Oakwood University
Huntsville, United States • Founded 1896
Overview
Established in 1896, the Oakwood University is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Huntsville (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Alabama.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Oakwood University (OU) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Adventist religion. Oakwood University (OU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 128-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
OU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach Oakwood University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Oakwood University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
How Oakwood University structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.
Unit 15 items
- Department of Biological Sciences
- Department of Business and Information Systems
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Communication
- Department of Education
- Department of English and Foreign Languages
- Department of Family and Consumer Science
- Department of Health and Physical Education
- Department of History and Political Science
- Department of Math and Computer Sciences
- Department of Music
- Department of Nursing
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Religion and Theology
- Department of Social Work
Programs Offered
Oakwood University's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
Bachelor's Degree
48 programmes
Oakwood University delivers 48 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Social Work Social Work
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Information Systems & Technology
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Religious Education Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
3 programmes
Oakwood University's 3 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
10 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Oakwood University provides 10 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences Prosthodontics & Dental Specialties
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Oakwood University
The standard application path for Oakwood University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Oakwood University offers 61 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Oakwood University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Oakwood University's online portal at www.oakwood.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (256) 726 7000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakwood University
The questions below summarise Oakwood University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When was Oakwood University founded?
Oakwood University was established in 1896 (approximately 130 years ago).
Where can I find Oakwood University?
The institution is located in Huntsville, United States.
What is Oakwood University's control type?
Oakwood University operates as a private institution.
How many students does Oakwood University have?
The institution has a student body of 1,000-1,999.
Does Oakwood University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Oakwood University is affiliated with Christian-Adventist.
How many faculties does Oakwood University have?
Oakwood University is organised into 15 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Oakwood University officially recognised?
Oakwood University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How do I find Oakwood University online?
You can find Oakwood University online at www.oakwood.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top the United States universities. Oakwood University's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Members of National Athletic Association (NAA)
Tuition reciprocity exists in some National Athletic Association (NAA) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Adventist
Universities sharing Oakwood University's Christian-Adventist affiliation are listed below — useful if faith context shapes your shortlist. Faith-context shortlisting overlaps with but is distinct from academic shortlisting.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Within easy reach of Oakwood University, these institutions host comparable faculties and admissions structures — useful for regional shortlisting. Regional universities often coordinate on credit transfer and joint programme delivery.
Where Else to Study Religious Studies
Industry advisory boards on Religious Studies programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each the United States alternative to Oakwood University publishes its industry partners.
Universities Often Compared with Oakwood University
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.