MBA programs prepare people for managerial and executive roles across the professional landscape. In some industries, people with MBAs earn salaries higher than their counterparts with a bachelor's degree.
The leading industries in Oklahoma include aerospace and defense, financial and information services, and manufacturing. An MBA could boost earning potential in any of these fields.
Finding the right online MBA in Oklahoma is the first step to reaping the benefits of an advanced business degree. Knowing what online MBA programs include prepares aspiring students to decide on a degree.
Why Get an Online MBA in Oklahoma?
Earning an MBA not only increases career opportunities, but also understanding of the global business landscape. The knowledge gained during an online MBA program in Oklahoma provides professional benefits while boosting personal confidence and credibility among peers.
- An expanded professional network: Enrolling in an online MBA makes a student part of a wider community of business learners and professionals. Making connections during an online MBA program may lead to future career opportunities.
- Career advancement: People with an MBA possess the know-how to take on leadership roles in businesses and organizations. With an MBA, you can move up in your current workplace or seek out new employment opportunities.
- Transferable skills: MBA programs build understanding of strategic and practical business concepts and functions. They allow students to hone communication, time-management, and analytical skills. These skills transfer well beyond the boardroom.
Online degrees provide flexible and convenient options for advanced study. Living in Oklahoma may contribute to choosing an online MBA, but an online MBA in Oklahoma can offer benefits to students outside the state.
Some institutions in Oklahoma offer online MBAs at the same tuition rates for resident and nonresident enrollees.
What To Expect From MBA Programs in Oklahoma
Online MBA programs last two years, although some part-time degrees allow students up to five years to finish. Accelerated online options may help learners earn an MBA in as few as 12 months.
The cost of an MBA in Oklahoma varies. Overall expenses include length of the degree, school and program type, and overall reputation.
An MBA integrates roughly 30 credit hours of foundational business coursework with advanced classes and practical requirements. Many institutions offer concentrations in subsets of business like finance, accounting, and management.
Research courses and thesis options influence the length of an online MBA.
Synchronous online MBA programs in Oklahoma include structured virtual meeting times and specific course sequences, while asynchronous online MBAs allow for a more flexible schedule. Some online MBAs feature hybrid components like an orientation or campus residencies.
Admission Requirements for MBAs
Applying to an online MBA in Oklahoma varies by institution, but some requirements remain relatively consistent. Applicants submit transcripts from a bachelor's degree and any previous graduate coursework for consideration.
A program may have a minimum GPA requirement or need documentation that an applicant has completed prerequisite coursework. For online MBA programs with degree specializations, prerequisite classes may include ones related directly to concentrations within the curriculum.
Requirements for GRE and GMAT tests also vary. Some schools may waive a GRE or GMAT based on GPA and years of professional experience, and some schools don't require a GMAT at all.
Some MBA programs accommodate people with no business or practical background. Regardless of admission requirements, professional experience may increase chances of admission.
Additional application materials include letters of recommendation, personal statements, and a full resume. Applicants might also participate in an admissions interview.
MBA Concentrations for Oklahoma Students
Oklahoma's top employers include several universities, health centers, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the U.S. military.
To make the most of an MBA program in Oklahoma, students can select a concentration and direct their studies toward a flourishing industry in the state.
In Oklahoma, a healthcare management specialization could equip a graduate to work in a health facility, while a supply chain management or marketing specialization could prepare a degree-holder for employment in a large retail corporation.
To learn more about available MBA concentrations, visit our specializations page.
Oklahoma’s Economy
Online MBA students who specialize in one of these fields can increase their chances of employment in Oklahoma. Healthcare administration is experiencing particular growth in the Sooner State, with healthcare companies and hospitals making up some of the state’s largest employers.
Students specializing in healthcare administration can anticipate an attractive job market, as the need for healthcare is universal and should continue expanding in Oklahoma in the coming years.
The following table covers additional details about the four largest employers in the Sooner State.
|
COMPANY
|
LOCATION
|
MAIN INDUSTRY
|
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
|
|
Ou Health - Phys Adult
|
Oklahoma City
|
Medical Centers
|
15,000
|
|
Oklahoma State University
|
Stillwater
|
Colleges and Universities
|
12,000
|
|
Center for MIS Studies
|
Norman
|
Colleges and Universities
|
10,000
|
|
Showtime
|
Tulsa
|
Broadcasting Company
|
10,000
|
Source: Career One Stop
An MBA can help professionals advance into managerial positions with the organizations listed above. Moreover, earning an online MBA in Oklahoma can demonstrate a commitment to the state and the local economy.
Careers for MBA Grads in Oklahoma
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health facilities. These professionals manage budgeting and finances, supervise staff, handle schedules, and facilitate communications.
Many healthcare administrators hold a master's degree, like an MBA, which prepares them for strategic management, human resources, law, and accounting — all aspects of a healthcare administrator's job description.
Oklahoma employed 5,560 healthcare administrators as of May 2021. These Oklahoma professionals earned an annual mean wage of $99,920, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee their companies’ financial operations. They research the market and control company investments, manage employees on budget-related matters, ensure their companies follow financially relevant regulations.
Because an MBA prepares students to understand intricate financial operations, reporting, software, and leadership skills, many employers seek financial managers who hold the graduate degree.
According to the BLS, Oklahoma employed 5,850 financial managers as of May 2021, and they earned an annual mean salary of $127,190.
Projections Central expects a large increase in demand for financial managers in Oklahoma, projecting a 22.8% growth from 2020-2030
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Human Resources Manager
Employed across a variety of industries, human resources managers oversee personnel-related matters for their organizations. They coordinate and participate in recruitment and hiring processes.
They also administer benefits and consult on issues that may arise between staff and management. MBA graduates are equipped to work for larger organizations, where they may oversee a variety of departments and projects.
Oklahoma employed 1,450 human resources managers as of May 2021, and they earned an annual mean wage of $110,690, according to the BLS.
Projections Central expects a 10.4% growth in demand for human resources managers in Oklahoma between 2020-2030.
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Development Manager
Development managers work for nonprofit organizations, coordinating across departments like finance and marketing to oversee long-term growth plans for their organization.
Working with staff and executives, development managers create and carry out fundraising campaigns, which may include grant writing, community engagement, event planning, and donor cultivation.
Employers may prefer candidates to hold MBA degrees, which build essential skills such as finance and staff management.
PayScale reports that nonprofit development managers earn an average annual salary of $54,281 as of June 2022. Location, education level, and experience can affect salary specifics.
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Top Executive
Responsible for overall company operations, top executives work with department heads to establish strategic directions and enact plans. Top executives in smaller companies may manage more detailed aspects of their companies, while those in large corporations focus on the big picture. Many top executives hold MBAs, preparing them to manage the many facets of a business.
According to the BLS, Oklahoma employed 3,920 chief executives and 29,750 general and operations managers as of May 2021. Chief executives earned an annual mean wage of $148,610, while general and operations managers earned $96,510.
Projections Central expects a -5.4% decline in demand for chief executives in Oklahoma between 2020 and 2030, and 13.6% growth for general and operations managers.
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Oklahoma's Online MBA Programs Accreditation
Institutions like those listed below hold accreditation. Accreditation can influence financial aid and transfer options, and students must assess the status of their potential institutions.
Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific degrees, programs, or departments. Specialized bodies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education provide accreditation to business programs using standards put forward by business professionals.
To find out more about accreditation and its importance, please refer to the MBA accreditation guide.
The Top Online MBA Program in Oklahoma of 2022
We determined the top online MBA programs in Oklahoma for 2022 using our ranking methodology. Factors included academics, affordability, reputation, and availability.
The programs below are the best online MBAs Oklahoma has to offer using the most updated data available.
#1 Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a main campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma, OSU is part of a five-campus system. Founded in 1890, OSU offers hundreds of on-campus and online academic programs. OSU serves nearly 35,000 learners annually, all of whom are united by the school's Cowboy Code.
Spears School of Business
Offered in conjunction with the Michael and Anne Greenwood Center for Online Excellence and the Watson School of Management, OSU's Spears School of Business offers a 33-credit online MBA. Students can complete the program in as few as 12 months.
As part of the MBA program, learners complete core business coursework in topics such as corporate strategy and marketing management. Elective classes allow students to explore management and entrepreneurship in various business settings. Enrolls also have the option of specializing in business sustainability.
In contrast to the on-campus MBA program, online and part-time students do not complete professional development coursework.
OSU's MBA Specializations
General business | Business sustainability
Applying to OSU
OSU admits online MBA students two times each year. Applicants submit transcripts from a four-year undergraduate degree and any previous graduate coursework with GRE or GMAT scores for consideration. Additional application materials include three professional letters and a statement of purpose.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $481/credit (resident), $611/credit (nonresident)
- Required Credits: 33
- Program Length: 1-7 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Durant, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Durant, Oklahoma, SOSU has five satellite locations throughout the state. With additional online offerings, SOSU provides more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 4,700 students each year. SOSU is a designated American Indian-serving institution.
John Massey School of Business
SOSU's online MBA prepares students to thrive as leaders in business roles across the corporate workforce. With 15 specializations available, SOSU incorporates lecture coursework and applied projects throughout each degree curriculum.
Twenty-four credit hours of core classes for online MBA students emphasize management fundamentals and research methods. The remaining 12 credit hours of SOSU's online MBA focuses on the concentration area.
Applicants do not need to take the GMAT for admission to SOSU. Individuals with no previous business coursework can complete leveling courses prior to starting the degree. Five start dates each academic year provide convenient options for online learners.
SE's MBA Specializations
General business | Accounting | Aerospace logistics | Data analytics | Entrepreneurship |
Finance | Healthcare information systems | Human resources | Management | Marketing |
Native American leadership | Project management | Safety | Strategic communication |
Women in leadership
Applying to SOSU
Applicants submit transcripts from a bachelor's degree and any other previous college coursework reflecting a minimum 2.5 GPA. Individuals without prerequisite coursework in financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, and business statistics must complete a comparable class prior to starting the online MBA.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
- Tuition: $337/credit
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 1-5 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, OKCU traces its origins to 1904. Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, OKCU provides over 90 academic programs. At OKCU over 2,000 learners enjoy an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Meinders School of Business
OKCU's Meinders School of Business offers an online leadership MBA that includes 36 credit hours of asynchronous and synchronous coursework. Enrollees enter cohorts and engage in live classes and group work sessions at times during the program.
The online leadership MBA focuses on data analytics, strategic leadership, and decision-making in business. Students have an option to specialize in healthcare administration. Both curricula feature OKCU's 16-week leadership course that includes personalized coaching.
Learners complete a capstone experience at the end of the program on principles and concepts from coursework into simulations, case studies, and projects.
OKCU's MBA Specializations
Leadership | Leadership in healthcare administration
Applying to OKCU
To apply, learners submit transcripts, a resume, two recommendations, and a personal statement. Members of the Oklahoma State Medical Association who apply to that program may have some requirements waived.
Applicants need a basic understanding of analytic techniques and communication skills. OKCU provides prep courses for individuals who want to enhance their understanding in these areas.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: HLC, (AACSB
- Tuition: $590/credit
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, synchronous and asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
University of Tulsa
- Tulsa, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established as a Presbyterian school for Native American girls in 1894, TU is now a nondenominational institution. Home to over 100 programs, TU hosts nearly 4,000 students at its Tulsa, Oklahoma, campus and online.
Collins College of Business
Alongside its full- and part-time on-campus MBAs, TU's online MBA includes 37 credit hours of coursework. Learners complete 25 credit hours of core classes and 12 credit hours of electives.
Elective classes allow students to explore topics such as energy economics, consumer behavior, and foundations of business analytics. MBA students can also specialize in the online degree in energy.
Prerequisite coursework to enroll in TU's online MBA includes business law, statistics, and calculus.
TU's Collins College of Business boasts a 96% student placement rate within six months of graduation. TU's business career center provides support for career placement.
TU's MBA Specializations
General business | Energy
Applying to TU
Applicants to TU submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, transcripts from all previous college coursework, and a resume. No GMAT is required but applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA from undergraduate major coursework. A GPA of 2.0 or higher is required for prerequisite coursework.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
- Tuition: $1,349 /credit
- Required Credits: 37
- Program Length: 2-6 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, synchronous and asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
4%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Weatherford, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
SWOSU, based in Weatherford, Oklahoma, also serves students at locations in Sayre, Yukon, and online. With more than 200 full-time faculty members, SWOSU provides undergraduate and graduate programs to over 5,000 students annually.
School of Business and Technology
SWOSU's online MBA mirrors the school's on-campus offering. The 33-credit online MBA provides a convenient, flexible option that incorporates one-on-one mentoring.
Thirty credit hours of required core classes explore advanced business statistics, financial management, and managerial economics. Additional coursework in quantitative methods and operations analysis accompany elective course options in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, and management.
Learners have opportunities to complete internships and take part in a capstone course in business strategy and policy at the end of the program. To earn an MBA at SWOSU, students must complete an outbound comprehensive exam.
SWOSU's MBA Specializations
No specializations available
Applying to SWOSU
Applicants to SWOSU submit transcripts from a bachelor's degree and any other completed college coursework and a resume for consideration. Students also take an inbound comprehensive exam for evaluation of whether they need preparatory or prerequisite coursework.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: HLC, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Tuition: $11,674/program
- Required Credits: 33
- Program Length: 1-3 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Online MBA Programs in Surrounding States
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