Oklahoma Baptist University was first envisioned by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma in 1907 before being chartered on February 9, 1910. Its inaugural class of 150 included future U.S. Senators Robert S. Kerr and Huey P. Long. After becoming racially integrated in 1955, OBU expanded to reach its record enrollment of 2,440 Bison. Endowed for $93.7 million, Oklahoma Baptist University upholds the motto of "Eruditione Religioneque Veritas" as a private, co-educational Christian institution led by President David W. Whitlock. Occupying 200 rural acres, OBU's 30-building campus is located in Shawnee around West McArthur Street just 35 miles outside of Oklahoma City.
According to the U.S. News, Oklahoma Baptist is the West's fifth best regional university and sixth top value school for 2017. Given a Forbes financial grade of "B," OBU is ranked America's 197th best liberal arts university and 345th top private school. On Niche, OBU stands as the 91st "Best College with No Application Fee" and 88th "Best College for Education." In Washington Monthly, Oklahoma Baptist University was crowned the 34th best national baccalaureate institution for public good. For 2016, OBU was the CCCU's 16th Christian college with the lowest debt burden countrywide. PayScale also recognized Oklahoma Baptist for a 20-year net ROI of $101,000.
Oklahoma Baptist University Accreditation Details
Every decade since 1952, Oklahoma Baptist University has reaffirmed its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). This is one of six regional accreditors recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to review colleges in 19 states like Oklahoma. Master's programs at OBU also hold approval from:
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Oklahoma Baptist University Application Requirements
Graduate admission is even more selective than Oklahoma Baptist University's Fall 2015 average acceptance rate of 75 percent. Entering OBU master's programs always mandates finishing a four-year baccalaureate from an accredited U.S. institution. Foreign students can be accepted with a minimum computer-based TOEFL score of 213. Post-bachelor's candidates need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but additional criteria may vary. The Immersion MBA prefers at least two years of business experience. The MSN requires being a registered nurse with training from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college. Graduate students can only transfer two master's courses graded "B" or better.
Applications to the OBU College of Graduate and Professional Studies are reviewed on a rolling basis. Master's students must apply at least four weeks prior to their start date. Submitting the signed online application is free, but the following materials must be attached:
• Transcript request for your last college attended
• Official GRE or GMAT scores (unless waived)
• Verification of English proficiency if applicable
• Three signed recommendation forms
• Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Four, 150-word short answer responses
• Completed demographic questionnaire
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time OBU Bison are traditionally charged $23,940 for tuition, $2,900 for fees, $3,250 for housing, and $3,900 for meal plans annually. Graduate students can significantly shave dollars of this $33,990 yearly price tag though. Master's programs offer varying, affordable tuition while nixing room and board expenses. For instance, the M.A. in Christian Studies costs $350 per credit for $12,600 total. The MBA in Energy Management bills online students $550 each credit for $19,800 total. Online nursing courses for the MSN charge $450 per credit or $15,750 total.
The NCES applauds Oklahoma Baptist University for awarding assistance packages worth $6,248 on average to 99 percent of full-time learners. From Thurmond Hall, the Financial Aid Office offers numerous institutional awards, such as the Allen Academic Scholarship, Church Partnership Scholarship, Louis M. Prichard Scholarship, President's Scholarship, and International Diversity Scholarship. Although master's students won't qualify for the Pell or FSEOG Grants, educators could earn the TEACH Grant. Graduate assistantships are available with tuition waivers and stipends. Living in the "Sooner State" could unlock the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant and Tuition Equalization Grant. Working adults may receive employer tuition assistance benefits tax-free. Master's scholars also borrow Direct Unsubsidized or PLUS loans.
Degrees Available
At Oklahoma Baptist University, the College of Graduate and Professional Studies currently offers 12 master's degrees with courses in Shawnee, Oklahoma City, and online. Master's programs can be paired with certificates like Medical Family Therapy, Energy Management, and Project Management. Thanks to the 13:1 student-faculty ratio, online learners easily access PhD-level professors within the Christian, liberal arts education. Outside the classroom, learning can continue in professional groups, such as Delta Sigma Pi and the American Chemical Society chapter. Here are some sample OBU degrees to consider:
MBA in International Business
Accredited by the ACBSP, Oklahoma Baptist's MBA in International Business is a 36-credit, 24-month program welcoming diverse cohorts to develop their managerial acumen from a global perspective. Included within the $19,800 total cost, the curriculum requires traveling for business practicum to Dubai, Hong Kong, London, or another destination. Either online or hybrid, MBA courses will include financial accountability, organizational dynamics, and marketing for results.
M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Fulfilling AAMFT requirements for licensure, the M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at OBU emphasizes Baptist values while training counselors for ethical, relational practice with multi-cultural couples and families. The 45-credit, adult-friendly curriculum involves evening classes in Shawnee, Tulsa or Broken Arrow, and Oklahoma City for studying topics from psychopathology to human sexuality. Students also complete 500 practicum hours and MFT Clinic training for a 100 percent employment rate.
Master of Science in Nursing
Conducted wholly online, the Master of Science in Nursing at OBU is a 35-credit, CCNE-accredited program preparing RNs for advanced holistic practice to treat patients' mind, body, and spirit in complex healthcare settings. In just 18 months, MSN students can complete a tailored specialization for Nursing Education or Global Nursing. Courses, such as epidemiology, health assessment, and curriculum design, lead to a capstone seminar project. There's also an accredited RN to MSN track for bypassing the bachelor's.
Other master's degrees conferred by Oklahoma Baptist University include the Integrated MBA, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, Master of Business Administration in Leadership, Master of Arts in Christian Studies, and Integrated MFT.