The 10 Best Oklahoma Online MBA Degree Programs

Oklahoma is home to a variety of industries ranging from one of the world’s largest Department of Defense facilities to a sizable tech facility owned by Google. The State’s thriving petroleum industry and alternative energy industry span its borders, contributing to its growing economy. But its economy is not the only noteworthy element of the Sooner State. Additionally, the colleges and universities continue to offer top degree programs and matriculate tomorrow’s leaders. In this list of the best Oklahoma online MBA programs, students may open a gateway into a rewarding professional career or advance their professional prospects to an even higher level.

Since the launch of the first MBA in the early 1900s, the degree has exploded in popularity because positive aspects of obtaining an MBA abound. They range from career advancement and higher earning to more considerable business acumen and job security. Today’s MBA programs may vary considerably between institutions. Some schools are much more challenging to gain entry into than others, and the associated costs of programs cover a broad spectrum of financial commitment. Also, program entry may be quite different when comparing those of different schools. Therefore, one must carefully examine many factors when choosing which program is the best fit for one’s unique situation. Some programs may require higher GMAT scores or no GMAT scores at all. Some programs may require several years of professional work experience, while others recruits students right out of their undergraduate degree.

Despite their many differences, the online MBA offers unique flexibility, which allows for career growth while continuing to maintain one’s current occupation. Students can usually take classes from anywhere, and they may do so according to their schedules. The portability and convenience of the online MBA render the fear of a company transfer or impromptu business trip irrelevant.

The programs encompassed by the Best Oklahoma Online MBA ranking are among the more affordable options available in the country. Completing these programs in as little as 12 months is a genuine possibility. In contrast, those who are working full time while completing their degree may approach their degree at a slower pace and may take up to six years. Several opportunities exist to customize MBA degrees to fit the career expectations of each student. In addition to the General MBA, one may add specializations or concentrations, which include: Business Sustainability, Data Science, Entrepreneurship, Nonprofit Management, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, and many more.

Methodology

A lot of thought goes into the decision to return to school because this decision will have an impact on each student’s financial situation and time. Helping students make this decision is the reason that MBA Central has put together this ranking of the top 10 Best Oklahoma Online MBA programs. To help students in this process, each program in this ranking was strictly evaluated based on their Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%). Data was collected from sources including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Quacquarelli Symonds, Financial Times, and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Also, every online MBA program in this ranking is assigned an Affordability Score that ranges from Very Affordable to Very Expensive. This score depends upon the program’s base tuition rate. Ranges are:

Very Affordable: below $15,000
Affordable: $15,000 – $19,999
Average: $20,000 – $29,999
Above Average: $30,000 – $49,000
Expensive: $50,000 – $99,999
Very Expensive: $100,000+

#1 Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business – Stillwater, Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University has been around since its founding on Christmas day in 1890. The University first achieved Higher Learning Commission Accreditation in 1916 and continues to hold to that high standard today. U.S. News & World Report has assigned a ranking of #24 in the country to OSU for its ability to offer financial, technological, and vocational support concerning online students. The AACSB-Accredited Spears School of Business offers a 33-hour online MBA program and may be completed in as few as 12 months and entirely online. OSU has made it possible to earn an MBA online since 1992. The online format consists of picking up assignments at the student’s convenience, checking class announcements, participation in classroom discussions with other students, and downloading or watching class lectures. Created to reflect the real-world business environment, the MBA program emphasizes collaboration and the development of less quantifiable soft skills. Students may further hone their MBA by focusing on areas of concentration, which include: Business Sustainability, Data Science, Entrepreneurship, Energy Business, Global Marketing, Human Resource Management, Marketing Analytics, and Nonprofit Management. The MBA in entrepreneurship is a recent addition to the program. It combines many areas of business and arms students with what they require to start businesses or to grow an existing small business. Students may also choose to participate in networking events and study abroad trips.

Entry into this affordable online MBA program requires submission of GMAT/GRE scores in most cases, though it is possible to have this requirement waived under specific conditions. Three letters of recommendation and a professional resume are required. The next element is a statement of purpose, where one must describe what professional and educational goals one hopes to further. Personal views on professional conduct and deportment flesh out this requirement. Unofficial transcripts are adequate with the application, but official copies will be necessary upon acceptance. Priority applications for the Fall must be obtained by OSU before April 15 with a final application cut-off on June 1. Spring applications must be received by November 1.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#2 Cameron University School of Graduate and Professional Studies – Lawton, Oklahoma

The Higher Learning Commission accredited Cameron University receives its name from the Rev. E.D. Cameron, the State’s first Superintendent of Schools. Beginning in 1908 as The Cameron State School of Agriculture, the school went through several name and curriculum changes until 1974 when it became Cameron University. The ACBSP-accredited online MBA is a very affordable option that may require as few as 33 hours to complete. The program may require up to an additional 12 hours of leveling courses depending upon previous undergraduate course work. One may be granted waivers for all or part of these foundational requirements. The most critical undergraduate classes that prepare students for graduate-level business are Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Accounting I & II, Finance, Business Statistics, Management, and Marketing. The MBA consists of 24 hours of Core Business and nine hours of electives. A thesis option is also available for those who wish to pursue it. Students are not pressured to finish their studies right away and may take up to six years to complete their degree. Most full-time students earn an MBA in two to three years. The main focus of Cameron University’s MBA program is to prepare students for management by emphasizing theory and practitioner’s orientation. Students will acquire expertise in various disciplines, which include: Business Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Statistics, Economics, Accounting, Management Information Systems, and Human Resource Management.

U.S. News & World Report ranks this program at #86 in the country for best student support for online and non-traditional students. It also assigns Cameron’s online MBA Program at #191 in Best Online MBA Programs out of 335 schools. This very affordable online MBA program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission if students have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. If one does not reach this threshold, then it is necessary to have a minimum GMAT of 500. Various other calculations, which consist of multiple formulas using GPA and GMAT or GRE scores, may also be acceptable. It is necessary to submit an online application and a fee of $20.00 for entry into this graduate program. It is also possible to waive this fee for those with military service.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#3 Northeastern State University College of Business & Technology – Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Northeastern State University was founded in 1846 and was originally The Cherokee National Female Seminary. This history makes it the oldest higher learning institution in Oklahoma, and it may have some relationship to current enrollment stats, which state that 63% of its students are female. The University provides its online students with the three R’s of a great college experience. They are Rigor, Relevance, and Relationship. A variety of courses are offered in online and hybrid formats. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Higher Learning Commission accredited Northeastern University at #66 on how well it prepares qualified instructors to teach online classes. This online MBA program, accredited by the ACBSP, arms students with the skills and background they need to have a competitive edge in their careers. Students will undertake a rigorous program consisting of at least 36 hours. Prerequisite courses may be required, dependent upon undergraduate coursework and assessment testing, for those without a business background. Many areas of emphasis are also available to sharpen business awareness and help students distinguish themselves. These areas of specialization include General Management; Managerial Accounting and Finance; Native American Enterprise; Business Analytics; Healthcare Administration; Health Informatics; Long Term Care; and Environmental, Health, and Safety Management. Nearly one-third of graduate students at NSU are earning their degrees entirely online.

The online MBA program at Northwestern State University is ranked #223 By U.S. News & World Report for Best Online MBA Programs. It isn’t critical that students seeking admittance into this very affordable online MBA program have an undergraduate business degree. However, they are required to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. Prospective students must also have a GMAT score of at least 400 that is less than five years old, along with a combined undergraduate (GPA x 200) + GMAT score of at least 1050. They must have an approved application for graduate admission, official transcripts from each college or university attended; and a CV detailing educational background, work experience, skills, awards, and achievements. Along with these requirements, students must submit two letters of recommendation.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#4 Southeastern Oklahoma State University John Massey School of Business – Durant, Oklahoma

Metamorphosing through many name changes since its founding as Southeastern State Normal school in 1909, where its mission was to educate public school teachers, its current designation as Southeastern Oklahoma State University came about in 1974. SOSU is made up of four schools: Graduate Studies, Arts and Sciences, Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the AACSB accredited John Massey School of Business. The online MBA at SOSU can be completed 100% online in as few as 12 months. In addition to its many available areas of emphasis, the Higher Learning Commission accredited SOSU supplies its MBA students with the foundational skills of finance, marketing, and strategic management. Some of the areas where one may more sharply focus on one’s studies are Accounting, Aerospace Logistics, Entrepreneurship, Native American Leadership, Safety, Strategic Communication, and Women in Leadership.

This very affordable online MBA program has a simple admission process. There is no GMAT requirement, and there is no need to have an extensive background in business, whether it be education or previous employment. Students with no business undergraduate degree can satisfy their prerequisites by completing four courses that are only one week long each. A Bachelor’s degree is required, and additional admission requirements may also apply, dependent upon one’s undergraduate GPA. These other requirements may include professional work experience, a statement of goals and objectives, resume, and letters of recommendation. English proficiency requirements, including TOEFL or IELTS scores, must be met for international applicants. Real-world experiences are a part of the program, and they give students an opportunity to apply what they are learning immediately, going beyond theory and providing invaluable first-hand knowledge. Students will interact with their fellows from across the nation and have an opportunity to share professional experiences, share new perspectives, and network for future opportunities. Online classes have small class sizes and are intensely student-focused with one-on-one interactions with faculty who have a broad range of experience. The flexibility of the online experience at SOSU makes balancing education with professional life very possible, allowing one to adjust one’s schedule in whatever way works.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#5 Southwestern Oklahoma State University Everett Dobson School of Business and Technology – Weatherford, Oklahoma

First established in 1901 as a college preparatory school called Southwestern Normal School, Southwestern Oklahoma State University went through a variety of name and curriculum changes until receiving its current designation in 1974. Diversity is illustrated in the student body through the geographic origins of its students who hail from 39 states and 20 different countries. The 33-hour online MBA program at SWOSU consists of 30 hours of core courses and three elective hours, which are chosen from approved options or with the consent of the Dobson Business and Technology Director of Graduate Programs. Ambitious students may complete the program in as little as a year by combining classroom and online learning. A more extended length of time is an option for those whose professional commitments or circumstances won’t allow this level of involvement. The IACBE accredited MBA may be completed wholly online with accelerated classes that have an eight-week format. While the online MBA program offers no specific specializations, a student who takes an additional 30 hours of Accounting classes will satisfy the requirements needed to sit for the CPA exam. The MBA at Southwestern Oklahoma State University serves the needs of those students who want to advance their careers and who want specialized experiences to help them overcome the challenges associated with today’s professional managers and entrepreneurs.

This very affordable online MBA does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission. All students are required to take the MBA inbound CPC-based Comprehensive Exam before enrolling in any graduate courses. The online exam does not require any preparation. Its purpose is to assess students who do not have an undergraduate business degree. It is also a means of evaluating those students who have been out of school for some time. Compiled scores determine if any prerequisite coursework is required. An overall evaluation of satisfactory must be attained within each subject area for one to proceed without leveling course requirements. Students must also have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. They are also required to submit an application, official transcripts, a resume, and two MBA recommendation forms.

Acred.: IACBE, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#6 Oklahoma Christian University Graduate School of Business – Edmond, Oklahoma

Beginning its tenure with only 97 students in the year 1950, Central Christian College was destined to become Oklahoma Christian University. Now, with approximately 2,000 students, it is an internationally recognized Higher Learning Commission accredited University. The purpose of the MBA program at OC is to transform lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service. A crucial aspect of fulfilling this purpose is the fostering of relationships between current students and Alumni, along with business partners and the University itself. The result of this is an environment that promotes out-of-the-box thinking, creative solutions to severe problems, and competent graduates with character and integrity. Students in OC’s ACBSP accredited online MBA program may pursue a general MBA or one of eight additional specialization tracks. These alternative tracks include Accounting, Leadership & Organizational Development, Project Management, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business, and Health Services Management. Students also have the option of a practicum for each track. This hands-on experience option will increase the program by one to three credit hours. The final requirement for each student in this program is a Major Field Test, which is a comprehensive test of everything learned throughout the program’s entirety. The choice to pursue an MBA degree is often a substantial commitment of one’s time and finances. OC’s online MBA program consists of 36 hours. While this average cost program is not the cheapest in terms of financial commitment, it is also not the most expensive.

Admission into this program requires submission of a completed application, three letters of reference, a $25 application fee, a resume, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution, official transcripts, and a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. The GMAT or GRE is waived under the following conditions: cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and five years of verifiable work experience. Also, the tests may be waived for students with a minimum of nine hours of “B” or better graduate work. Students who do not meet these exceptions will be required to have a GMAT of 450 or GRE of 285 with a 3.0 writing portion.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Average

#7 Oral Roberts University College of Business – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University was founded in 1962 by an evangelist, Oral Roberts. Beginning with 303 students in its first year, it now boasts more than 4,000 students. Oral Roberts holds accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. The 100% online MBA in Leadership equips students with the skills they need to be successful managers and leaders in today’s world. This program goes beyond a typical one-dimensional approach to learning. That means that In addition to educating the mind, it teaches the body and spirit with biblically-based and Spirit-led principles. This ACBSP accredited online MBA in Leadership consists of 35.5 credit hours, and it can be completed in as few as 24 months. ORU further distinguishes itself through unique course requirements. Distinctive required courses total 3.5 hours of coursework. The first class is Holy Spirit Empowerment in Life and Ministry, which is an overview of the fundamental theological beliefs and lifestyle of ORU. The second is Graduate Health Fitness, which develops an appreciation for physical activity and health. The last is a choice of either Graduate Aerobics, Graduate Walk for Fitness, or Activity Course. Students will be part of a support network of professionals who study together in a synchronized cohort format. Leveling courses exist for those students who do not have a business background. These courses allow them to interact with their colleagues on a relatively equal footing. Classes may be taken anywhere and at any time through the University’s user-friendly online platform.

There is no GMAT requirement for the online MBA in Leadership at Oral Roberts University. However, one must hold an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree and have a minimum GPA between 2.50 and 3.25. Additional requirements include a Personal Sketch, which is a paper illustrating such things as your personal religious experiences in the past and present, significant events that have happened in your life, and why you want to attend ORU. Along with official transcripts, potential students must have a Minister’s Recommendation and Academic Recommendations. Professional Recommendations are substituted for those students who graduated more than five years before applying to ORU.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#8 Oklahoma Baptist University College of Graduate and Professional Studies – Shawnee, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Baptist University began in the basement of the First Baptist Church of Shawnee in 1911. Three men who later became United States Senators were among the first nine students to get degrees in the 1911-1912 school year. The ACBSP accredited online MBA at OBU guides students to approach their professional and personal lives through real-world instruction, a Christ-centered outlook, and a global perspective. Tailored to working professionals, this 33-hour program may be completed in less than two years. A slower path is also available to those who are unable to devote as much time to their studies. The program consists of 11 courses, examples of which include Financial Accountability, Ethics in Leadership, and Marketing for Results. Typically in their final semester, students will take the Global Strategy Capstone, which combines simulation and analysis of a modern business scenario to integrate all of the knowledge and skills learned up to this point. In order to add greater depth to their MBA at the Higher Learning Commission accredited Oklahoma Baptist University, students may choose to participate in the certificate program. MBA certificates are available in several areas. These certificates constitute an additional nine to twelve hours of study. Project Management certificates, Leadership certificates, and Energy Management certificates may be completed entirely online.

Prospective students to this affordable online MBA program must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and fill out an online application. Basic knowledge of concepts in business, financial accounting, economics, finance, and other areas must be demonstrated by transcripts of previous coursework, the passing of CLEP Exams, or passing the appropriate Ivy Software Examination. There is no GMAT requirement for potential students who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher plus five years of relevant work experience. For those students who do not meet this threshold, a waiver may still be available. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of full-time work experience. However, less experience may be accepted in the case of an exceptional student if space is available. OBU will consider no more than six hours or two courses from an accredited graduate school will be considered for transfer credit.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#9 Rogers State University School of Professional Studies – Claremore, Oklahoma

RSU is a small public school that was founded in 1909, and this was just two years after Oklahoma became a state. Rogers State University has held accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission since 1950. The total enrollment in 2018 was approximately 3,633 students. These small class sizes offer students a personalized experience and attentive professors who are able to devote more time to their students. The school is all about the individual and what makes each person thrive. Rogers State University’s first MBA class graduated in the spring of 2016. Following their graduation, 100% of the students reported that they were employed. The 36-hour fully-online MBA can be completed as quickly as 18 months. With five potential start dates throughout the year, MBA students have tremendous flexibility in choosing when to jump in. The start dates are in January, March, June, August, and October. The program opens itself to those without business backgrounds by making it easy to get up to speed. One eight-week foundation course is offered, which provides everything a non-business student needs to prepare for the graduate business curriculum. It is important to note that this preparatory requirement does not count toward the 36-hour program requirement. Core classes, which total 30 hours of coursework, include Accounting for Management, Production Operations Management, and Strategic Global Marketing and constitute the bulk of this degree. The remaining six hours are garnered by choosing from a group of nine electives. These electives include Financial Statement Analysis, International Accounting, Business Law, Sport Finance, Sports Marketing, and others, which round out the 36-hour program.

To gain entry into the Rogers State online MBA program, aspiring students must first possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Potential students must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, those with a lower GPA may be considered for admission by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Applicants will also submit an online Application for Admission and pay a non-refundable $20 application fee. The very affordable MBA program has no GMAT requirement.

Acred.: HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#10 Oklahoma City University Meinders School of Business – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From its humble roots as Epworth University in 1904, The Higher Learning Commission accredited Oklahoma City University went through several reinventions and challenges throughout the 20th century to ultimately become the school that it is today. Dedicated in 2004, the AACSB accredited Meinders School of Business is named after Herman Meinders, a very successful entrepreneur who founded American Floral, Services, Inc.and attended OKCU in the 1950s. The online MBA at OKCU may be completed entirely online. The majority of the coursework is in an asynchronous format, allowing greater flexibility for those with personal and professional commitments. However, some courses will sometimes schedule live classes and work sessions, which one participates in via webcam. Students may choose from the Leadership MBA and the Leadership MBA in Healthcare Administration. The 36-hour Leadership MBA consists of 12 courses, which range from Effective Leadership and Communication to a final Capstone Experience about integrating and applying business knowledge. The Healthcare Administration MBA includes specialized courses such as Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations and Medical Law Regulations. Students in this 36-hour program receive dual Healthcare credentials. They will earn a Leadership MBA in Healthcare Administration and the Master Certificate in Healthcare Practice Management.

Prospective students to either of these programs do not require any prerequisite courses but are required to have a basic understanding of statistics, analytical techniques, and they must be effective communicators. Those students who do lack knowledge in these areas have low-cost MBA preparatory courses available to them. Undergraduate GPA, a personal statement consisting of at least 500 words, two recommendations, and a professional resume are evaluated to determine admission. GMAT and GRE scores, along with TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students, may also be considered. The cost for the online MBA program at Oklahoma City University is somewhere in the middle of the pack. It’s not the lowest, but it is not the most expensive, either. There are MBA scholarships available for those with a competitive GMAT score. Also, students must submit a statement illustrating why they are deserving of the scholarship and their financial need.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Average

Living in Oklahoma

Out-of-State students who choose to complete an online MBA in Oklahoma may do so in relative safety, and they need to have no fear of Oklahoma’s “tornado alley” designation. Back in 1974, Oklahoma City was hit by a whopping five tornados in one day. Made famous by John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel, The Grapes of Wrath, Oklahoma is well known to fans of American literature for the Joad family. They fled the eastern half of the state due, at least in part, to the Dust Bowl, a period of time in the United States where drought and overfarming caused severe dust storms in the 1930s. Near the beginning of the twentieth century, Oklahoma was ranked number one in oil production. There have been many ups and downs for the industry since then, but the petroleum industry remains a very significant part of the State’s economy.

The State of Oklahoma can be a very affordable place to live. With a #4 ranking in affordability by U.S. News & World Report, the costs of living and housing compared to the amount of money that households have available are exceptionally competitive compared to other states. Per the United States Census Bureau, the median income for Oklahoma is approximately $51,000, and the median home price is roughly $131,000.

Oklahoma Online MBA

The State of Oklahoma is ranked #28 in Higher Education by U.S. News & World Report. Several factors make up this designation and include things like the number of citizens who hold college degrees and tuition costs. Per MBA Central, Oklahoma is home to one of the top thirty online MBA programs in the United States. Online MBA programs can be a fantastic alternative to a more traditional MBA. They are more geared to someone with a lot of personal obligations that are unable to attend a full-time on-campus program. For example, if there is a new baby in the family, then following a rigorous classroom schedule would be extremely difficult. The working business professional is another ideal candidate for an online MBA. One does not need to sacrifice his current job to further his education. Also, many professionals are required to do a lot of business travel. There is no cause for concern about missing a class or being late for a test when you can tie right into the wi-fi on your airplane and instantly be transported into a lecture hall. In addition to the flexibility offered through an online MBA, programs are often offered in an accelerated format. Students can finish some programs in a year. The reverse of wanting to finish quickly is also an option. Those students who experience one of life’s surprises and find it necessary to ease up on their studies have the freedom to do just that.

Business in Oklahoma

Home to the headquarters of two Fortune 500 companies, Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy, Oklahoma was the fourth-largest natural gas-producing state in the country in 2017. The largest employer in the state of Oklahoma, including both civilian and military employees, is the Department of Defense. Wal-Mart Associates, Inc. is the second-largest employer in the state, followed by Integris Health, Inc., the Chickasaw Nation, and Oklahoma State University.

The Department of Defense employs more than 68,000 individuals, both military and civilian, in the state of Oklahoma. The majority of these employees are at Fort Sill and Tinker Air Force Base. The military may not seem like the most obvious place to make use of an MBA. However, any advanced degree that combines leadership and business knowledge can be a massive boost to a military career. Graduates of online MBA programs are ready for success as a Business operations manager, Financial manager, Acquisitions and contracts manager, or Logistics officer.

With 135 locations and employing more than 32,000 people in Oklahoma, Walmart is the State’s second-largest employer. Walmart has more than two million associates the globe, and it employs 1.5 million of those in the United States. It makes more than $500 billion annually.

Integris is a not-for-profit, state-owned health care system in Oklahoma and employs more than 8,000 people. Its network consists of hospitals, independent living centers, rehabilitation centers, physician clinics, mental health facilities, physician clinics, and home health agencies. Integris, as well as the other leading companies within Oklahoma, offer a gamut of opportunities for someone with the leadership and wisdom that comes with an MBA.