Degree and certificate completion at Oklahoma state system institutions rose in the last academic year, according to the latest Degrees Conferred in Oklahoma Higher Education report from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
During the 2023-24 academic year, students from Oklahoma public colleges and universities earned 38,077 degrees and certificates. This represents a 2.2% increase in degrees conferred over the prior year, a 4% increase over the last five years, and a 6.3% increase over the last 10 years.
Nearly 87% of degrees and certificates awarded in 2023-24 were in fields of study aligned with Oklahoma’s “100 Critical Occupations.”
“Oklahoma public higher education continues to produce more college graduates,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “This positive trend reflects the state system of higher education’s ongoing commitment to affordability and student success. Growth in STEM, health professions, and education degrees is helping meet Oklahoma’s current and future workforce needs in these critical fields.”
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) degree production at all levels has increased 7% in the last five years and 22% over the last 10 years. In the last decade, bachelor’s degrees in STEM disciplines increased over 21%, and master’s degrees increased 23%.
The number of health professions degrees conferred increased more than 5% over the last year and over 11% during the last decade. Looking at nursing specifically, degree and certificate production increased nearly 7% in the last year and 22% in the last 10 years.
Education degree production at all levels increased 7% in the last year and over 9% in the last five years. While annual production of bachelor’s degrees and credentials leading to teacher licensure declined over the last decade, efforts to address the teacher shortage, such as the Inspired to Teach scholarship and employment incentive program, are reversing that trend. Degrees and credentials conferred in Educator Preparation Programs increased over 7% in the last year.