... are driven by our pursuit to unlock our greatest potential as one of the nation’s top public research institutions. Guided by our core purpose of changing lives, we offer a vibrant learning community that ignites intellectual inquiry at all levels and fosters a culture of belonging for all.
For well over a century, generations of students have found purpose and meaning through an OU education, and our state and society have benefited from our ingenuity and resourcefulness. As a Carnegie-RU/VH public research university, we champion creativity, innovation, and scholarly activity across all disciplines, striving for the highest levels of impact. Our world-class scholars are engaged with students, sustaining a dynamic academic environment that promotes discovery in the classroom, in the lab, in our studios, and beyond.
Excellence comes in many forms at OU, but we cannot reach our full potential unless we are a community where all members can thrive and feel welcomed and valued. We believe in cultivating and celebrating a diverse community – one made stronger by our mutual respect and understanding, despite our differences. For us to fully live up to our purpose of changing lives, our efforts to achieve a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university environment must be our top priority.
We invite you to learn more about who we are at the University of Oklahoma and to consider joining our remarkable community.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving an equitable, diverse, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.
Launched in July 2020, “Lead On, University” defines a clear plan for the future of OU’s Norman campus and comprehensive strategies to achieve it. The plan is built upon five overarching pillars that stem from OU’s core traditions of providing a world-class, affordable education; creating a welcoming place of belonging; and harnessing innovation and pathbreaking discoveries to advance society.
We prepare students to make a meaningful impact on the world.
We invest in faculty success across the academic spectrum.
We are dedicated to building a supportive campus environment where each individual feels welcomed, valued, and supported for success.
OU faculty make an impact on our communities, state, nation, and world through teaching, research, and collaborative projects.
The OU research enterprise solves global grand challenges through convergent research, promoting widespread economic growth, and life-changing outcomes across our state and beyond.
OU is a leader in global education and research, with extensive education abroad programs, a vibrant international student presence, and internationally engaged faculty.
30,000+
Students who originate from all 50 states and 120 different countries
2,700
Full-time faculty
3
Campuses: Norman, Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, Tulsa
3,500
Norman Campus Acreage: Our campus is renowned for its beauty and Cherokee Gothic style architecture.
21 Colleges and
173 Undergraduate majors
45% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 Students
Established in 1890
Follow OU student tour guides (and a few special guests) as they show you around the Norman campus.
Instantly tour many locations on campus, including Bizzell Memorial Library’s Great Reading Room and the beautiful South Oval.
Top 5
In the nation in the number of freshman National Merit Scholars enrolled among all universities
265
Davis United World College Scholars currently are enrolled at OU, representing 97 countries – the largest enrollment of UWC students in the United States
No. 5
Best Online Programs for Veterans
U.S. News & World Report
No. 7
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for 2020
U.S. News & World Report
Top Green College: For the fourth consecutive year, OU has been recognized by The Princeton Review for sustainability and environmental efforts.
$25.3 million awarded to students in 2018-19 from privately funded scholarships
Study abroad opportunities in
200 different cities
2019 OU Faculty by the Numbers:
400
number of community engaged courses taught
2,231
number of public performances, presentations, and outreach collaborations participated in with Oklahoma communities
$255.6 million
Norman Campus
$190 million
Health Sciences Center
21.85%
Increase over FY2019
The University of Oklahoma-Norman is a comprehensive research university classified by the Carnegie Foundation in the highest tier of research universities in the nation (R1: Doctoral Universities—highest research activity). Our research enterprise features award-winning and nationally- and internationally-recognized faculty, multidisciplinary research centers, scholarly publications, and acclaimed performances at venues throughout the world. The university's south research campus is notable for fostering partnerships between academic programs and governmental and private industries.
Major research centers established on the Norman campus include the Advanced Radar Research Center, US Department of the Interior South-Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, the Center for Energy, Security and Society (jointly with Sandia National Laboratory), and on the Tulsa campus, the Early Childhood Education Institute.
4,448
Freshmen: Third-largest class in OU history
35.5%
Identify as a minority
22%
First-generation college students
Norman is a vibrant college town that prides itself on its community spirit and appreciation for diversity. The city offers plenty to see and do – museums, performing arts, annual art and music festivals, plentiful shopping and dining, miles of outdoor spaces and parks, Division I athletics, and more. Those who make Norman their home also are pleased by its affordability, excellent public schools, and close proximity to Oklahoma City.
