Online Degrees in Oklahoma

Online Associate Degrees - These programs are generally two-year curriculums, providing focused training that helps prepare students for growing entry-level positions in the state. An associate degree in human services management, for example, may help individuals qualify for social and human service assistant roles. Instruction helps students learn how to collaborate with clients and professionals, develop and facilitate treatment plans, and analyze and interpret client services. According to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), the field of social and human service assistants is expected to grow by about 19 percent statewide from 2010 through 2020.

To browse schools offering online associate degree programs in Oklahoma, click here.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees - Bachelor’s programs generally require four years of study, and incorporate more upper-division major coursework than their associate counterparts. Bachelor’s degrees are often designed to help students develop a broad skill-set that can be used in many careers.

A bachelor’s in finance, for instance, typically offers students a foundational education in business law, accounting, and portfolio management. Graduates may go on to pursue careers as financial analysts, or, with more experience, personal financial advisors and consultants. According to the OESC, employment of  financial analysts are expected to grow statewide by about 14 percent between 2010 and 2020,, while employment of financial advisors and consultants is expected to grow by about 25 percent over the same period.

To browse schools offering online bachelor’s degree programs in Oklahoma, click here.

Online Master’s Degrees - These degrees are earned through demonstration of highly developed knowledge in a particular field or topic, helping professionals grow and improve upon their current skill set. Master’s degrees can often help those looking to enhance their managerial skills as well.

For example, correctional officers looking to become supervisors may be interested in a master’s in criminal justice administration.  The degree helps students identify potential pitfalls of organizational systems, and can provide insight into the development and implementation of successful administrative processes in correctional facilities.

To browse schools offering online master’s degree programs in Oklahoma, click here.

Online Doctoral Degrees - Doctorate coursework can normally be completed in two to three years, and is followed a thesis proposal, research, and defense. Typically these degrees are used to transition individuals into roles as research specialists or postsecondary teachers.

Social service professionals who wish to transition into more active teaching roles as health and wellness educators may be interested in earning a Ph.D. in Public Health and Human Services. This Ph.D. combines advanced research theory with in-depth instruction on public health assessment and community leadership. Graduates might choose to pursue careers as college or university professors, or community service developers in at-risk neighborhoods, building programs to create a healthier environment.  

To browse schools offering online doctoral degree programs in Oklahoma, click here.

Public Universities

• The University of Oklahoma offers a number of distance learning programs under its “Outreach” umbrella. One of these is a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Students build a foundation in many academic disciplines, including the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Some graduates use this degree in conjunction with a teaching credential to become elementary or secondary school teachers; others use it for entry-level positions in public service, business or law. This degree program is completely online, so distance learners can schedule coursework to fit into their busy lives.

• Oklahoma State University (OSU) has online programs for distance learners who wish to pursue a graduate degree and need to study around a career or family life. For example, the master’s in telecommunications management helps individuals looking to build upon their computer network management skills. Students in this program may qualify for the Information Assurance Scholarship, an award sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense that grants financial aid for tuition, books and housing. Scholarship recipients also receive an internship with a government agency, which may possibly lead to a job when they graduate.

Private Universities

• Oral Roberts University (ORU) offers a few baccalaureate degree options for online students, including a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Students in this program are trained in self-expression, organizational communication and public speaking. ORU also provides distance learners with success advisors who support students throughout their time at the university. Online ORU students can also access the school library and tutoring services if needed.

For more information on degree options, please browse through the online colleges below. A counselor will contact you to discuss specifics and answer any questions you may have.

Sources:
Economic Development, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Long-Term Labor Market Statistics, Oklahoma, 2010-2020
Oklahoma, Lumina Foundation, 2012
Oklahoma State University
Oral Roberts University
University of Oklahoma