Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business has achieved a significant milestone by soaring into the top 10 of the prestigious U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs. This achievement marks the highest placement in the history of the rankings for the Spears School of Business, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the faculty and staff in designing and delivering top-notch online undergraduate business programs.
Dr. Jim Payne, the dean of Spears Business, expressed his pride in this accomplishment, stating, “This top-10 ranking is a testament to the hard work of the faculty and staff in the design and delivery of our portfolio of online undergraduate business programs in serving students from across the state and beyond. We understand the importance of individualized attention, especially in the online learning environment, and that is reflected in our motto, the Power of Personal.”
Spears Business tied for No. 8 nationally and was tied for No. 7 among all public schools in America. This ranking places OSU behind only Arizona State University for the highest-ranked online undergraduate business program among Big 12 Conference peers and as the highest-ranking school in the state of Oklahoma. Among 219 schools ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Spears Business was one of four previously unranked schools to earn a spot among the top-10 programs.
The achievement of this top-10 ranking coincides with record enrollment numbers for Spears Business, which welcomed a total of 6,458 undergraduate and graduate students at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, making it the largest college on the OSU campus. This figure includes the largest freshman class in school history with 1,034 first-year students.
The Michael and Anne Greenwood Center for Online Excellence played a significant role in achieving this historic ranking, offering students access to a high-quality business education regardless of their schedule or location while still maintaining the personal touch that Spears Business is known for. Dr. Marlys Mason, Spears Business associate dean for undergraduate programs, emphasized the collective effort of the Spears Business community in elevating the online undergraduate programs.
In addition to the success of the undergraduate programs, OSU’s online MBA program also made significant strides in the U.S. News & World Report list of the 2025 Best Online MBA Programs. The program jumped five spots into a tie for No. 11 nationally, marking the best ranking in school history. Furthermore, the MBA Program was ranked No. 8 in the nation for veterans, and the online MBA in business analytics also climbed five spots into a tie for No. 15 in the rankings.
OSU is one of six Big 12 Conference schools ranked inside the top 50 for MBA programs, standing out as the only MBA program in Oklahoma. The Spears Business MBA ranked ninth among public schools nationwide, and in total, U.S. News & World Report ranked the top 355 online MBA programs in the country.
The continuous rise in rankings for OSU’s online MBA program reflects the emphasis on student success, excellence in the classroom, and the collaborative effort of the Watson Graduate School of Management team. Dr. Ramesh Sharda, vice dean for research and graduate programs, highlighted the support provided by the dean, Dr. Jim Payne, in meeting the growing demand for the MBA program while maintaining excellence and rigor in the curriculum.
Overall, the success of Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business in both undergraduate and graduate online programs underscores the institution’s commitment to providing high-quality business education through innovative and personalized approaches. With a focus on student success and academic excellence, OSU continues to set new standards in online business education.
