OBU Adds Array of Community-Focused Undergraduate Programs

Communities in Oklahoma and nationwide are recognizing pressing concerns in mental health and cybersecurity, while global business leaders emphasize the importance of financial and data skills. Simultaneously, the sports industry continues its dynamic growth. In response to these community and workforce needs, the OBU Board of Trustees approved 11 new undergraduate programs to begin in the spring and fall 2024 semesters.

Dr. Heath A. Thomas, OBU president, consistently emphasizes the responsibility of OBU to meet the needs of the community by preparing students to be equipped with excellence for in-demand careers.

“OBU was founded with the purpose of equipping students to live out their Christian faith in every sphere of society where they provide a public good in the public square,” Thomas said. “Our goal in adding these programs is to meet our state’s needs and provide relevant assistance in terms of workforce, industry leadership and innovation.”

New programs beginning in fall 2024 include a Bachelor of Arts in creative media; Bachelor of Arts in family therapy; Bachelor of Arts in sports communication; Bachelor of Arts in sport psychology; Bachelor of Science in computer science – cybersecurity emphasis; and three Bachelor of Science in education programs in the subjects of art, Spanish and theatre.

Also planned but pending accreditation with The Higher Learning Commission are a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics: actuarial and financial math emphasis, and a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics: data science emphasis.

An Associate of Arts in interdisciplinary studies will begin with the launch of the new Raley College at OBU in spring 2024.