in Oklahoma earn an average salary of $74,810.⁹ Loan officers in the metropolitan area of Enid earn the sixth-highest average salary of all metropolitan areas in the country, at $105,010 compared to the national average of $76,200.¹³ Loan officer positions in Oklahoma are projected to grow at a rate of 8.3% through 2028, slightly higher than the projected national average of 7.7%.¹⁰

Oklahoma Finance Salary Information

Finance Associations in Oklahoma

• Chartered Financial Analyst Society Oklahoma (CFA Society Oklahoma): Encourages continued professional development and promotes networking in the state’s investment industry.
• Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA): Provides continued learning and networking opportunities for professionals in the accounting industry.
• Oklahoma City Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA Oklahoma City): Offers career development and continued learning opportunities and advocates for high ethical standards in the industry.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Forbes Best Business Schools 2019: https://www.forbes.com/business-schools/list/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2020 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2019.
4. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-finance
5. US News & World Report Best Graduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/finance-rankings
6. US News & World Report Best Business Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Oklahoma: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Managers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm
10. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/projections/longterm
11. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes132098.htm
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Personal Financial Advisors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm
13. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Loan Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132072.htm