Oklahoma has several surging industries like aviation, energy, healthcare, and biotechnology. The state has many quality higher education institutions, including the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, and the University of Tulsa. These universities are known for their high-profile college football programs as well as strong academic programs. For example, The University of Tulsa is home to one of the best undergraduate business programs in the United States. Oklahoma is the 20th largest state by size and 28th largest by population.
With various growing industries, job candidates with an MBA in Oklahoma can find plentiful business opportunities. Some universities are now offering MBA programs online for students who need to have a flexible education or work full-time while in school. Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa both offer online MBA programs.
Consider an Online MBA in Oklahoma
Typically, online MBA programs in Oklahoma allow students to specialize in one of the state’s top industries, such as livestock agriculture, energy and engineering businesses, aviation, and biotechnology. Some of the best online MBA programs in Oklahoma are accessible at big state schools like Oklahoma or Oklahoma State. Programs can be completed in as little as 15 months when taken full-time or longer when studying part-time. Most Oklahoma online MBA programs require 36 credit hours, but you can graduate programs with anywhere from 30 to 42 credit hours. There are some hybrid programs that allow for a generally online MBA education with a few in-class requirements.
Selecting an online MBA in Oklahoma leads to lower tuition costs and better access to school resources for in-state students. Out-of-state students can still benefit as many public schools charge in-state tuition to all online students regardless of where they live. Oklahoma has the 5th lowest cost of living in the U.S., making it an inexpensive option for students entertaining moving to the state.
The Mason School of Business at William & Mary
Location:Williamsburg, VA
Length:24 – 36 Mos
Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University
Location:Santa Clara, CA
Length:24 Mos
California State University, Monterey Bay
Location:Seaside, CA
Length:18 – 24 Mos
Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics
Location:Seattle, WA
Length:30 Mos
University of Kansas School of Business
Location:Lawrence, KS
Length:27-36 Mos
MBA Concentrations for Students in Oklahoma
Online MBA programs in Oklahoma allow students to pick from many specializations like finance, law, or marketing. Concentrations in energy or accounting may be the best for residents in the Sooner State. These 2 choices are principally applicable to the unique economic climate and natural resources of Oklahoma. There are many employment opportunities for people specializing in supply chain management or information systems in the state as well.
Oklahoma MBA Graduates Economy, Job, and Career Outlooks
Currently, Oklahoma has a healthy and diverse economic situation. The state’s top industries include biotechnology, aviation, retail, energy, and healthcare. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that healthcare is the state’s biggest industry, surpassing manufacturing in the past 10 years. Some of the biggest companies in the state include INTEGRIS Health, OU, Tinker Air Force Base, and the state government. Other well-known companies also call Oklahoma home including Boeing, Sonic, and Chesapeake Energy Corporation. Oklahoma City is considered the economic hub of the state government and the business community. Many of these companies have a home in Oklahoma City or in the greater metro area. This budding city is a great place for recent graduates to find job opportunities in various industries. The Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas also be a good bet with energy specialists.
Top Employers in Oklahoma
| Company | Industry | Headquarters City | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| State of Oklahoma | Government | Oklahoma City | 45,000 |
| Tinker Air Force Base | Military | Oklahoma City | 24,000 |
MBA Careers in Oklahoma:
Medical and Health Service Manager
Healthcare is the top sector in Oklahoma and will grow because of the aging population in the U.S. Medical and health services managers make a median salary of over $96,500. This job, which can include managing complex health systems or small practices, typically needs an advanced degree like an MBA. The BLS projects healthcare employment will grow 20% over the next 10 years, about three times the average for all occupations.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
With a median salary north of $127,000, marketing management can be a profitable position. Because Oklahoma is home to many large companies in the industrial and retail sectors, there are various important marketing positions in the state.
Industrial Production Managers
MBA graduates in Oklahoma can become part of the state’s large manufacturing sector by becoming an industrial production manager. These managers supervise the operations and daily activities of plants and industrial systems. The median salary is over $97,000.
How to Select an Online MBA Program in Oklahoma
There are many significant considerations to make before deciding on an online MBA program in Oklahoma – these include factors explained above like cost, specialization, and concentrations. The following list is made up of some necessary steps to follow during the MBA program research process (in any state).
COMPARE STUDENT OUTCOME DETAILS
Student outcomes incorporate graduation rate, retention rate, the average debt student will take on, and overall student achievement with their degree program. Student outcomes do not ensure you will be pleased with a particular program but can help pinpoint a school’s pros and cons.
CONSIDER EXPECTED COSTS OF YOUR PROGRAMS
Practically every college or university posts tuition costs online. Additionally, you should research other college-related expenses like housing accommodations and meal plans (if you plan to study on-campus), official fees, and IT fees (for online students). You should also look into grants, scholarships, and financial aid that can offset some of the expenses.
CHECK THAT CLASSES WILL FIT INTO YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
Scheduling is crucial for students with other significant commitments, such as childcare or full-time jobs. Many online programs are self-paced; students in these classes are free to complete coursework on their own schedule. Synchronous programs (on the other hand) demand weekly online meetings with teachers and other students.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES
A large number of online MBA programs will include internships and capstone requirements ― and in many cases, students can obtain on-the-job training with real-world office experience. Look into the school’s industry partnerships, particularly regarding the field you plan to enter after receiving your MBA.
TALK TO CURRENT STUDENTS AND RECENT ALUMNI
You should reach out to the alumni office at each school you are weighing and ask to be connected with previous students. These individuals can be great sources of information about education costs, life on (or off) campus, local tips, and other fundamental details for aspiring MBA students.