Category: Academics & Learning

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Hello everyone! My name is Trung (Victor) Vu, and I’m a Vietnamese 🇻🇳 student at the University of Central Oklahoma. I major in Marketing with a minor in Interpersonal Communication. When I first arrived on campus, I was excited yet nerve-wracking to make new friends and discover more about myself and my home away from home.

I’d seen many American college movies: Wild parties, Beer pong, and red Solo cups. On the contrary, the overall college experience I was after was getting that degree and investing my time in academics. I understood the price tag of my education and had no intention of wasting the experience.

Yuyu’s Tips On Taking The IELTS Exam

Hi everyone, my name is Yuyu and I’m from Japan 🇯🇵! A little bit about me, I’m a senior here at UCO studying Marketing. I love fashion and exploring cute cafes around OKC. I also like playing instruments, eating, and trying new things!

So like you guys, when I applied to the university in the US, I had to submit something to prove my English skills. IELTS and TOEFL are the most popular English exams. Each university has its English requirement for incoming international students. At the University of Central Oklahoma, the condition is broadband 5.5 in IELTS, 61 in TOFLE IBT, or 500 in TOEFL PBT. So, how do you get these scores before admission? Don’t worry. I will tell all of you a secret to get these scores!

1. What is IELTS?
2. IELTS 4 sections explained
3. Tips for studying for IELTS
4. The day before the exam
5. On the day of the test

Unique Research Facilities at UCO

In a world where hands-on experience is king, it is imperative for students to have the right tools. The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has world class research facilities that both undergraduate and graduate students can enjoy. From research centers to a supercomputer funded by the National Science Foundation, students are able to collaborate with their peers and professors in order to deepen their learning and make an impact in our world. These opportunities are not only on campus; UCO is a critical player in work happening in the community and across the state.

Picture of STEM UCO Building

At UCO, we work tirelessly to provide our students with unique resources that can’t be found just anywhere. Did you know that UCO has a bat cave?!? 🦇

UCO Ranking and Accreditations

As the oldest university in Oklahoma, established in 1890, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has acquired over 50 national rankings and awards of which UCO students and faculty can be proud.
A graphic picture with 2 young students. One is holding a trophy above his head.

Through the years, UCO has been listed highly in rankings such as:

  • U.S. International University of the Year – Higher Education Review
  • Top Regional Universities in the West – U.S. News and World Report
  • #1 Jazz Ensemble Programs – Downbeat Magazine
  • Top 3 Strongest Professional Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics – American Institute of Physics
  • Top 10 Student Engagement Universities – Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education
  • Top 20 Accredited Universities – Professional Golf Association
  • Top 20 National Debate Tournament – Cross Examination Debate Association

The United States of America does not have a Ministry of Education. As a result, university standards are measured by accreditation agencies. Universities with more prestigious academic programs go through the process of having their quality certified by accrediting agencies which specialize in specific academic disciplines.

Besides verifying academic quality, why do accreditations matter for students?

Transformative Learning

Tell me and I’ll remember some
Show me and I’ll remember a little more
Let me show you, and I’ll remember forever.

Decorative image with cartoon - style people engaging in academic activities

How do you learn best? Do you learn by someone telling you how? Or do you learn by doing? If you learn best by doing, practicing, asking, discovering and finding, you will love the Transformative Learning Teaching philosophy at the University of Central Oklahoma. It is so excellent, that the United States Government gave UCO over 8 million dollars to make it the best in the world.