Reach Higher: DirectComplete is a statewide degree completion program focused on degree programs associated with workforce development needs according to Oklahoma's 100 Critical Occupations list. This program is part of Oklahoma’s adult degree completion initiative, Reach Higher.
According to Oklahoma Works data, in 2014, only 40.1% of Oklahoma’s workforce had a degree, certificate or high-quality credential. However, projections show that 70% of Oklahoma’s jobs will require some education or training beyond high school by 2025.
Oklahoma's Critical Occupations
According to Oklahoma Works data, in 2014, only 40.1% of Oklahoma’s workforce had a degree, certificate, or high-quality credential. However, projections show that 70% of Oklahoma’s jobs will require some education or training beyond high school by 2025.
To address this skills gap, the state has set an ambitious goal of having 70% of Oklahoma’s workforce aged 24-65 obtain education or training beyond high school by 2025, including postsecondary degrees, certificates, and other high-quality credentials. To help Oklahomans reach their education goals, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education has joined forces with Launch Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will secure funding to cover most, if not all, educational costs for participating adult students. Additional funding will be leveraged from multiple sources, including:
Oklahoma's Critical Occupations List
| Dental Hygienists | Associate degree |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | Associate degree |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | Associate degree |
| Respiratory Therapists | Associate degree |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | Associate degree |
| Accountants and Auditors | Bachelor's degree |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | Bachelor's degree |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Bachelor's degree |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | Bachelor's degree |
| Coaches and Scouts | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer Systems Analysts | Bachelor's degree |
| Construction Managers | Bachelor's degree |
| Data Scientists | Bachelor's degree |
| Electrical Engineers | Bachelor's degree |
| Engineers, All Other | Bachelor's degree |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | Bachelor's degree |
| Financial Managers | Bachelor's degree |
| General and Operations Managers | Bachelor's degree |
| Graphic Designers | Bachelor's degree |
| Health Education Specialists | Bachelor's degree |
| Human Resources Managers | Bachelor's degree |
| Human Resources Specialists | Bachelor's degree |
| Industrial Engineers | Bachelor's degree |
| Information Security Analysts | Bachelor's degree |
| Logisticians | Bachelor's degree |
| Management Analysts | Bachelor's degree |
| Managers, All Other | Bachelor's degree |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | Bachelor's degree |
| Marketing Managers | Bachelor's degree |
| Mechanical Engineers | Bachelor's degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | Bachelor's degree |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | Bachelor's degree |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Bachelor's degree |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | Bachelor's degree |
| Personal Financial Advisors | Bachelor's degree |
| Project Management Specialists | Bachelor's degree |
| Registered Nurses | Bachelor's degree |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/ Technical Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | Bachelor's degree |
| Software Developers | Bachelor's degree |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Bachelor's degree |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | Bachelor's degree |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | Bachelor's degree |
| Training and Development Specialists | Bachelor's degree |