Oklahoma City University

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City University (OCU) stands as a distinguished private university with a rich history dating back to 1904. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, OCU has evolved into a comprehensive institution renowned for its diverse academic offerings and its commitment to fostering an immersive, personalized educational experience. The university is a hub for academic achievers, creative artists, and active servant leaders, offering an extensive range of undergraduate bachelor's degrees, graduate master's degrees, and doctoral programs across eight colleges and schools, including a dedicated Methodist seminary. With over 70 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate degrees, including a JD, MBA, and PhD in Nursing, OCU provides boundless opportunities for students to explore their passions and excel in various fields such as liberal arts, fine arts, science, and business. The university prides itself on its small class sizes and personalized student-faculty interaction, with an impressive student-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring that professors, not graduate assistants, teach all classes. This dedication to individualized attention helps prepare students for lives of leadership and service, making OCU a significant educational institution within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Location and Accessibility

Oklahoma City University is ideally situated at 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA. This prime location places the university within Oklahoma City's historic and vibrant Uptown 23rd District, offering students the best of both worlds: a beautiful, park-like campus spanning 104 acres, just minutes away from a dynamic urban environment. The campus is easily accessible from various parts of Oklahoma City and the wider region, making it convenient for both commuting students and those residing on campus. Its proximity to major roadways ensures straightforward travel, while the surrounding districts provide a diverse range of educational, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Students can easily explore local restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries in the Paseo Arts District, live music venues, and professional sporting events. OCU's location in a thriving metropolitan area, known for its low cost of living and growing opportunities, significantly enhances the student experience, offering practical advantages for those balancing academic pursuits with personal and professional aspirations.

Services Offered

• A vast array of undergraduate programs with over 70 majors, including popular fields like Nursing, Music, Dance, Business, and various Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• Comprehensive graduate programs offering 20 different master's degrees (e.g., MBA, MA in Nonprofit Leadership, MS in Nursing) and doctoral degrees (e.g., JD, PhD in Nursing, Psy.D.).
• An Adult Studies Program tailored for working adults seeking to earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, with flexible options.
• Specialized schools and colleges including the Meinders School of Business, Kramer School of Nursing, Wanda L. Bass School of Music, School of Theatre, Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, School of Law, Petree College of Arts & Sciences, and Wimberly School of Religion.
• Pre-professional degree tracks and programs like the Oxford Plan, offering preferred or guaranteed admission to the School of Law for qualified participants.
• Extensive academic support services, including tutoring, advising, library resources, and technology support.
• Disability and Access Services (DAS) providing reasonable modifications and accommodations for students with documented disabilities to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.
• Career services, internship coordination, and professional development activities, including networking opportunities and resume development.
• Robust campus life with over 50 student-led organizations, including national fraternities and sororities, multicultural associations, and student government.
• On-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories and apartments, providing a comfortable living and learning environment.
• Health and counseling services to support student well-being.
• Financial aid counseling and assistance to help students explore options for offsetting educational costs through scholarships, grants, and loans.

Features / Highlights

• Distinguished Academic Programs: OCU is recognized for its outstanding programs, particularly in the performing arts (Music, Theatre, and Dance through the Wanda L. Bass School of Music and the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment), the Meinders School of Business, and the Kramer School of Nursing. Its film program has been recognized among the '40 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada' by MovieMaker Magazine for five consecutive years.
• Personalized Learning Environment: With an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes (around 17 for first-year students), OCU emphasizes personalized attention. All classes are taught by experienced professors, not graduate assistants, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.
• Strong Athletic Programs: The Oklahoma City University Stars have a stellar athletic record, boasting over 70 national championships since 1988 across various sports, consistently fielding top programs in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
• Vibrant Campus Life: OCU's campus is dynamic and engaging, featuring over 50 student-led organizations, a strong Greek life presence, and numerous campus traditions like Homecoming, which includes philanthropy events, concerts, and sporting events.
• Commitment to Service Learning: The university integrates service-learning components across its curriculum, encouraging students to engage with their communities and develop a sense of social responsibility.
• Diverse and Inclusive Community: OCU welcomes a diverse student body from 46 states and 43 countries, fostering a rich multicultural environment that encourages collaboration and broad perspectives.
• Beautiful and Historic Campus: The 104 park-like acres are home to iconic buildings like the Clara E. Jones Administration Building, the Wanda L. Bass School of Music complex, and the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel, providing an inspiring setting for academic and personal growth.
• Career Success: OCU graduates excel in various professions, with many finding success and starting careers within Oklahoma City's growing job market, which is recognized as a hub for diverse and innovative employment.

Contact Information

Address: 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA

Phone: (405) 208-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 405-208-5000

General inquiries and main switchboard: (405) 208-7000

Email: ia@okcu.edu (General International Admissions Email, other specific departments have their own emails)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Oklahoma and particularly those in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City University (OCU) stands as an exceptional and highly suitable choice for higher education. Its local appeal is manifold, beginning with its prime location in the heart of OKC. This allows students to experience the best of both a close-knit campus community and a thriving urban environment, offering a unique blend of academic focus and real-world opportunities right on their doorstep. OCU's commitment to personalized education, evidenced by its low student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, means that local students receive the individualized attention and mentorship crucial for academic success and personal growth. Whether aspiring to a career in the arts, business, healthcare, law, or any of its numerous other disciplines, OCU provides rigorous and highly regarded programs, many of which are nationally recognized. The university also plays a significant role in the local economy and culture, offering internship and job opportunities within Oklahoma City and contributing to the city's vibrant arts and cultural scene through its numerous performances and events. Furthermore, the strong sense of community, diverse campus life, and various support services ensure that Oklahomans choosing OCU find a supportive and enriching environment. By attending Oklahoma City University, local students are not just pursuing a degree; they are investing in a future deeply rooted in their community, benefiting from a world-class education that prepares them for leadership and success right here in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City University

2501 N Blackwelder Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA