OSU graduate programs earn national recognition in latest U.S. News rankings
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu
Several Oklahoma State University graduate programs are once again earning national recognition, with multiple colleges placing among the top programs in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
At the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, impact continues to lead the way. For the third consecutive year, [OSU-CHS ranked No. 1 in the nation] OSU-CHS ranked No. 1 in the nation for the percentage of graduates practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas — regions often described as medical deserts due to limited access to care.
The college also climbed to No. 8 nationally for graduates practicing in rural areas, up from No. 11 last year, and ranked No. 13 for graduates entering primary care.
“To once again be recognized as No. 1 in the nation for graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty and alumni who are making a meaningful difference in communities that need it most,” OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens said. “They truly embody one of the tenets of the Cowboy Code — a passion for doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.”
The Spears School of Business continued to build momentum, holding its position as the top MBA program in Oklahoma [Spears Business offers top-ranked MBA program] in Oklahoma
and ranking No. 60 nationally.
“Our continued placement in the rankings is a testament to the innovation of Spears Business faculty and staff,” Spears Business Dean Jim Payne said. “The Watson Graduate School of Management is committed to providing a high-quality, customizable educational experience.”
This year also marked a milestone for Spears Business, with five programs from the Watson Graduate School of Management appearing in the rankings for the first time. The MBA certificate in entrepreneurship led the group at No. 38 — the highest ranking achieved by a Spears Business program in this edition.
OSU’s Tulsa-based hybrid MBA program maintained its presence in the part-time MBA rankings at No. 85.
Additional programs made strong debuts, with the MBA certificate in information systems ranking No. 58, business analytics at No. 73 and finance at No. 89. The Master of Science in accounting program also entered the rankings at No. 107.
In the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, continued growth across disciplines [CEAT among 2026 Best Graduate Schools] pushed the college to No. 105 in the 2026 Best Engineering Schools rankings.
Petroleum Engineering led CEAT programs at No. 14, followed by Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at No. 21 and Industrial Engineering and Management at No. 46. Aerospace Engineering rose to No. 53, while Civil Engineering ranked No. 75.
Chemical Engineering climbed seven spots to No. 78, and Mechanical Engineering improved to No. 85. Materials Science and Engineering entered the rankings at No. 94. Electrical Engineering saw the largest jump, rising 10 spots to No. 112.
Together, the rankings reflect CEAT’s continued focus on academic excellence, innovation and impactful research.
“Our continued rise over the past two years speaks to the quality of our people,” CEAT Dean Hanchen Huang said. “As we attract top talents and our alumni become more prominent, the college's prominence comes naturally.”
See the full U.S. News & World Report graduate business program rankings here.