Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Oklahoma vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal data rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this information to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and align your academic choices with career expectations.
Analyzing 55 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings potential, national recognition, and enrollment strength.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Oklahoma-Norman Campus.
Engineering programs at University of Oklahoma deliver exceptional earning outcomes, with Computer Science leading at $99,645 and Chemical Engineering at $85,991. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $82,874, ranking among the top programs nationally.
These programs combine strong technical training with excellent return on investment, making them ideal for students prioritizing high earnings potential and career stability in growing technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering. | — | $123,416★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or teaching quality. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, with programs requiring minimum cohort sizes for inclusion. Rankings compare institutions offering the same major nationwide, providing context for program performance within specific fields. Value scores incorporate earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. Individual outcomes vary based on career choices, geographic location, and industry conditions, though these data provide useful baseline expectations for program comparison.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
| 39 |
| Computer Science. | — | $110,853 | — | 102 |
| Computer Engineering. | — | $105,525 | — | 40 |
| Industrial Engineering. | — | $98,394 | — | 54 |
| Chemical Engineering. | — | $94,291 | — | 61 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | — | $91,833 | — | 72 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | — | $91,653 | $30,094 | 99 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering. | — | $89,714 | — | 37 |
| Civil Engineering. | — | $85,332 | — | 46 |
| Information Science/Studies. | — | $76,201 | — | 20 |
Business programs span a wide earnings range, from Information Resources Management at $82,219 to Executive Career Coaching at $62,354. Digital Marketing ranks #18 nationally with strong value scores, while Applied Economics delivers solid outcomes at $77,023.
These programs suit students seeking versatile career preparation with strong networking opportunities and diverse industry pathways across corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial settings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $106,719★ | $43,104 | 196 |
| Construction Management. | — | $92,971 | — | 42 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | — | $91,291 | — | 153 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $88,953 | — | 36 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $85,005 | $46,948 | 187 |
| Marketing. | — | $77,606 | $59,352 | 244 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | — | $65,881 | $48,781 | 294 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | — | $55,460 | — | 36 |
Animal Behavior and Ethology stands out with the #1 national ranking, though earnings remain modest at $39,628 reflecting the field's research and conservation focus. The program attracts students passionate about animal science and behavioral research.
This field typically leads to graduate study or specialized careers in wildlife management, research institutions, and conservation organizations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | — | $85,207★ | — | 16 |
| Mathematics. | — | $76,026 | — | 39 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. | — | $63,104 | — | 53 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | — | $62,350 | — | 25 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. | — | $61,165 | — | 42 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | — | $55,682 | $44,951 | 216 |
| Chemistry. | — | $16,478 | — | 59 |
Psychology leads this group with strong outcomes, ranking #15 nationally and producing graduates earning $51,999. American Government and Politics graduates earn $63,478, reflecting career paths in public service, law, and policy analysis.
These programs prepare students for diverse career paths in counseling, research, government service, and graduate study while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $76,123★ | — | 63 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $56,749 | — | 80 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $56,458 | $39,279 | 311 |
| Anthropology. | — | $55,399 | — | 32 |
| Social Work. | — | $54,330 | — | 60 |
| Sociology. | — | $51,277 | — | 109 |
| Geography and Cartography. | — | $37,856 | — | 20 |
Communications programs show varied outcomes, with Advertising ranking #7 nationally and producing graduates earning $64,730, while Broadcast Journalism graduates earn $48,285. The programs reflect the industry's diverse career paths from traditional media to digital marketing.
Students should consider specialization areas and industry trends when evaluating these programs for career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | — | $76,148★ | $55,003 | 87 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $57,453 | $70,595 | 78 |
| Journalism. | — | $54,031 | $60,662 | 253 |
General Studies serves as the university's largest program, graduating 336 students with median earnings of $49,145. While rankings and earnings may appear modest, this program provides flexible preparation for diverse career paths and often serves students pursuing double majors or preparing for graduate study in specialized fields requiring broad educational foundations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $65,646★ | — | 41 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $65,474 | $18,400 | 217 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $58,854 | — | 34 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | — | $52,802 | — | 26 |
| History. | — | $48,163 | — | 45 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | — | $47,587 | — | 48 |
| Music. | — | $45,781 | — | 37 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts.Small sample | — | $40,097 | — | 15 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $39,106 | — | 20 |
| Dance. | — | $17,307 | — | 21 |
Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn $44,212, reflecting the field's public service orientation and career paths in educational institutions and training organizations. These programs attract students committed to lifelong learning and educational leadership, typically leading to roles in higher education administration, corporate training, and community education with strong job stability.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $51,533★ | — | 67 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $46,252 | $45,268 | 80 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 65K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | — | $64,798 | — | 43 |
Criminal Justice and Corrections. leads criminal justice with 62K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $61,731 | — | 46 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn $54,694, ranking #60 nationally and serving students interested in health, fitness, and sports medicine careers. The program combines scientific training with practical applications, preparing students for roles in physical therapy, athletic training, corporate wellness, and graduate study in health-related fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation. | — | $91,081★ | — | 45 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $71,589 | $61,531 | 169 |
| Architecture.Small sample | — | $70,383 | — | 12 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | — | $68,378 | — | 65 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | — | $59,001 | — | 75 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | — | $39,531 | — | 23 |
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
