University of Oklahoma – Michael F. Price College of Business
Overview
The University of Oklahoma’s Michael F. Price College of Business offers one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the state, known for its strong emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and energy industry expertise. The college is AACSB-accredited, providing a world-class education that focuses on real-world applications of business concepts, making it ideal for students looking to excel in both traditional and emerging industries. With its main campus located in Norman, Oklahoma, the program also provides access to the dynamic business community of Oklahoma City.
Price College offers a variety of MBA formats, including a full-time program, a professional MBA (PMBA) designed for working professionals, and an executive MBA (EMBA) with a focus on the energy sector. The full-time MBA program is a 16-month accelerated program that combines a rigorous core curriculum with opportunities for specialization in areas such as finance, energy, entrepreneurship, and healthcare management. Students can also take part in international study programs, business simulations, and internships, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The program’s strong ties to Oklahoma’s energy industry and other key sectors ensure students have access to high-profile internships and job placement opportunities. The Price MBA program is well-regarded for producing graduates who go on to leadership roles in a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, energy, and technology.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The University of Oklahoma MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is highly regarded in the Southern U.S. region, particularly for its energy focus.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 50%, making it a competitive program with a balanced admissions process.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 650, though GMAT waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or other advanced degrees.
Top Hiring Companies
- Devon Energy
- Chesapeake Energy
- ConocoPhillips
- Bank of Oklahoma
- Deloitte
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Price MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $95,000 per year, with additional signing bonuses and performance incentives depending on the industry.
Notable Alumni
- Clay Bennett: Chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Michael F. Price: Billionaire investor and namesake of the business school.
- Harold Hamm: Founder and CEO of Continental Resources.
Oklahoma State University – Spears School of Business
Overview
Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Spears School of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program known for its flexibility, affordability, and strong connections to regional industries, particularly in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. The program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring that students receive a top-tier business education. Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Spears MBA program is designed to provide students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.
The Spears School offers several MBA formats, including a full-time MBA, a part-time professional MBA (PMBA), and an online MBA option for students who need maximum flexibility. The full-time MBA can be completed in two years, while the part-time and online options allow students to complete the program at their own pace. The curriculum covers core areas such as finance, marketing, management, and supply chain operations, with the option to specialize in fields like entrepreneurship, data analytics, or healthcare administration.
One of the key strengths of the OSU MBA program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world business projects, participate in internships, and engage with local industries through consulting projects and networking events. The program’s close proximity to Tulsa and Oklahoma City ensures that students have access to a wide range of employment opportunities upon graduation.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The OSU MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized regionally for its strong focus on entrepreneurship and data analytics.
Number of Students
- Approximately 150 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 60%, offering accessibility to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 600, though waivers are available for candidates with extensive work experience or other advanced degrees.
Top Hiring Companies
- Phillips 66
- American Airlines
- ONEOK
- Hilti
- Koch Industries
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the OSU MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $85,000 per year, with higher earnings in industries like energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Notable Alumni
- T. Boone Pickens: Billionaire oil magnate and philanthropist.
- Garth Brooks: Country music superstar and entrepreneur, though not an MBA graduate, is an OSU alum.
- Aubrey McClendon: Co-founder of Chesapeake Energy.
University of Tulsa – Collins College of Business
Overview
The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business offers a high-caliber MBA program that is particularly well-suited for students seeking careers in energy, finance, and technology. The program is AACSB-accredited and is known for its strong focus on leadership, ethics, and global business perspectives. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Collins MBA program provides students with access to a thriving business community, particularly in the energy and technology sectors.
The Collins College of Business offers several MBA options, including a full-time MBA, a professional MBA (PMBA) for working professionals, and an online MBA. The full-time MBA program typically takes 16-24 months to complete and offers students a comprehensive business education with an emphasis on leadership development, strategy, and ethics. Students can choose from specializations in areas such as energy management, finance, and entrepreneurship.
One of the distinguishing features of the Collins MBA is its focus on ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility, preparing students to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, allowing for a more individualized learning experience. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, with students engaging in internships, consulting projects, and study abroad opportunities.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The Collins MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized regionally for its focus on leadership and ethical business practices.
Number of Students
- Approximately 75 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 55%, making it a competitive but accessible program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 630, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or academic achievements.
Top Hiring Companies
- Williams Companies
- ONEOK
- Samson Resources
- QuikTrip Corporation
- Baker Hughes
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Collins MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $90,000 per year, with additional performance bonuses depending on the industry.
Notable Alumni
- Kathleen Taylor: Former CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
- Harold Stuart: Founder of Stuart Petroleum Company.
- Charles Schusterman: Founder of Samson Energy and noted philanthropist.
Oklahoma Christian University – Graduate School of Business
Overview
Oklahoma Christian University (OCU) offers a flexible and affordable MBA program through its Graduate School of Business, designed to meet the needs of working professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. The program is known for its focus on ethical leadership, innovation, and personal development, making it a strong choice for students looking to enhance their leadership skills while maintaining a commitment to ethical business practices.
The OCU MBA program is offered in both on-campus and online formats, providing students with the flexibility to complete their degree at their own pace. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months full-time or longer for part-time students. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, marketing, management, and strategy, with the option to specialize in areas such as leadership, project management, and healthcare administration.
One of the key strengths of the OCU MBA is its emphasis on Christian values and ethical decision-making. The program integrates these values into the curriculum, encouraging students to lead with integrity and make a positive impact in their organizations and communities. Additionally, OCU’s small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The OCU MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is recognized regionally for its affordability and strong focus on ethical leadership.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 70%, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 550, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or other advanced degrees.
Top Hiring Companies
- INTEGRIS Health
- Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
- OG&E
- Paycom
- BancFirst
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the OCU MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $70,000 per year, with salary growth potential in leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- Bobby Murcer: Former Major League Baseball player and broadcaster.
- Philip Anschutz: Billionaire entrepreneur and founder of The Anschutz Corporation.
- Howard Hendrick: Former Director of Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Southern Nazarene University – School of Business
Overview
Southern Nazarene University (SNU) offers a values-driven MBA program that emphasizes ethical leadership, strategic management, and real-world business applications. The program is particularly well-suited for working professionals who are looking to advance their careers while maintaining a balance between work, family, and education. SNU’s MBA is grounded in Christian values, with a focus on personal and professional development through ethical decision-making.
The SNU MBA program is offered in both on-campus and online formats, allowing students to choose the option that best fits their schedules. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months, with courses that cover key business areas such as finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and leadership. Students also have the option to specialize in areas such as healthcare administration, project management, or human resources.
One of the unique features of the SNU MBA is its focus on servant leadership, which encourages students to lead with humility, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. This approach is particularly attractive to students who are looking to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities. SNU’s small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty provide a supportive learning environment where students can thrive.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The SNU MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is regionally recognized for its focus on ethical leadership and servant leadership principles.
Number of Students
- Approximately 80 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 75%, offering accessibility to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 530, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or a high undergraduate GPA.
Top Hiring Companies
- INTEGRIS Health
- Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E)
- Sonic Corporation
- Paycom
- Mercy Health
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the SNU MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $65,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth in leadership and management roles.
Notable Alumni
- Donnie L. Smith: Former CEO of Tyson Foods.
- Jack Frost: Former CEO of Frost National Bank.
- Megan Holder: Senior Vice President at Paycom.