Top Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma

Nicknamed “The Sooner State,” Oklahoma currently features a population of just under four million people. Based in the Choctaw language, the state gets its name from “okla” (people) and “humma” (red). There are more man-made lakes in the state of Oklahoma than any other state in the United States. Among the state’s inventions is the shopping cart which was invented by Piggly Wiggly supermarket owner, Sylva Goldman, in 1937. Known as the only state in the U.S that produces iodine, the state of Oklahoma only trails Chile and Japan as the world’s largest maker of the chemical element.

Known as the birthplace of famous baseball player Johnny Bench, country music star Garth Brooks, and actor James Garner, Oklahoma is also a state which features some of the most respected and high-quality online MBAs in the nation. The Master’s of Business Administration has long been the standard business-leadership degree. As so many top-notch business schools now offer online MBAs, it has never been a better time to research what this degree can do for your future.

Many business schools deliver the same excellent curriculum to distance learners that classroom students enjoy. A major benefit to an online education is the ability to set your own schedule and take courses as your pace. Students looking for an accelerated experience can complete all program requirements in just 12 months. Students juggling a busy work schedule may need to take up to five or more years to graduate. These schools are aware of the time demands of their students and have given students options for how best to complete an online MBA.

Because many programs offer all their curriculum as a 100% online experience, students can literally receive a degree from a school thousands of miles away without ever having to visit the school campus. These programs often offer mentoring relationships as well, so students feel connected. Because some value face-to-face interaction, some programs offer students the opportunity to take short residencies throughout their education. These residencies allow students to network with faculty, alumni, and other students within the business school.

There is no doubt that there are many factors to consider when researching and comparing online Master’s of Business Administration programs. With that in mind, we have put together the top-five online MBA programs in Oklahoma. While these programs vary in factors like expense, each one of these programs is backed by their business school’s stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Let this ranking Oklahoma’s best online MBAs help guide you in the important decision of finding a degree that is the right fit for you.

For more information about other online MBA programs, check out our article on the top MBA specializations and explore our other Online MBA Rankings.

Note: A detailed explanation of the methodology we used to determine the best online MBA programs in Oklahoma can be found at the end of the ranking.

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

Photo creditThe Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University delivers Oklahoma’s best online Master’s of Business Administration with concentrations in Business Sustainability, Data Science, Energy Business, Entrepreneurship, Global Marketing, Information Assurance, Marketing Analytics, Non-profit Management, and delivered as a general MBA. This 42-credit hour program is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. U.S. News and World Report Best Business Schools Ranking reports that some graduates of the business school receive an average base salary of $58,142 after graduation, showing a healthy potential for the return of investment in education. The Spears School of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This 100% online program has been “designed to integrate the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to help you achieve your career goals, the program is different from other online or virtual MBA programs in that it incorporates the same teamwork focus featured in the full-time MBA. You will get to know others earning their MBA degrees as you develop a team orientation that the business world values.” Courses within this program include MBA Financial Reporting, MBA Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Management and Organization Theory, Business Finance, Introduction to Marketing Analytics, Business Intelligence Tools and Techniques, and Prescriptive Analytics. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 30^th best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Cowboys and Cowgirls who wear the school colors of orange and black, the athletic department at Oklahoma State University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as powerhouse members of the Big 12 Conference. Oklahoma State is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 25,622 students currently enrolled there. OKState was founded in 1890 as the Oklahoma Territorial Agricultural and Mechanic College. Oklahoma State receives its regional accreditation through the Higher learning Commission and is the state’s flagship Sun-grant and Land-grant university.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 100.00

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

Photo creditOklahoma City University offers one of the state’s best online Master’s of Business Administration degrees at the Meinders School of Business. This 36-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. U.S. News and World Report Best Business Schools Ranking reveals that some graduates of the Meinders School of Business report an average base salary of $46,000 after graduation, showing a healthy potential for the return of investment in education. The business school receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This online degree is delivered through “live streaming technology. This technology allows students from anywhere to interact with a live classroom, including the professor and students. Distance students will have the support of a live classroom environment with the flexibility of taking the class from anywhere. In addition, all classes will be recorded so the students can re-watch lectures.” Structured to be completed in two years, the courses included in this program are Effective Leadership & Communication, Accounting for Business Decision Making, Business Strategy for Creating Value, Data Analysis for Business Decisions, Managing at the Crossroads: The Global Economic Environment, and Technology and Operations Management.

Established in 1904, Oklahoma City University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Operating under the school motto of Veritas Ecclesia Cognitio (“Truth, Church, and Knowledge”), the university was originally founded by local land developer Anton Classen who wanted to establish a Methodist University in the region. The school was originally named Epworth University but only lasted until 1911 when the school closed its doors due to financial instability. The school reopened in 1919 as Oklahoma City College. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 2,968 currently enrolled. Home of the Stars and featuring the mascot Starsky the Ram, the athletic department at OCU supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete within the NAIA as members of the Sooner Athletic Conference. The school’s official colors are blue and white.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 85.39

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

Photo creditAn online Master’s of Business Administration is delivered by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Cameron University. This 33-credit hour program is classified as very affordable with a total tuition price of less than $14,999. The business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 164^th best online MBA in the nation. The School of Graduate and Professional Studies receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Program goals are to: “provide graduates with foundational knowledge at an advanced level, provide graduates with critical business skills and competencies required for effective management of modern business, and provide students with an understanding of the process of integrating and applying core competencies and skills in business or business-related environments and/or situations.” While students with the proper academic background may waive up to 12 credit hours of leveling courses, core courses within this program include Applied Business Statistics, Managerial Finance, Accounting for Management, Technology Entrepreneurship, Contemporary Marketing Problems, and Applied Business Strategy.

Cameron University was originally founded as Cameron State School of Agriculture and opened its doors in 1908 after an act by the Oklahoma State Legislature. The school became a junior college in 1941, changed its name to Cameron College in 1971, and was awarded its university status in 1974. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus in Lawton, Oklahoma. Delivering degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels, Cameron oversees a student body of 4,846. Home of the Aggies, the official school colors of Cameron University are gold and black. The athletic department at the university consists of men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Lone Star Conference.

Affordability Score: Very Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 79.69

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

Photo creditThe John Massey School of Business at Southeastern Oklahoma State University features one of the state’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs. Concentrations for this degree include Accounting, Aerospace Logistics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Information Systems, Hospitality Management, Human Resources, Management, Marketing, Native American Leadership, Safety, General MBA, and Strategic Communication. This 36-credit hour program is classified as very affordable with a total tuition price of less than $14,999. The John Massey School of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. All coursework for this remarkable MBA can be completed 100% online. Divided between 30 hours of core courses and six hours of electives, the core courses within this program include Behavioral Management, Accounting for managers, Research Methods, Marketing Management, Data Analysis for Managers, Financial Management, Principle Centered Leadership and Ethics, and Contemporary Issues. Students seeking an accelerated pace for study will want to take not that all requirements for this degree can be met in as few as 12 months.

Home of the Savage Storm who wear the school colors of blue and gold, the athletic department at Southeastern Oklahoma State University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Great American Conference. SOSU is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Durant, Oklahoma. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels to the 3,725 students currently enrolled there. Southeastern Oklahoma State was established in 1909 as Southeastern State Normal School with the express intent of educating future public-school teachers in the region. The school would go through several name changes before receiving its university status in 1974. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, SOSU sporting events feature Bolt, the Savage Storm Mascot.

Affordability Score: Very Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 71.47

#5 Oral Roberts University Graduate School of Business – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Photo creditOral Roberts University’s Graduate School of Business features an online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership. This 36.5-credit hour degree is classified as very affordable with a total tuition price of less than $14,999. The Graduate School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This program “is built on a synchronized cohort model to provide a support network of professionals who study together. Students without a business background can take short leveling courses as they begin select courses in order to enable them to meet and match expectations of those entering with college business degrees.” Courses within this program include Competitive Business Intelligence, Leadership Studies, Global Management Concepts, Ethical Leadership, Leadership of Organizational Dynamics, Accounting & Financial Leadership, Marketing Leadership, and Holy Spirit Empowerment in Life & Ministry. The Whole Person Online Education the business school advertises is built on the four principles of flexible and relevant academic programs, exceptional faculty, supportive, Christ-centered community, and promoting physical health.

Chartered in 1963 and formally established in 1965, Oral Roberts University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Operating under the school motto of “Educating the whole person,” the university was founded as a result of God commissioning Oral Roberts to “Raise up your students to hear My voice, to go where My light is dim, where My voice is heard small, and My healing power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Their work will exceed yours, and in this I am well pleased.” The school would go through several years of financial trouble before becoming debt-free in 2009. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 3,852 currently enrolled there. Home of the Golden Eagles, the athletic department at ORU supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of The Summit Conference. The school’s official colors are navy and gold.

Affordability Score: Very Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 68.74

Methodology

To find the top Online MBA programs in Oklahoma, a list of over 480 online MBA programs was collected, and each program was evaluated first for a location in the state of Oklahoma, and then ranked on the following factors:

Estimated Tuition Cost (25%): Each MBA was assessed to find the estimated total base tuition cost. All data was gathered from the most recent financial information on each program or school website. The base tuition was calculated for the entirety of the program, but does not included fees, books, or room and board; with the exception of MBA programs that use all-inclusive figures. For colleges that offer a lower in-state tuition, the in-state pricing is used. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

Based on this base tuition data, each program is given an Affordability Score:

Very Expensive = $100,000+
Expensive = $50,000-$99,999
Above Average = $30,000-$49,999
Average = $20,000-$29,999
Affordable = $15,000-$19,999
Very Affordable = $0-$14,999

Accreditation (25%): Accreditation plays an important role in education, because it shows prospective students which school has gone to extensive measures to attain high national and global standards in its research and delivered education. Each online MBA program in this list is evaluated on whether it holds a regional accreditation from one of the six institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional business accreditations affect an MBA’s brand and prestige, which can thus affect a graduate’s competitive advantage in the job market. Each school is evaluated on if the online MBA program is accredited by one of the top business accrediting institutions: ACBSP, IACBE, or AACSB. AACSB is regarded as the gold-star standard of business accreditation in the world, and thus schools that hold this accreditation are given the highest scores. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

Average Base Salary (25%): The salary data is highlighted in this ranking because it offers prospective students an opportunity to explore the affect an online MBA degree can have on a professional’s salary. The average base salary is collected from the 2018 Best Business School Ranking by US News and World Report. Programs without a recorded average base salary from US News and World Report was calculated at zero because of no available third-party data. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

Prestige (25%): The prestige for each program is calculated by evaluating lists from some of the most prestigious educational rankings systems for online MBA programs: US News and World Report’s Online MBA Ranking, the Princeton Review’s Online MBA Ranking, the Financial Times’ Global Online MBA Ranking, and Quacquarelli Symonds’ Distance Online MBA Ranking. Each online MBA program was evaluated on how many rankings included their degree. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

All factors were weighted equally, averaged, and then calculated on a 100-point scale. This score is the OMBAT Ranking Score, which provides the ranking order for this list. By evaluating the tuition cost, accreditation, average base salary, and prestige, this ranking helps prospective students find the highest quality online MBA programs in Oklahoma.