What is the Liberal Arts?

USAO offers an interdisciplinary core curriculum that presents multiple perspectives for a richer understanding of complex issues. Our Interdisciplinary Studies or “IDS” courses are generally team-taught by two or more professors from different disciplines. This IDS approach is intended to enhance USAO’s liberal arts mission and is central to the idea of a liberal arts education.

USAO holds one of the longest histories of accreditation of any university in Oklahoma. But our favorite barometer of academic quality is this: unsolicited comments from our graduates, like Peter Cochran in New Jersey, who said, “My MBA from Purdue puts bread and butter on the table, but my degree from USAO made me who I am today.” Since USAO holds the second longest uninterrupted mission of any college in Oklahoma, we believe you’ll find here a liberal arts experience that will challenge and prepare you like none other. Liberal arts education builds your character, develops your creative and critical thinking skills, helps you become a well-rounded person who is able to adapt to the ever-changing world, equips you with exceptional communication skills, provides unlimited career options and tools for rapid advancements, and prepares you for continuing education.

Divisions of Study

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) at USAO
Division of Arts and Humanities
Division of Social Sciences and Business
Division of Education and Speech Language Pathology
Division of Sciences and Physical Education
Teacher Education Program