Top Computer Science Degree Programs In Oklahoma
Pursuing an online computer science degree in Oklahoma positions you at the center of a growing tech landscape where opportunities outpace the national average. Major industries like aerospace, energy, and healthcare increasingly rely on skilled developers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts, creating demand across Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and emerging tech hubs. With tech job growth projected to rise 12% statewide through 2030—faster than many traditional sectors—your skills could command salaries ranging from $75,000 for entry-level roles to $130,000+ for specialized positions in machine learning or cloud architecture.
Leading employers like Paycom, Devon Energy, and American Fidelity actively recruit local talent, while defense contractors and federal agencies offer stable careers with security clearances. Remote work options expand your reach beyond state lines, letting you collaborate with teams nationwide while maintaining Oklahoma’s lower cost of living. Online programs from respected institutions, including Oklahoma State University, allow you to balance coursework with professional or personal commitments. You’ll gain hands-on experience through virtual labs and collaborative projects mirroring real-world tech challenges.
By aligning your studies with Oklahoma’s economic priorities—like optimizing energy systems or securing critical infrastructure—you position yourself as a valuable asset in high-impact roles. The flexibility of online learning means you can immediately apply new coding languages or data analysis techniques to your current job, accelerating promotions or career shifts. With tech roles paying 45% more than the state’s median wage, investing in this skillset opens pathways to leadership positions or entrepreneurial ventures in Oklahoma’s evolving digital economy. Explore how accredited online programs can fit your goals while connecting you to a network of professionals shaping the region’s tech future.
Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Oklahoma
Below are the top-ranked Online Computer Science programs in Oklahoma, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Key Highlights
- Oklahoma State University's Computer Science program develops skills in the design, implementation, and testing of computer programs.
- Students gain skills in Computer Security, Mobile Applications, and Database Systems.
- The curriculum includes Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, and Numerical Methods.
- The program provides a foundation in an object-oriented programming language.
- Coursework includes computer systems, data structures, and operating systems.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at Oklahoma State University helps students develop skills in the design, implementation, and testing of computer programs. The curriculum establishes a strong foundation in an object-oriented programming language and covers computer systems, data structures, and operating systems. Electives offer opportunities to focus on skills such as computer security, mobile applications, and database systems. Students also build a strong mathematical background.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Design, Implementation, Testing, Computer Security, Mobile Applications, Database Systems
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $5,448/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,142/year
- Additional Cost Information:
Cost estimates do not include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
Coursework not fully completed online may affect the final cost. Active-duty military may qualify for resident tuition rates.
Contact Information
- Computer Science 219 MSCS
- 405-744-5668
Sample Courses
Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics...
Why Get an Online Computer Science Degree in Oklahoma?
Pursuing an online computer science degree in Oklahoma gives you direct access to a tech job market growing faster than national averages, with strategic advantages tied to the state’s economic priorities. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 25% national growth for software developers through 2032, Oklahoma’s specialized industries like aerospace, energy, and healthcare automation are accelerating demand even further. State-specific projections from Oklahoma’s Employment Projections report highlight concentrated opportunities in software architecture and systems engineering, with Tulsa and Oklahoma City emerging as hubs for startups modernizing legacy energy infrastructure and federal defense contracts requiring localized tech talent.
The flexibility of online programs allows you to align coursework with these regional needs—like optimizing oilfield IoT networks or developing secure systems for Tinker Air Force Base contractors—while maintaining employment or family commitments. Oklahoma’s lower cost of living amplifies earning potential, as salaries for roles like cloud engineer or cybersecurity analyst often exceed state median wages by 60-80%. Remote work options let you collaborate with coastal tech firms without sacrificing affordability, but local employers like Paycom and Love’s Travel Stops increasingly offer competitive packages to retain skilled graduates.
Industry partnerships embedded in online curricula connect you directly to employers solving real-world challenges, such as modernizing agricultural supply chains or securing medical data systems for Tulsa’s expanding healthcare networks. Programs emphasizing project-based learning ensure you graduate with portfolios demonstrating expertise in Python, AI-driven analytics, or blockchain applications—skills prioritized by Oklahoma’s top-funded startups and corporate innovation labs. With Tulsa’s 36°N incubator and Oklahoma City’s Thunder Launchpad actively recruiting tech talent, completing an online degree positions you to lead initiatives shaping the state’s digital transformation.
By focusing on Oklahoma’s unique blend of aerospace, energy, and rural tech expansion, your degree becomes a strategic asset in a market where localized expertise drives hiring decisions. Start building connections through virtual career fairs hosted by regional employers, or leverage alumni networks from programs with established industry ties. As legacy industries invest billions in automation and AI, your ability to bridge technical skills with Oklahoma’s economic priorities creates opportunities to advance faster here than in saturated coastal markets. Take the next step—explore how an online computer science degree can position you at the forefront of the state’s high-growth tech sectors.
Where Can You Work After Graduating in Oklahoma?
After completing an online computer science degree in Oklahoma, you’ll find diverse opportunities with employers ranging from established corporations to growing tech firms. Companies like Paycom and Devon Energy consistently rank among the state’s top software employers, according to recent industry rankings. Paycom, a leading HR software provider based in Oklahoma City, frequently hires graduates for roles in full-stack development and cloud solutions, offering structured mentorship programs and hybrid work models. Devon Energy prioritizes software engineers for optimizing energy exploration through data analytics tools, with teams often collaborating in modern innovation labs at their Oklahoma City headquarters.
For those interested in defense or aerospace, Boeing and Dell Technologies emerge as prominent options, as highlighted by Oklahoma software engineer job listings. Boeing’s Oklahoma City division focuses on aviation software systems, requiring skills in embedded systems and cybersecurity, with roles often including clearance opportunities. Dell maintains a significant remote workforce in the state, hiring for cloud infrastructure and DevOps positions, and provides extensive professional development stipends.
In Oklahoma City, Love’s Travel Stops and MidFirst Bank stand out for tech roles blending industry-specific challenges with digital innovation, per local hiring trends. Love’s invests in logistics software for its nationwide network, seeking developers proficient in supply chain algorithms and IoT integration. MidFirst Bank recruits engineers to build mobile banking platforms, emphasizing agile workflows and competitive retirement benefits. Both companies prioritize problem-solving skills and offer pathways to lead projects early in your career.
Oklahoma’s tech scene thrives in hubs like Tulsa’s 36°N Innovation District, where startups in health tech and fintech seek talent for scalable projects. Networking through events like OKC’s Techlahoma meetups or connecting with incubators such as StitchCrew can help you discover emerging companies. Many employers in the state value local internships or project portfolios showcasing regional industry challenges, so highlighting relevant experience during applications can strengthen your candidacy.
How Much Can You Earn as a Software Engineer in Oklahoma?
When considering a software engineering career in Oklahoma, salary expectations vary by experience. Entry-level positions (0-2 years) often start around $70,000 to $85,000 annually, based on industry trends. According to Indeed's salary data for Oklahoma City, the average base salary reaches $93,479, reflecting mid-career earnings for professionals with 3-7 years of experience. This figure accounts for base pay but can increase with bonuses or specialized skills. Those advancing to senior roles (8+ years) may see higher compensation, with ZipRecruiter reporting an average of $126,892 per year in Oklahoma City. This jump highlights the impact of leadership responsibilities and technical expertise on earning potential. Total compensation packages often exceed base salaries, as shown by Glassdoor's software developer estimates, which include an average base of $95,181 and additional pay like bonuses or stock options bringing the total to $114,837 annually.
Oklahoma salaries generally sit below the national software engineer average of $120,000, but the lower cost of living balances this difference. Specializing in high-demand areas like cloud computing or cybersecurity can boost your salary by 10-20%, as can certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect or Certified Kubernetes Administrator. Remote roles with companies based in higher-paying regions may also offer salaries above local averages. The tech industry's growth in Oklahoma, particularly in sectors like aerospace and energy, suggests steady salary increases. Expanding tech hubs and remote work opportunities could push local salaries closer to national figures in the coming years.
FAQs About Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Oklahoma
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What costs aren't included in program estimates?
A: At Oklahoma State University, cost estimates exclude textbooks and exam proctoring fees. Some programs may require occasional in-person coursework, which could add travel or facility usage expenses. Always review each program's fee breakdown before enrolling.
Q: Can active-duty military get discounted tuition?
A: Yes. Oklahoma State University offers resident tuition rates to active-duty military personnel, reducing costs significantly. Check specific program requirements to confirm eligibility and application steps for military benefits.
Q: Are all courses fully online?
A: Most courses are fully online, but some programs may require hybrid components like labs or exams. Confirm with your institution—non-online requirements could impact scheduling and additional costs.
Q: What programming languages are taught?
A: Programs typically cover Python, Java, and C++ for core development skills. You’ll also learn SQL for database management and scripting languages like JavaScript, depending on specialization tracks.
Q: How long does it take to complete these programs?
A: Bachelor’s degrees like OSU’s take 4 years full-time. Accelerated options or transfer credits may shorten this—some students finish in 3 years with prior coursework or summer classes.
Q: Do Oklahoma employers hire online graduates?
A: Yes. Major employers like Paycom, Devon Energy, and Boeing actively recruit from Oklahoma online programs. These companies value skills over delivery format, especially for roles in software development and data analysis.
Q: Is prior coding experience required?
A: No. Most undergraduate programs start with foundational programming courses. However, strong math preparation (algebra, logic) helps you progress faster through early coursework.
Q: What math courses are required?
A: Expect to take Calculus I-II, discrete mathematics, and statistics. Linear algebra is often required for machine learning or graphics-focused specializations in advanced coursework.