Oklahoma City University Graduate Viewbook 2014-15

MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE

OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY

graduate studies

MOVE UP IN THE WORLD

Have you ever found yourself asking, “Where do I go from here?” At Oklahoma City

University, we believe your answer should be “Anywhere.” We believe you deserve a prestigious graduate degree from a university rooted in excellence. We believe you deserve a boundless future propelled by a second-to-none education.

Sound too good to be true? We don’t think so and neither do the thousands of Oklahoma City

University graduates who are moving up in the world as CEOs, lawyers, nurses, composers, teachers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, ministers, managers, and countless other professions. Opportunity is at the heart of our graduate programs and we want to help you get started on the path to your future.

Upward and Onward • •

Innovative academic programs with a contemporary curriculum

Flexible options that fit your busy schedule, including full-time, part-time, day or evening classes

Small class sizes allow for one-on-one interaction with your professors and classmates

Experiential learning opportunities to build on your current skills and develop new abilities

The chance to make connections with professors at the top of their fields and employers across the state and country

• • •

Graduate Programs Doctor of Nursing Practice Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Juris Doctor Juris Doctor / Master of Business Administration Juris Doctor / Master of Arts in Applied Sociology – Nonprofit Leadership Master of Arts in Applied Sociology – Nonprofit Leadership Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Education Master of Arts in TESOL Master of Business Administration Master of Education

• Applied Behavioral Studies

• Professional Counseling

• American Montessori Certification

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting Master of Liberal Arts Master of Liberal Arts in Leadership Management Master of Music Master of Physician Assistant Studies Master of Religious Education Master of Science in Accounting Master of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in Criminology Master of Science in Energy Legal Studies Master of Science in Energy Management Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science Master of Science in Nursing Find more information about each graduate program at www.okcu.edu/admissions/graduate.

A CIT Y ON THE MOVE

Oklahoma City University is located in the heart of Oklahoma City, just minutes from

downtown and the Oklahoma State Capitol. Oklahoma City is a thriving and diverse community; the Bricktown Entertainment District, NBA’s Thunder basketball, and headquarters of major corporations and other business opportunities are just blocks from the OCU campus. Oklahoma City boasts a prosperous economy and one of the nation’s lowest costs of living. OCU provides you with the opportunity to study in an environment that can help you make the connections necessary to make the right move in advancing your career.

On Top of the World •

Named one of the nation’s Top 10 “recession proof” cities

by Forbes Magazine

•

One of the “Best Places to Live in North America” as listed in Places Rated Almanac

•

• •

• •

Listed as one of US News & World Report’s “2011’s Best Cities to Find a Job” OKC is #3 on Business Week’s Forty Strongest U.S. Economies #1 Large Metro in the Nation to Launch a Business according to Money & Fortune One of the Top 20 College Towns for Jobs as listed in Forbes

Named #6 among Best Markets for Young Adults

by Portfolio.com

The university is close to Oklahoma City’s vibrant business and entertainment districts.

MAKE THE R I G H T M OV E

MAKE A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

As a graduate student at Oklahoma City University, you will learn from a faculty that is highly

regarded for their scholarship, and innovative and dedicated teaching. They are the foundation of the university’s reputation as a center for advanced studies and for training the next generation of leaders.

Oklahoma City University also provides you with the opportunity to work closely with former

students who are leading the way in their respective industries. OCU boasts alumni who remain involved with the university while advancing their careers in a variety of industries, both locally and nationally.

Because we understand the value of networking and making connections as a part of your

graduate studies, we provide opportunities for students to advance their careers through connections with faculty, alumni, and leaders in the community. OCU can help you move up in your career while gaining the education and experience that comes from working with leaders in academia, business, and the community.

Faculty Spotlight BOB SPINKS, Ed.D. • Professor and Director • MA Program in Applied Sociology-Nonprofit Leadership • Department Chair, Sociology and Justice Studies PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Nearly

30 years experience in nonprofit leadership, including 16 years with the Boy Scouts of America, 3 years as Executive Director of the Community Council of Central Oklahoma, and 10 years as President/CEO of the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City and the Central Oklahoma Regional Leadership Institute. Nominee for Journal Record Nonprofit Leader of the Year, recipient of the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge Certificate of Merit, Eagle Scout, and recently named as a Pathmaker by the Oklahoma County Historical Society.

MAKE THE RIGHT M OV E

The Wanda L. Bass Music Center features

60 sound-isolated practice rooms, 38 teaching studios, 133 Steinway pianos, 11 recording

venues, 5 music labs, and a black box theater.

“ MEGAN R. SPRADLIN University of Central Oklahoma, BSN – 2009 Medical-Surgical Nurse St. Anthony’s Hospital

“ DR. EDWARD KNIGHT Director of Music Composition Composer-in-Residence Founder of Project 21: Music for the 21st Century

“ PHILIP BUSEY Senior Vice President Delaware Resource Group MLA ’12

STUDENT Oklahoma City University has offered me a chance to be part of Oklahoma’s first BSN to DNP program. I am very pleased with my experience and education, as the small class size allows us direct access to our professors. This is something that is missing in a strictly online program. I am very excited about what my future will hold, and proud to be obtaining a terminal degree in nursing from Oklahoma City University.

”

P RO F E S S O R One of the hallmarks of the master’s degree program at OCU is the willingness of professors to treat each student as an individual. With composition, for example, you’re not locked into writing a certain type of music or taking courses that lose sight of the big picture. There’s plenty of leeway to meet degree requirements and still focus on specific interests. Professors help students create a unique path. If you need to immerse yourself in the sound and feel of strings, you can study with our violin professor. You want to be the best music theater composer you can be?

We can do that. You want to focus on film music? We can do that. If your goal is to create a master’s portfolio to gain entrance into a doctoral program, we can do that too. At OCU, there is the freedom and flexibility to chart your course in a supportive, creative community. What could be better?

”

A LU M N U S To be a top-tier executive and to maximize earning potential, a master’s degree has become an unspoken requirement in today’s global economy. OCU has tailored their MLA programs one step further than any other university. Today many people get a master’s degree to be trained as a manager or business leader. OCU’s programs educate you.

”

A P P LY T O O C U G R A D U AT E P R O G R A M S Admission to Oklahoma City University’s master’s degree programs is open to all students holding bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited colleges or universities and meeting the criteria indicating high potential to succeed in graduate-level work. Doctoral programs may require a master’s degree.

The academic unit holds final authority over admission decisions regarding entry into graduate programs. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for specific program requirements.

A P P L I C AT I O N C H E C K L I S T • A completed OCU graduate application • Statement of purpose (length depends on specific program) • Résumé • Official transcripts mailed to OCU from undergraduate universities attended • Two letters of recommendation (doctoral programs may require additional letters) • GMAT/GRE scores (specific programs may require qualifying exam scores) Some programs may require additional documents. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to ensure you have met all application requirements. Files are not reviewed for admission until all required documents have been received.

Oklahoma City University wants to assist you as you make the right move and apply for a graduate degree. Please contact us with your questions by phone at (405) 208-5351 or by email at gadmissions@okcu.edu.

FINANCIAL AID Because we believe Oklahoma City University provides an education to help you make the right move, we will do all we can to help you cover your costs. We’ll take your academic talents into consideration when determining scholarship opportunities and other forms of financial assistance. Every year, nearly 85% of Oklahoma City University graduate students receive financial assistance through student loans, scholarships, and other funding sources.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at (405) 208-5211 to determine your opportunities for financial assistance or visit www.okcu.edu/admission/graduate/assist.aspx.

www.okcu.edu/admissions/graduate

M E S S AG E F RO M THE PRESIDENT

A graduate education is an investment in you. It’s about furthering your education, your future, and your success.

Whether you plan to start your own business, advance your career with your current employer, or start a new job, the quality education you receive at Oklahoma City University will help you succeed.

Students have unparalleled access to faculty and staff, opportunities for in-depth research projects, and plenty of time to collaborate with friends and classmates. But the value of an Oklahoma City University education goes well beyond classroom learning. In addition to the vital skills, knowledge, and experiences conveyed to students, there is a larger education at work too—an education that suggests there is a larger world out there with other things for us to learn. We have a lot of larger education going on at OCU, and it includes amazing theatrical and musical performances as well as remarkable speakers— really teachers—that further enlarge the OCU education.

These larger education teachers of late have included Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, well-known journalist Bill Moyers, Congressman Tom Cole, Middle East expert Dr. Trita Parsi, Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Claudia Emerson, feminist leader Gloria Steinem, and Hubble Telescope Director Dr. Matt Mountain.

Larger education also includes employment leadership skills and opportunities. That’s why Devon Energy President and CEO John Richels, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Sonic Corporation CEO Cliff Hudson, and others teach about leadership at Oklahoma City University.

The prestige of our programs and our history is constantly enhanced by our larger education.

Our mission is described by our trustees’ charge to our students:

To know scientifically, to understand humanistically, to express artistically, and to act morally:

“Doing all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”*

*Quote attributed to John Wesley

Your education is the best investment you can make in yourself. That’s why Oklahoma City University is dedicated to your learning, your future, and your success.

Sincerely,

MAKE THE RIGHT M OV E

OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY

graduate studies

O F F I C E O F G R A D U AT E A D M I S S I O N S 2501 N. BLACKWELDER O K L A H O M A C I T Y, O K 7 3 1 0 6 (405) 208-5351 • G A D M I S S I O N S @ O KC U.E D U