How much is your experience worth?
Your college degree is within reach, and with OCU Pathways, your life experience could have you even closer to graduation than you think. At Oklahoma City University, we're passionate about the power of a college degree, and about connecting you to that degree in a way that respects your unique skills and experiences. With OCU Pathways, we review life, work and military experience so that we can award college credit toward your degree. This stacks on top of college credit you've already earned, meaning you have a new, faster pathway to college graduation. And with convenient, affordable online classes, you don't have to disrupt your life or your bank account to find your path to graduation.
OCU PATHWAYS HIGHLIGHTS
Experience matters: Up to 34 credit hours awarded for prior life, work or military experience
Convenient learning: Study fully online in eight-week sections or take advantage of in-person class offerings
Relevant degrees: Choose from several in-demand degree programs to help you advance in work or life
Make it affordable: Pathways classes are $390/credit hour with no fees, and only $250/credit hour for military, first responders or federal employees
College counts: Previous college credits can count toward your OCU Pathways degree
DEGREES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
OCU Pathways degree options are offered through the Meinders School of Business, which is fully accredited through the AACSB, placing Meinders in the top 6% of business schools in the world. Choose from:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing (starting January 2027)
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management (starting January 2027)
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration (starting March 2027)
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (starting June 2027)
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics (starting August 2027)
MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WELCOME
OCU has a tradition of supporting military members and those who serve their communities. The school is a Yellow Ribbon Program university and recently earned the 2026-27 Military Friendly Schools® designation. The latter award honors colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military members as students to ensure their success on campus. OCU was also named a Military Spouse Friendly School for 2026-27.
That's why we're pleased to offer OCU Pathways undergraduate courses at a discounted rate of $250/credit hour for:
Active-duty military
National Guard
Military reservists
Honorably discharged veterans
Military spouses and dependents
Gold Star spouses
First responders (law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personnel or emergency medical services personnel)
Federal employees.
We're proud to offer this exceptional tuition rate as part of our commitment to support those who serve our community and country.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To be considered for credit for prior life, work or military experience, you must be at least 21 years old and have one of the following:
- 12 credit hours of prior learning at an accredited college or university
- Two years of relevant work experience
- A combination of prior learning and relevant work experience equivalent to 12 credit hours
Students may receive a maximum of 34 credit hours for prior life, work or military experience. Once you have begun your OCU application and submitted all appropriate transcripts, resumes, certifications, licensures, etc., OCU officials will review your documentation and determine the amount of credit hours to be awarded. Note that some students may be asked to complete a portfolio or take part in competency testing to verify prior work or life experience.
Yes, college courses from previous institutions will be evaluated for transfer credit.
OCU Pathways undergraduate degrees consist of 124 credit hours. Between previous college credit and credit for life, work or military experience, you may receive up to 94 hours of credit, meaning some students may need only 30 credit hours at OCU to complete their degree.
Each student's documentation is reviewed by OCU officials and evaluated against a credit-for-prior-learning/experience matrix. In some cases, additional documentation of military status or employment may be required, or students may be asked to complete a portfolio or take part in competency testing to verify prior work experience.
OCU Pathways courses are offered at a tuition rate of $390/credit hour, with no fees, or at $250/credit hour with no fees for members of the military, certain military dependents, veterans, first responders and federal employees. There may be extra costs for books or course materials.
The $250/credit hour tuition rate is available to:
- Active-duty military
- National Guard
- Military reservists
- Honorably discharged veterans
- Military spouses and dependents
- Federal employees
- Gold Star spouses
- First responders (law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personnel, and emergency medical services personnel)
OCU Pathways classes are offered 100% online, allowing you to complete schoolwork on evenings or weekends -- or whatever time is convenient to you -- to accommodate life or work commitments. Classes are available in eight-week blocks. You may take more than one class at a time. An OCU academic advisor can offer advice on number of classes you may want to take and an overall roadmap to graduation. Students who prefer an in-person experience should consult with their Admissions counselor to discuss in-person class options on the OCU campus.
OCU Pathways students have access to all student services typically available to an OCU student. This includes enrollment advising, academic tutoring and support, counseling, student life and activities, and a variety of other offerings.
Yes! OCU Pathways graduates are official Oklahoma City University alumni and are invited to walk at our spring undergraduate commencement ceremony.
