UCO Reaches Historic Milestone to Unleash Student and State Workforce Opportunities with Approval of First Ph.D.

The University of Central Oklahoma expands its academic impact with approval of its first-ever Ph.D. program. This achievement is a significant milestone in UCO's 136-year history.

UCO received approval from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) for a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Applied Science. The program will expand doctoral-level education, advance research and help meet the growing workforce demands in Oklahoma’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries.

OSRHE approved the degree with a unanimous vote at its October meeting. The Ph.D. program also has the approval of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board and has been submitted to the university’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), where it is pending review.

“The unanimous approval from the State Regents recognizes UCO’s primary role in preparing Oklahoma students for critical occupations and meeting the state’s workforce needs. Approval of the Ph.D. in Applied Science puts UCO on more level footing with our peers and keeps us on a clear path to R2 status by 2032,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

The focus on workforce readiness also supports the goals of the OSRHE strategic plan, Blueprint 2030, which aims to produce workforce-ready graduates and expand the student pipeline among Oklahomans who might not otherwise pursue a terminal degree.

“This Ph.D. program is a very practical, workforce-driven degree that meets the needs for Oklahoma’s growing and diversified economy,” said OSRHE Regent Steven W. Taylor. ​

“Further, it advances UCO’s plan to become an R2 university, which will unleash UCO’s potential in our higher education system. I commend President Lamb for leading UCO to this new level.” ​

"The approval of UCO’s first Ph.D. is a defining milestone in the university’s history," said OSRHE Chair Courtney Warmington.

"This bold advancement reflects a deliberate, strategic commitment to address Oklahoma's critical workforce needs by combining interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships to strengthen the talent pipeline for Oklahoma’s bioscience, aerospace, defense, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors. The new doctoral program fortifies UCO’s ability to prepare leaders who will drive meaningful change and positions public higher education to make an even greater impact on the students and communities we serve."

The program builds on UCO’s expanding research efforts and its goal of achieving R2 status by 2032. To achieve the designation, institutions must spend at least $5 million annually on research and development activities and award at least 20 doctoral degrees each academic year. UCO already meets the minimum research spending threshold for R2 designation.

Under President Lamb’s leadership, UCO launched a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Forensic Science, its first doctoral degree, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Transformative Leadership and Learning. The Ph.D. program will further expand opportunities for faculty and students to conduct research with practical applications.

Housed in UCO’s College of Mathematics and Science, the Ph.D. in Applied Science will include three concentrations: biology, computer science and engineering. By combining advanced coursework, research and an industry internship, the program will provide students with practical experience and prepare them for advanced careers in high-demand STEM fields, particularly within Oklahoma’s growing biotechnology, engineering, defense, artificial intelligence, aviation and aerospace industries.

For more information about UCO’s R2 by 32 initiative, visit uco.edu/academics/r2.

For more information about UCO, uco.edu.

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Adrienne Nobles

Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, University of Central Oklahoma

• anobles@uco.edu
• 405-974-2307

• www.uco.edu