Inside Online Master’s Programs in Oklahoma: Comparing Schools

In-Depth: 3 Top Online Master’s in Oklahoma

Spotlight on Top Fields for Pursuing a Master’s Degree

Energy (Petroleum Engineering and Energy Management)

The energy sector is arguably Oklahoma’s flagship industry, driven largely by oil and natural gas. Pursuing a master’s degree in an energy-related field (such as Petroleum Engineering, Geology, or Energy Management) in the state can be extremely rewarding. OK’s oil and gas companies contributed over $55 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, and their owners continuously seek experts to improve extraction technology, optimize production, and manage projects.

Masters-level professionals in petroleum or energy fields enjoy strong job prospects, as major employers are headquartered locally (e.g., Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City). And universities like OU and OSU support the industry with specialized degree programs and research.

The high demand and lucrative salaries in the energy industry give these degree programs a strong return on investment, especially for graduates in Oklahoma’s thriving energy job market.

Aerospace and Aviation

Aerospace and defense is a fast-growing industry in Oklahoma with deep roots in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Earning a master’s degree in fields like Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Administration, or Aeronautics can prepare graduates for careers at Tinker Air Force Base, the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, or aerospace companies such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman that operate in the state.

Oklahoma invested heavily in aviation education and infrastructure – for example, OSU’s aviation graduate degree programs and OU’s Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense cater directly to this sector. The state’s central location and aviation maintenance hubs (like the American Airlines maintenance center in Tulsa) lead to sustained demand for skilled aerospace professionals.

Due to supportive industry partnerships and a history of aerospace innovation, Oklahoma is an especially strong place to advance a career in aviation or aerospace through graduate study.

Health Care and Nursing

Health care is one of Oklahoma’s largest and steadiest fields, which makes graduate degrees in the field highly valuable. The state’s hospitals and health systems (like Integris Health, OU Health, Mercy Hospital, Saint Francis, etc.) collectively employ tens of thousands of people and continually expand their services. A master’s degree in Nursing (such as MSN or Nurse Practitioner), Health Care Administration, or Public Health can lead to leadership and advanced practice roles that are in high demand.

Oklahoma faces shortages of health care professionals in both rural and urban areas, so graduates with advanced clinical skills or management expertise are quickly hired for well-paying roles. The health care and biosciences sector in Oklahoma is growing and modernizing, with new facilities and investments ensuring state-of-the-art care. Additionally, Oklahoma colleges and universities offer strong support for health care education (for example, OU’s Health Sciences Center and OSU’s Center for Health Sciences) and provide cutting-edge training that addresses Oklahoma’s specific health challenges.

So, a master’s degree in health care can offer excellent job security and the opportunity to positively impact communities across the state.

Business Administration

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a versatile degree with a strong ROI in Oklahoma’s job market. The state’s economy is diverse – spanning energy, agriculture, aviation, finance, and more – and each sector needs skilled managers and executives. An MBA provides training in leadership, finance, and strategic management, which local employers value highly. 

Many of Oklahoma’s top employers (e.g., large retailers, manufacturers, and banks) employ thousands of MBA graduates in managerial roles and offer them ample opportunities for advancement into corporate leadership. The ROI for an MBA in Oklahoma is bolstered by the relatively low cost of tuition at in-state institutions and the affordability of living, so graduates don’t need six-figure salaries to see a payoff.

Both OU’s Price College of Business and OSU’s Spears School of Business (as well as regional schools like SOSU’s John Massey School) are AACSB-accredited, ensuring a quality education. Graduates often find that an MBA equips them for local industries in Oklahoma and prepares them for entrepreneurship, as the state’s low-cost environment is friendly to those who start new businesses. 

Overall, Business Administration remains a top field due to its broad applicability, strong hiring demand, and the leadership network that graduates can build in OK’s business community.

Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity

In recent years, Oklahoma saw significant growth in its technology sector, making advanced degrees in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Cybersecurity increasingly valuable. The tech industry now comprises approximately 8% of Oklahoma’s workforce and approximately $6.5 billion of the state’s GDP; this indicates both a sizable presence and room for further expansion. Local tech companies (such as Paycom, located in Oklahoma City) and IT divisions of energy and aerospace firms are hiring software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists.

Earning a master’s degree in IT or a related field provides skills in areas like data science, network security, and software engineering that are in high demand. OK universities kept pace by offering specialized programs (for example, OSU’s MS in Business Analytics and OU’s online MS in Computer Science focusing on AI and security). Graduates in tech fields benefit from a growing startup ecosystem in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, support from initiatives like Tulsa’s Cyber District, and a cost of living that helps tech salaries go further.

With cyber threats on the rise and most industries undergoing digital transformation, an advanced IT degree positions students in Oklahoma for dynamic careers with excellent growth potential and strong salaries.

Exploring Types of Online Master’s Degree Programs

Whether you’re looking to speed through graduate school or need a more flexible schedule to balance work and family, Oklahoma offers a wide range of online master’s degree programs to match your lifestyle. Students can choose from full-time or part-time formats, accelerated degree options, and/or programs with no GRE requirement.

Online Master’s Degree Programs with an Accelerated Pace

Accelerated programs are designed to help students complete a master’s degree program faster — sometimes in only 12 months. They are ideal for driven students who want to fast-track their career or shift into a new field quickly. The trade-off is a more intensive course load and shorter breaks. But for many, the amount of time saved is worth it.

Examples in Oklahoma:

• MBA in General Business at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
• MS in Aviation and Space at Oklahoma State University
• MS in Criminal Justice at The University of Oklahoma

Part-Time Online Master’s Degree Programs

These programs work well for working professionals and busy adults in Oklahoma. With a lighter course load, students can balance their studies with job and/or family commitments. Part-time programs might take longer to complete (often two to three years), but the flexibility offered makes them a solid option for many students.

Examples in Oklahoma:

• MS in Computer Science at The University of Oklahoma
• MEd in Educational Leadership (Professional Track) at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
• MS in Industrial Engineering and Management at Oklahoma State University

Online Master’s Degree Programs that Don’t Require GRE Scores

Many of Oklahoma’s online master’s degree programs removed the GRE from their admissions requirements, making the application process more accessible. These programs focus more on a student’s academic record, work experience, and goals, rather than test scores. They work well for students with strong professional backgrounds or those who are returning to school after a break.

Examples in Oklahoma:

• MS in Criminal Justice at The University of Oklahoma
• MBA in General Business at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
• MS in Business Analytics and Data Science at Oklahoma State University (no GRE required for students with five-plus years of relevant work experience)

Ways to Pay: Funding an Online Master’s Degree Program

The cost of online master’s degree programs in Oklahoma varies depending on the school, program, and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. Many universities offer a flat online tuition rate, which helps simplify budgeting. Students should expect to pay between $380 and $700 per credit hour, with total tuition typically ranging from $11,000 to $21,000. Online students can also save on housing and commuting costs, but they should budget for various fees, textbooks, and technology expenses.

The table below offers a comparison of three online master’s degree programs in the state and their tuition costs.

Students FAQs for Oklahoma Master’s Degree Programs

Q: Are online master’s degree programs in OK accredited and respected by employers?

A: Yes; accreditation is the key to a credible degree. All major Oklahoma universities that offer online programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and many schools hold prestigious program-specific accreditations (for example, AACSB for business schools).

Diplomas from online programs are typically identical to those earned on campus, and courses are taught by the same faculty members. Employers generally recognize an accredited online master’s degree as equivalent to a traditional degree.

Q: How much do online master’s degree programs in Oklahoma cost, and can I receive financial aid?

A: Tuition for these programs in OK varies by school, but many programs are affordable. For instance, SOSU’s online MBA program costs $380 per credit hour (for a total tuition cost of $11,400), while The University of Oklahoma’s online programs cost $685 per credit (for a total of $20,550 for a 30-hour program).

Many schools offer flat-rate tuition for their programs, so in-state and out-of-state students pay the same rate. Online students might be eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships – OU Online, for instance, offers institutional, state, and federal aid to its students.

Q: How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree program in OK?

A: A program’s length depends on your pace. Some accelerated online master’s degree programs can be finished in 12 to 18 months of full-time study. For example, a motivated student can complete OSU’s 33-credit MS in Aviation and Space program in approximately one year (three semesters). But, it’s more common for students to take approximately two years to finish a master’s degree program while balancing work and/or family responsibilities, especially if they study part-time. Oklahoma schools often offer flexible schedules so you can progress at a comfortable rate, whether you choose an intensive path or a slower pace.

Q: What are the admissions requirements for online master’s degree programs in Oklahoma? Do I need to take the GRE?

A: Admissions criteria for online master’s degree programs are similar to those for on-campus programs. You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus a decent undergraduate GPA (often a minimum 3.0 GPA, though some programs accept a 2.5 GPA with conditions). Common application requirements include official transcripts, a professional résumé, and a personal statement or an essay. Some programs also request letters of recommendation.

The GRE or other exams are increasingly optional – many Oklahoma universities either waive the GRE requirement or don’t require it at all, especially if you meet the GPA standard or have relevant work experience.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s degree in OK?

A: Absolutely; online master’s degree programs in the state are designed for working professionals. Courses are often asynchronous, so you can watch lectures and complete work on your own schedule. Many programs use accelerated seven- or eight-week course blocks that let students take one class at a time; this helps them focus and balance school with a full-time job.

Universities generally offer support services for online learners, and school officials understand that most online students are employed adults. With good time management, you can successfully earn a degree without pausing your career.