Southeastern adds Doctor of Business Administration degree; First cohort to enroll for Fall 2025

June 13, 2025

In a historic day for the University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s John Massey School of Business has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and the Regional University System of Oklahoma to offer the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, with the first cohort enrolling in Fall 2025, with classes beginning in August.

The 54-hour DBA is the first-ever doctoral degree offered at Southeastern, which already confers the second-most post-graduate degrees in the state of Oklahoma. The John Massey School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), designating it as one of the premier schools of business in the nation.

This fully online program adds to the John Massey School of Business’ robust portfolio, which includes some of the most affordable and comprehensive online programs in the state of Oklahoma. Applications for the initial DBA cohort are open now at online.SE.edu. This degree is offered with concentrations in organizational leadership and strategic management.

“This is a momentous day for Southeastern, as we add another class of advanced degree and extend our legacy of success in the John Massey School of Business,” said Southeastern president Dr. Thomas W. Newsom. “Not many regional universities have the capacity and aptitude in their faculty to offer this type of professional degree. This expansion will be a great benefit to the business community in Oklahoma, our region, the nation, and the world as we inject the workforce with even more qualified graduates.”

“This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment and excellence of our outstanding business faculty. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to President Newsom, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Teresa Golden, and Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Jeremy Blackwood for their excellent leadership throughout this process,” said Dr. David Whitlock, Dean of the John Massey School of Business. “The Massey DBA is uniquely grounded in the tenets of conscious capitalism—emphasizing purpose-driven leadership, ethical business practices, and long-term value creation. Designed with the working professional in mind, our program is accessible, highly engaged, and tailored to meet the needs of today’s business leaders and executives. We look forward to preparing the next generation of transformative leaders.”

Full program descriptions and application information are available online at online.se.edu, along with previously existing online degree programs.