This school appears in our ranking 10 Most Affordable Top Ranked Online Master's in Finance 2018.
Oklahoma State University has five campuses located throughout the state with the primary location in Stillwater, Oklahoma. First opening in 1890 on Christmas Day, the school now has a population of approximately 35,000 students per semester and offers roughly 200 different undergraduate majors and many graduate programs, 25 of which are completely online.
In its early years, OSU started as a land-grant university which means the federal government gave land to Oklahoma through the Morrill Acts so that the state could open a university focusing on agriculture, engineering, and science while still touching on the liberal arts. This was contrary to the traditional higher education of the time which solely emphasized humanities and classics. The university remains a public university and holds this designation today.
Presently, Oklahoma State University is known as a research school and has been ranked #156 out of all national universities by the U.S. News & World Report in 2018. Forbes has also named it #100 out of all public colleges and #66 in the South.
Oklahoma State University Accreditation Details
The university as a whole is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and out of the three tracks, Oklahoma State University is on the most rigorous, the Open Pathway. They are measured on the quality of education provided and also must show that the university is committed to improvement by identifying a problem area and demonstrating measurable progress. The next review by the HLC, scheduled for the 2025-2016 school year, will mark 100 years of accreditation for the school.
Specific degree programs are also accredited by subject-specific organizations to affirm that the curriculum adequately equips students for professional life. The following are some of these programs as well as the accrediting body.
- Agricultural Education – Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma State Department of Vocational-Technical Education
- Business, Entrepreneurship – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Design, Housing and Merchandising – Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Engineering – Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Financial Family Planning – Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards registration
- Nutritional Science – Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Oklahoma State University Application Requirements
Since the online programs are equivalent to those on campus, admission requirements are identical. First, all applicants seeking admission to Oklahoma State University's graduate programs need a completed undergraduate degree. Specific GPA requirements do vary by degree program. Official transcripts from every previous school along with a completed online application and $50 to $75 depending on U.S. residency status must be submitted by the deadlines listed below.
- February 1st for fall start
- July 1st for spring start
- January 1st for summer start
These deadlines can vary depending on the specific program as can other requirements. For example, most master's programs at Oklahoma State University require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, but some, like the Master's of Business Administration, do not. Other programs require standardized test scores or professional experience, but this largely varies between department. For example, the Master of Science in Design, Housing and Merchandising program does not ask for test scores but strongly recommends a few years of experience in the industry. It is important for graduate applicants to carefully review specific admissions requirements for their program of interest.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Online classes at OSU cost the same as on-campus courses at a rate of $223.30 per credit hour for residents of Oklahoma and $849.20 for non-residents. There are also fees totaling approximately $250 each semester.
One way to offset these costs for graduate students is an assistantship, either as a graduate teaching assistant or graduate research assistant. The availability of these positions depends on the individual degree program, but areas that emphasize research are likely to provide quite a few of these jobs.
While there are fewer subsidized student loans available for graduate students as opposed to undergrads, filling out a FAFSA can help students determine their options for different types of loans. OSU does not offer any direct scholarships, but advisers can provide students with resources for outside opportunities.
Online Degrees Available
Oklahoma State University offers 21 Master of Science degrees completely online in fields ranging from human development to engineering as well as two Master of Agriculture degrees and a Master of Business Administration. The school also allows students to study independently, opening up all of their online classes to qualified students even if they have not been admitted to a program. Some notable programs include the following.
Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics
Applicants are eligible for this program if they are Registered Dietitians or eligible to sit for the RD exam. Once admitted, over the course of 36 credit hours, students learn to utilize the latest research in nutrition to help clients in a practical setting. They also receive advanced education in the medical sciences and psychology including required courses like Macronutrients in Human Nutrition and Advanced Nutrition Across the Life Span. To graduate, students must pass a comprehensive examination and complete a project composed of a research paper and presentation.
Master of Agriculture: Agricultural Leadership
This program helps develop the leadership abilities necessary to advance in agribusiness, ag policy, and non-traditional educational roles. Each class teaches management and communication skills through the lens of the agricultural industry including courses like Studies in Agricultural Communications and Adult Programs in Agriculture & Extension Education. Competitive applicants need a bachelor's degree in a related field with a GPA above 2.8, three letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Masters in Entrepreneurship
Individuals with any background are encouraged to apply to this program if they have an interest in entrepreneurship. The admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, GMAT score, and a concrete business proposal. While some of the classes are more traditional like Business Finance and Management Theory, much of the program is spent on experiential learning and exploring individual business ideas through courses including Imagination in Entrepreneurship and Launching a Business: The First 100 Days.
To apply or for more information on these programs, check out the Oklahoma State University online program website.