Application Requirements

The University of Oklahoma's Steed School of Accounting evaluates each applicant individually in order to select for admission those applicants with the aptitude, scholarship, and analytical skills necessary to successfully complete an advanced degree. Most applicants (recent graduates with up to a few years of work experience) are generally required to submit the following materials in order to be considered for admission.  

• Transcripts of prior undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Graduate admission exam scores (typically GMAT, see following paragraph for possible exception)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) for applicants from non-English speaking nations
• Statement of your reasons for pursuing a doctorate specializing in Accounting and why you chose to apply to the University of Oklahoma.

Virtually all applicants to OU take the GMAT, and some take the GRE.  With international applicants in particular, the GMAT serves a useful purpose for candidates to signal their ability.  We are not familiar enough with the education systems in other countries to rely on transcripts and letters of recommendation of people we don't know.  Consequently, we rely heavily on the GMAT in our evaluations of international applicants; the GMAT is also very important for domestic applicants.  As a general guideline, a GMAT score of 655 or above under the new format is seen by OU and many schools as a strong score (under the old GMAT scoring, this is equivalent to a score of 700 or above).

The English proficiency requirements are found here (click to view).  All applicants for whom English is a second language must present evidence of proficiency in the English Language by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam or by completing a degree at a university in the U.S. or from one of the countries on this list (click to view).

Under extraordinary circumstances, such as when the applicant has remarkable academic or work experience, we may use other demonstrated qualifications to determine eligibility for admission and may waive the GMAT requirement.  Contact the PhD coordinator if you think this may apply to you. The GMAT is not waived for international applicants for the reasons stated above.

The application deadline is January 15. Applications after this date will be considered on a space available basis.  After reviewing applications, the final part of the selection process involves inviting a small set of strong applicants for a campus visit to meet with faculty and doctoral students to ensure a program fit.

While the Steed School of Accounting does not have specific admission requirements (e.g. minimum GMAT score/GPA), admission is highly competitive. The PhD Committee, comprised of members of the accounting faculty, recommends admission on the basis of the total application.  Applicants to our PhD program provide application materials including: past degree(s), GPA, a graduate entrance exam score (typically GMAT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.  As indicated above, we may, under extraordinary circumstances, consider applicants for admission with other demonstrated qualifications.