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:

Business partners

Native American education offices

State agencies

State colleges and universities

Reach Higher: DirectComplete

Qualifying
Degree Programs

Qualifying Degree Programs are degree programs connected with workforce development needs that align with “Oklahoma’s 100 Critical Occupations” list.

Search our Participating Institutions pages to find a degree program that connects to a critical occupation. Search our Partners page to find contributing businesses and organizations.

Reach Higher: DirectComplete

Business Partners
and Partnering Agencies

Business partners and partnering agencies can help ensure the future of Oklahoma’s workforce by providing scholarships or other financial assistance to adults willing to finish an associate or bachelor’s degree in a critical occupation.

Our partners represent diverse communities and show how Oklahomans work together to create a rich and productive economy in our state.

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