Logo of Oakwood University

Oakwood University

Huntsville, United States Founded 1896

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Oakwood University
Acronyms: OU
Founded: 1896
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Adventist
Motto: Education, Excellence, Eternity
Colours: Blue and gold
Mascot: The Ambassador
Logo of Oakwood University

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.

Address: 7000 Adventist Boulevard NW
Postal Code: 35896
Map:
Phone: +1 (256) 726 7000
Fax: +1 (256) 726 7154
Social Media:

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.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 1,153
Student Enrollment: 1
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Small College Athletic Association (NSCAA)

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.

61 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 48 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies

Showing 10 of 48.

Master's Degree 3 programmes

Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Religious Studies
Master's Degree in Public Health
Public Health

Associate's Degree 4 programmes

Associate's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Associate's Degree in Design and Applied Arts
Applied Design
Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Associate's Degree in Visual and Performing Arts, General
Visual Arts

Postgraduate Certificate 6 programmes

Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
Prosthodontics & Dental Specialties
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Nutrition & Dietetics
Postgraduate Certificate in Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
Family & Consumer Science
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Health Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Theological and Ministerial Studies
Religious Studies

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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.

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