In Oklahoma, where industries like energy, cybersecurity, aviation, and healthcare continue to grow, earning a master’s degree can open the door to higher-level roles and long-term stability. To meet demand, universities across the state have significantly expanded their online master’s degree offerings. This guide helps you compare online master’s programs in Oklahoma and understand where a graduate degree can take you.
Author: Emily Towns
Expertise: Student SuccessGraduate EducationOnline LearningEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Which Student Are You?
Which Type of Master's Program Do You Need?
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Program Types
Types of Online Master’s Programs in Oklahoma
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Oklahoma
Read more
Which Type of Master’s Program Do You Need?
A degree is only worth what it costs you to earn, in both time and money, and format plays a bigger role in that equation than most applicants realize. The wrong fit often shows up down the line as extra semesters and extra tuition. The guide below is built to help you sidestep that outcome.
Master’s Students: Which Type Is Most Like You?
The Career Starter
You recently earned your bachelor’s degree and feel ready for graduate school, even if you haven’t yet decided which field to pursue among Oklahoma’s program options.
How admissions requirements, timelines, and outcomes differ becomes much clearer once you compare fields together instead of researching them one at a time. These programs don’t require prior work experience, so nothing gets ruled out early, and their accelerated, hybrid structure means you keep making progress even while the field itself is still undecided.
The Career Changer
You’re headed toward a career that has little in common with your current one, so you’re looking into Oklahoma programs that accept students without a related background.
Since many graduate programs otherwise assume you’re coming in with a degree in the same or an adjacent field, seek programs that specifically welcome career-changers. Bridge or foundational coursework closes that gap without a second undergraduate degree, and a fully online format lets you get that foundation in place while you keep working your current job.
The Promotion Seeker
You’ve spent years building your career and now want a master’s to step into a more senior or specialized role, weighing Oklahoma programs while you decide between staying put or pivoting into something related.
Look for part-time pacing first — it keeps the weekly workload realistic — paired with a fully online, asynchronous format that frees you from a fixed class schedule, so coursework fits around your job and home life rather than competing with them. That kind of flexibility isn’t unique to any single field, so it’s worth prioritizing early in your search.
The Working Balancer
Full-time work and family obligations leave little room to spare, so you need a master’s degree built around your schedule, regardless of which field you settle on among Oklahoma’s programs.
A fully online, asynchronous format frees you from a fixed class schedule, so coursework fits around your job and home life rather than competing with them. Part-time pacing keeps the weekly workload realistic, and because that flexibility isn’t unique to any single field, it’s worth prioritizing early in your search.
The Resident Searcher
As an Oklahoma resident, you want to look at your master’s options without relocating, ideally at a price that reflects being in-state.
Public universities generally offer in-state residents a lower tuition rate than out-of-state or private students pay, which can meaningfully cut the total cost of your degree. Staying local also means in-person or hybrid formats remain possible without relocating, keeping you close to the professional and personal network you already have.
The Interstate Researcher
You live outside Oklahoma and have no intention of moving — you’re looking at fully online programs based there that you can complete remotely.
A fully online format frees you from needing to live near the university — you can handle coursework, exams, and even cohort interaction from home. Look for programs that specifically state they enroll out-of-state or non-resident students without requiring residency or campus attendance, because some public university programs still restrict online enrollment by state for certain licensure-track or state-funded degrees.
Details of Popular Universities in Oklahoma with Online Learning
The University of Oklahoma (OU)
The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, is a public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Through OU Online, students can choose from a wide range of online master’s programs across fields such as business, data science, education, criminal justice, and public service.
Online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Programs typically blend asynchronous coursework with limited live sessions to support flexibility for working professionals.
Who OU is Best For: Students seeking a well-known research university with diverse online graduate options.
Featured Online Program: MS in Criminal Justice
- Duration: 20 months
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $685 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
- Personal statement
Oklahoma State University (OSU)
Oklahoma State University, based in Stillwater, is another HLC-accredited public research institution. Through OSU Online, the university offers online master’s and certificate programs in areas including agriculture, engineering, business, education, and aviation.
Many programs follow an accelerated 8-week course format, making them easier to balance with full-time work. Online students earn the same degree as on-campus students, and OSU charges a single tuition rate for online master’s programs, regardless of residency.
Who OSU is Best For: Students looking for accelerated programs with transparent tuition pricing.
Featured Online Program: MS in Aviation and Space
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Fully online, asynchronous
- Cost: $489 per credit hour (OK residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
- Personal goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University, located in Durant, is a regional public university accredited by the HLC. SOSU is known for accessible, accelerated online master’s programs designed for working adults. Key features include:
- Fully online formats
- Multiple start dates each year
- Seven- or eight-week courses
- Some programs completed in as little as one year
Programs focus on business, education, healthcare, and other fields aligned with Oklahoma’s workforce needs. SOSU’s John Massey School of Business is AACSB-accredited and offers an online MBA with 15+ concentration options, including Safety and Native American Leadership.
Who SOSU is Best For: Students seeking affordability and fast completion timelines.
Featured Online Program: MBA in General Business
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Fully online, asynchronous
- Cost: $380 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Top Master’s Degree Fields in Oklahoma
Energy (Petroleum Engineering & Energy Management)
Energy remains Oklahoma’s flagship industry, driven by oil and natural gas. In 2023, the sector contributed $55+ billion to the state’s GDP. A master’s degree in fields like:
- Engineering
- Geology
- Energy management
can lead to strong job prospects with employers such as Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy. Universities like OU and OSU support the industry with specialized programs and research, making these degrees a strong long-term investment.
Aerospace & Aviation
Aerospace and defense are deeply rooted in Oklahoma, particularly around Oklahoma City and Tulsa. A master’s degree in:
- Aerospace engineering
- Aviation administration
- Aeronautics
can prepare graduates for roles at Tinker Air Force Base, the FAA, or companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Oklahoma’s central location, maintenance hubs, and long-standing industry partnerships create steady demand for advanced aviation expertise.
Healthcare & Nursing
Healthcare is one of Oklahoma’s largest and most stable employment sectors. Graduate degrees in:
support advancement into leadership and advanced clinical roles. Oklahoma faces provider shortages across both rural and urban areas, meaning graduates with advanced credentials are often hired quickly. Strong training pipelines, such as OU Health Sciences Center and OSU Center for Health Sciences, support workforce readiness statewide.
Business Administration
An MBA offers broad flexibility in Oklahoma’s diverse economy, which includes energy, agriculture, aviation, manufacturing, and finance. Benefits of earning an MBA in Oklahoma include:
- Strong demand for management talent
- AACSB-accredited programs at OU, OSU, and SOSU
- Lower tuition and cost of living compared to many states
Graduates often move into leadership roles or entrepreneurship, supported by Oklahoma’s business-friendly environment.
Information Technology & Cybersecurity
Oklahoma’s tech sector now accounts for ~8% of the workforce and $6.5 billion in GDP, with continued growth expected. A master’s degree in:
prepares graduates for roles in energy, aerospace, fintech, and growing startup ecosystems in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Programs such as OSU’s MS in Business Analytics and OU’s MS in Computer Science align closely with employer needs.
Types of Online Master’s Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers online master’s programs in multiple formats, allowing students to match their education to their schedule and goals.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs
Best for: Students who want to graduate quickly.
- Avg. completion time: 12 months
- Heavier course load
- Shorter breaks between terms
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 Programs
Best for: Working professionals balancing school and career.
- Completion time: 2–3 years
- Lighter weekly workload
- Greater scheduling flexibility
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 Programs with No GRE Required
Many Oklahoma universities now waive the GRE for online master’s programs. These programs emphasize:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Professional experience
- Personal statements and résumés
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
Paying for an Online Master’s Degree in Oklahoma
Tuition for online master’s programs in Oklahoma typically ranges from $380 to $700 per credit hour, with total tuition between $11,000 and $21,000 for most programs. Many schools offer:
- Savings on housing and commuting
- Flat online tuition rates
- Per-credit pricing
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 30 | $380 | $11,400 |
| Oklahoma State University | 33 | $489 | $8,680 |
| The University of Oklahoma | 30 | $685 | $20,550 |
FAQs: Oklahoma Online Master’s Programs
Q: Are online master’s programs in Oklahoma accredited and respected?
A: Yes, if the school is accredited. Oklahoma universities offering online master’s programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Many also hold programmatic accreditation, such as AACSB for business.
Online diplomas are typically identical to on-campus degrees and are widely accepted by employers.
Q: How much do online master’s programs in Oklahoma cost, and is financial aid available?
A: Most programs are affordable, and financial aid is available. Tuition varies by school, but many programs offer flat online rates. Accredited online students may qualify for:
- State aid
- Federal financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
Q: How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree in OK?
A: It depends on your pace.
- Accelerated programs: 12–18 months
- Part-time programs: ~2 years or longer
Oklahoma schools typically allow flexible pacing so students can adjust their workload as needed.
Q: What are the admissions requirements? Do I need to take the GRE?
A: Most programs require a bachelor’s degree and standard application materials. Common admissions requirements include:
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Many Oklahoma programs do not require the GRE, especially for applicants with qualifying GPAs or relevant work experience.
Q: Can I work full-time while earning an online master’s degree?
A: Yes — most online students do. Courses are often asynchronous, and many programs use short course blocks so students can focus on one class at a time. With good time management, working full-time while earning a degree is very achievable.
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Oklahoma
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Best for: in-state students
Cameron University
Best for: in-state students
East Central University
Best for: in-state students
Northeastern State University
Best for: in-state students
Oral Roberts University
Best for: in-state students
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Best for: in-state students
University of Central Oklahoma
Best for: in-state students
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Best for: in-state students
Langston University
Best for: in-state students
Oklahoma City University
Best for: in-state students
