BY Nick Trougakos
OCU COMMUNICATIONS
Oklahoma City University has created a new option for adult learners looking to start or finish a college degree.
University leaders today unveiled OCU Pathways, a new adult-degree-completion program aimed at rewarding learners for previously attained college credit as well as life, work and military experience.
The centerpiece of the program is a credit-for-prior-experience framework that reviews resumes, certifications, licensures and life experience to award college credit and help create an expedient pathway to a college bachelor’s degree.
“We want learners to know that their experience has real value, and could make a college degree even closer than they realize,” OCU President Kenneth Evans said. “Pathways allows us to reward people for their life, work and military training in a tangible and meaningful way.”
The program allows learners to transfer in previously earned college credits toward their Pathways degree, and then add up to 34 hours of college credit for prior work or life experience. To find out how much prior-experience credit they would receive, learners simply need to fill out an online application and submit items like a resume, college transcript or certification.
In some cases, students may need only 30 additional credit hours to complete their undergraduate degree.
Students can study to earn those credits through OCU’s online undergraduate courses. The online modality allows learners to complete schoolwork at their preferred time, providing flexibility for work, family and personal commitments. In-person classes are also available for learners who prefer that approach.
In addition, the courses are priced with affordability in mind, Evans said. The cost is $390/credit hour with no fees, or $250/credit hour with no fees for active-duty military, National Guard, military reservists, military dependents, first responders or federal employees.
“We are especially proud to be able to offer our discounted military rate,” Evans said. “It’s part of OCU’s commitment to support those who have served our community and nation.”
At its launch, Pathways offers students a choice of degree disciplines offered through OCU’s Meinders School of Business. These include Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in accounting, business administration, economics, marketing or supply chain management. University officials anticipate introducing additional degree offerings in the coming year.
The first series of classes, in marketing and supply chain management, begin in January. For additional information about OCU Pathways, or to seek a review for prior-experience credits, go to www.okcu.edu/pathways.
