University Center of Southern Oklahoma


The University Center of Southern Oklahoma is a consortium-model higher education delivery system which provides academic degree programs from four participating institutions of higher education located in southern Oklahoma. Freshman through graduate courses are offered and students can earn college credits for the purposes of transfer to another college, or students may complete their degree program on-site.

Participating institutions

The four participating institutions for the University Center are:
In 1974, the Oklahoma Legislature created a pilot higher education program called the Ardmore Higher Education Program and housed it on the campus of Ardmore High School; 110 students enrolled in the first semester and chose from among ten college courses. By 1977, the pilot program was made permanent by statute and was placed under the administration of the Office of the Chancellor for Oklahoma Higher Education.
By the early 1980s, a new building was constructed on property belonging to the Ardmore School District. With more space, enrollment expanded to more than 750 students. At that time, the institution was formally known as the "Ardmore Higher Education Center."
In 1985 new legislation was passed and an independent governing Board of Trustees was established, with its members appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma.
Enrollment has continued to expand over the past two decades and, as of 2012, the institution provides educational opportunities to nearly 1,800 students per semester; the students have more than 300 courses from which to choose during the fall and spring semesters, and 90 during the summer session.

Degree programs offered

UCSO offers degree programs in the following areas of academic study:
Students who do not pursue a degree may enroll in courses that further their professional credentials as elementary school teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, school psychometrists, and licensed professional counselors. All degree programs are fully accredited through one of the four participating colleges.