Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University offers a diverse postsecondary experience with students from over 100 countries. OSU provides an accessible education, with many students able to complete their degree without commuting to campus.

For instance, learners can earn a bachelor of science in multidisciplinary studies with a focus on pre-law entirely online. The 120-credit degree includes 40 general education credits, 13 departmental credits, 40 credits in the major, and 27 credits of electives. Coursework explores topics such as American Indian sovereignty; philosophy of law; U.S. constitution: civil rights and civil liberties; and elements of persuasion. The program also requires a culminating capstone course.

OSU uses the Brightspace online learning management system. Courses typically follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to learn on their own schedule. However, some courses may require digital attendance real-time. Distance learners can schedule appointments with the writing center and the math learning success center for additional help.

Based in Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs entirely online. For instance, students can complete their master's degree in business, education, Native American leadership, or sports administration -- with each field offering several areas of specialization.

Undergraduates can select from 10 bachelor's degrees, including six through the John Massey School of Business. The 124-credit bachelor of arts in general business includes 43 core business credits, 44 general business credits, and electives. The curriculum features coursework in management and organizational behavior, marketing for new ventures, and small business management. The business school at SOSU holds programmatic accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Online delivery typically follows a flexible asynchronous format. SOSU also provides multiple resources for distance learners, including online tutoring sessions, digital databases, and librarians for research support.

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma has a century-long legacy of academic excellence. In fact, OU's Norman campus holds the Carnegie Foundation's highest research classification, while 10 programs at the institution are nationally ranked. OU's Extended Campus offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and professional training opportunities.

The bachelor of arts in organizational leadership offers accelerated coursework that allows working students to earn their degree in 18 months with full-time attendance. However, students typically earn their degree in 2-3 years. This 120-credit program includes 60 general education hours, 40 upper-division hours, and elective courses. Notable courses include mathematics in liberal studies, ethics in leadership, and conflict resolution. This program requires an in-depth capstone course.

Distance courses use the Canvas online learning management system and follow an eight-week format. Students complete two courses per eight-week session and four courses each semester. OU also accepts transfer students from accredited institutions.

Based in Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is the fourth-largest public university in the state. NSU supports diverse, accessible, and affordable education; in fact, NSU ranks fourth in the state for affordable tuition.

Distance learners can earn their degree in unique fields. For instance, NSU offers a library media and information technology master of science that prepares graduates to become school librarians. This 33-credit program includes three professional education credits, 22 core credits, six enrichment credits, and a two-credit capstone course. NSU holds programmatic accreditation from the American Association of School Librarians.

NSU maintains a partnership with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Southern Regional Education Board. Transfer students from accredited institutions may apply. NSU also participates in NC-SARA, which allows out-of-state students to enroll in online courses. NSU holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Based in Ada, East Central University encourages cultural awareness across each of its programs and strives to meet its student's diverse learning needs. ESU is among the best online colleges in Oklahoma, with a student body that represents over 25 states and 30 countries.

Distance learners can pursue distinguished programs such as the bachelor of science in kinesiology, which prepares graduates for health and wellness careers. This 124-credit degree includes 44 general education credits, 57 kinesiology major credits, and 23 elective credits. ESU accepts up to 94 transfer credits, and students can graduate in 2-4 years. Courses include care and prevention of athletic injuries, research and evaluation of kinesiology, and biomechanics. This program also requires a practicum field experience.

ESU administers coursework through the Moodle learning management system. Online courses follow an eight-week format. Students typically take two classes each session and four courses per semester. Additionally, online students can access digital databases, librarians, and technology support.

Oklahoma Christian University offers a faith-based postsecondary experience in Edmond. OC strives to provide hands-on instruction. Average class sizes do not exceed a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. OC also values an affordable education, with tuition rates nearly $12,000 below the national average.

OC's programs include a competency-based, fully online RN-to-BSN. Designed for practicing nurses, students pay a flat fee for four months and receive unlimited access to coursework. OC offers nine competencies, which include evidence-based practice, servant leadership, population health, and role expansion. Students must complete 50 sub-competencies to earn 28 nursing credits. OC also requires three credits of Bible coursework.

The OC student success center offers testing services, tutoring, and study skill development. Academic counselors work with students to ensure their success. Distance learners can also contact IT for technical support. OC holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and programmatic accreditation from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Located in Weatherford, less than an hour from the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, Southwestern Oklahoma State University provides learners with an accessible, affordable education and ranks among the best online colleges in Oklahoma.

Practicing RNs can earn their BSN online at SWOSU. This degree completion program requires applicants to hold an unencumbered license and an associate degree from an accredited nursing program. This 124-credit online program includes 21-22 pre-professional credits, 30 professional credits, and three elective credits. Courses include contemporary nursing leadership, advanced physical assessment, issues and concepts for professional nursing, and bridging nursing paradigms. SWOSU accepts up to 31 transfer credits for this program.

SWOSU uses the Canvas learning management system to deliver online classes. Courses typically follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete coursework around their schedules. Assignments include essays, exams, and projects, while discussion posts allow distance learners to engage with their peers.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public higher education institution located in Alva, just south of the Kansas border. NWOSU emphasizes community engagement, affordability, and access to higher education. The student body represents over 40 states and 20 countries. Students may complete their degree on campus or through NWOSU online.

NWOSU offers multiple online degrees, including a bachelor of business administration. This 121-credit program requires 45 general education credits, 46 foundation and business credits, 21 business minor credits, and nine credits of electives. Online programs follow traditional 16-week semesters that consist of two eight-week sessions. Students typically complete four courses each semester.

NWOSU uses the Blackboard learning management system to administer distance coursework. Most classes follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete the material when their schedule permits. However, some courses follow a synchronous format, which requires live, online attendance. NWOSU holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1890 in Edmond, the University of Central Oklahoma offers more than 195 undergraduate and graduate programs to approximately 16,000 students. The school provides fully online coursework and hybrid options to meet diverse learning needs.

UCO's online bachelor of business administration in marketing features a dynamic perspective on national and global marketplaces. This 124-credit degree includes 42-44 university core credits, up to nine business support credits, 66 marketing major requirement credits, and elective credits. Courses include integrated marketing communication, geographic information systems, and legal environment of business.

Distance learners access coursework through the D2L learning management system. Courses typically follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete assignments when their schedule permits. Online students receive support from academic counselors and the IT department. Learners can also access online tutoring or contact professors during digital office hours.

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma's second-largest city, Oral Roberts University is a private evangelical Christian college. Students can augment their education by participating in community engagements, cultural events, internships, and recreational resources. While many students earn their degree on campus, ORU also offers high-quality online programs.

ORU online students gain can pursue degrees across multiple fields, including over 10 religion-related programs. The bachelor of science in global ministry and the marketplace explores ministry from a business perspective. This 120-credit degree includes 44 general education credits, 30 credits in the major, 18-19 cognate credits, 18 minor credits, and up to 10 credits of electives.

Distance learners access coursework through the D2L learning management system. Asynchronous learning allows students to complete assignments when their schedule permits. However, some courses may require online attendance at set times. ORU provides a writing center, math learning resource center, and librarian research support.