University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Experience groundbreaking research, championship athletics, and unique architecture at OU, a vibrant academic powerhouse.
The University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is a premier public research university, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," offering an exceptional academic environment. With a bustling main campus in Norman, OU is home to over 30,000 students and nearly 4,000 faculty members, providing a diverse range of 174 baccalaureate, 199 master's, 101 doctoral, and 88 certificate programs. The university is a hub of innovation, with over $416 million in research expenditures across its campuses, driving forward discovery and knowledge.
Beyond its academic prowess, OU boasts a rich history, founded in 1890 as Norman Territorial University even before Oklahoma achieved statehood. The campus itself is a work of art, featuring distinctive "Cherokee Gothic" architecture—a term coined by Frank Lloyd Wright—with buildings constructed from lighter stones that blend conventional Gothic Revival with Native American influences. Its iconic North and South Ovals, established following a devastating 1903 fire, remain central to the campus's beauty and design. Historically, OU also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with the McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Board of Regents case setting a crucial precedent against segregation.
Student life at OU is vibrant and deeply connected to its winning spirit. The university houses two prominent museums: the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, celebrated for its French Impressionism and Native American artwork, and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, focusing on the natural history of Oklahoma. Athletically, the Sooners are a national powerhouse, boasting 45 team national championships across various sports, including 7 in football, 8 in softball (four straight from 2021-2024), and a combined 19 in men's and women's gymnastics. This blend of academic rigor, historical significance, cultural richness, and athletic excellence creates a dynamic and engaging experience for all students.
Key Highlights
- ✦Designated as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
- ✦Over $416 million in research expenditures across its campuses in 2022.
- ✦Enrolled 34,523 students in Fall 2024, with 30,873 on the Norman campus.
- ✦Offers a comprehensive academic portfolio including 174 baccalaureate, 199 master's, 101 doctoral, and 88 certificate programs.
- ✦Home to unique "Cherokee Gothic" architecture and two prominent museums: Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
- ✦Achieved 45 team national championships across various sports, ranking 13th all-time in NCAA history (including 7 football, 8 softball, 19 gymnastics).
- ✦Pivotal in the Civil Rights Movement, with the McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Board of Regents case overturning segregation at the graduate school level in 1950.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
2 notable schools within University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
School of Pharmacy
Established in 1893 to meet the high demand for pharmacists in the Oklahoma Territory.
OU College of Law
A prominent professional school within the university.
Find Scholarships at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search