About the University

In 1965, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education specifically directed Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), to provide:

  1. An outstanding liberal arts program with strong undergraduate offerings in the traditional arts and sciences, including mathematics, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences as well as the fine and performing arts.
  2. An academic program particularly suited to the needs of academically and artistically able Oklahoma high school graduates.
  3. Flexible academic terms which will permit students to complete a baccalaureate degree in three years or less.

Mission Statement

As the state's sole public liberal arts college, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. Through its inclusive learning environment, USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful, and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Objectives

The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma has adopted the following set of objectives consistent with its mission and the functions assigned by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education:

  1. To provide an outstanding general education program for the State of Oklahoma with strong offerings in the liberal arts and sciences. This program will feature interdisciplinary team-teaching and will extend throughout the undergraduate experience.
  2. To offer programs of study approved by the State Regents for Higher Education, culminating in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.
  3. To offer a limited number of career, professional, and specialized degree programs which would be especially strengthened when combined with an interdisciplinary, liberal arts foundation.
  4. To provide a learning environment particularly suited to the needs of academically and artistically talented students while offering all students the advantages of an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program.
  5. To assemble a faculty whose interests, knowledge, and experiences transcend their specialized fields of graduate study and who are dedicated to liberal arts education.
  6. To operate on a flexible schedule which will permit some students to complete a baccalaureate degree in three years and allow all students to progress in their academic programs at a rate that they desire.
  7. To conduct research and foster scholarly activities appropriate to the nature and the needs of the University.
  8. To provide cultural, educational, and professional opportunities and services which enrich the University and the State.