Oral Roberts University

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Updated December 1, 2022 · 3 Min Read

Learn more about the various counseling degree programs available at Oral Roberts University.

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Initially founded by evangelist Oral Roberts in 1963 after God’s calling, Oral Roberts University is a private interdenominational Christian liberal arts institution. Using the motto of “Educating the whole person,” ORU serves around 2,700 undergraduates and 550 post-graduates. ORU is located on a 263-acre suburban campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s second most populous city. Oral Roberts has been classified as a master’s university by the Carnegie Foundation. ORU has a strong average freshman retention rate, which indicates student satisfaction. Oral Roberts University offers more than 65 academic majors founded in the fires of evangelism.

According to the U.S. News, ORU has been ranked as the 50th best regional college and 38th best university for veterans in the West. In particular, Oral Roberts University is honored for providing America’s 142nd best online bachelor’s programs. Forbes magazine named ORU as the 155th top college in the South and 376th private university nationwide with a financial grade of B. Oral Roberts is consistently included in Princeton Review’s “Best in the West” list. ORU has also been honored among the “50 Best Christian Colleges in the U.S.” Victory Media has stamped Oral Roberts University as a Military Friendly School for its Yellow Ribbon program.

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Oral Roberts University Accreditation Details

Oral Roberts University is formally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Since 1985, ORU has been one of 30 schools managed by the International Christian Accreditation Association (ICAA). Many individual academic departments have pursued programmatic accreditation. Counseling degrees have met the standards of the Council on Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Theology and Christian studies majors are also given approval from the Association of Theological Schools in the United States (ATS). Oral Roberts also has accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

Oral Roberts University Application Requirements

With a highly selective admissions rate of 44 percent, Oral Roberts University has set strict criteria that incoming freshmen must meet. Those wishing to pursue the online bachelor’s degree in counseling must have a high school diploma. Scoring at least 52 on the GED will also be acceptable. First-year students must have ranked in the top 40 percent of their graduating class. Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 on the 4.0 scale is required. It’s preferred that undergraduates have a minimum combined score of 20 on the ACT or 940 on the SAT. Early acceptance is available at ORU beginning at the end of the junior year.

Undergraduate students making the move to Oral Roberts must have completed 15 or more credit hours at a regionally accredited college or university. Being in good standing and eligible to remain at the prior post-secondary institution is mandatory. Transfer students won’t be accepted without a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in attempted college coursework. International students who aren’t U.S. citizens or Green Card holders can be admitted too. Those from non-English speaking countries must prove language proficiency by scoring at least 61 (Internet-based) or 500 (paper-based) on the TOEFL.

During the rolling admissions process, interested students must apply to the UG Admissions Office at Oral Roberts University by submitting the following:

  • Completed online application
  • $35 application processing fee unless waived
  • Official high school and/or college transcripts
  • College entrance exam scores
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition at Oral Roberts University is $11,948 per semester or $23,896 per year regardless of state residence. Campus-based students must also afford $2,729 for room and $2,445 for board each semester. Online learners cover their tuition using a slightly different tuition structure. Online courses will cost $349 per credit hour. There’s a general $285 fee per semester and $124 technology fee each term. ORU estimates that students should budget an extra $2,741 each semester for books, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses. Online students have the option to use the Tuition Management System (TMS), which offers interest-free monthly plans.

Over 72 percent of full-time undergraduates are given need-based financial aid. Funding can be provided by the William D. Ford Direct, Perkins, or Parents PLUS loans, but money needs to be repaid after graduation. Certain students can qualify for the Federal Pell, Federal SEOG, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. In-state residents may be awarded the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG), Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG), or Oklahoma’s Promise Grant. Oral Roberts also offers the Legacy Award for $1,250 to children of alumni. Up to $20,000 per year is available through the Quest Whole Person Scholarship program. Other awards are abundant, including the Premier Merit Scholarship and Transfer Scholarship.

Online Degree(s) Available

Through the Online Learning division, Oral Roberts University offers flexible access to the same high-quality Christian education via the Internet. Online students can currently select from nine bachelor’s degrees and a Graduate Theological Studies Certificate. Continuing education certificate programs are also available for ministers, pastors, and business professionals. Select distance learning options are even offered abroad at the Center for Israel and Middle East Studies. Aspiring counselors can pursue the:

Bachelor of Science in Christian Caregiving and Counseling

Delivered 100 percent online for convenience, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Christian Caregiving and Counseling program at ORU is designed to lay the foundation for undergraduate students seeking roles in counseling and related ministries. Using a unique faith-based approach, the program aims to prepare students for working in local church or ministry-related agencies. As part of the College of Theology and Ministry, emphasis is given to the wholeness of each person – mind, body, and spirit. The 128-acre curriculum provides excellent preparation for continuing to the university’s Master of Arts in Christian Counseling.

Over four years full-time, the Online Bible Institute deepens students’ walk with God and equips them for doing great exploits in His Name. Students will take courses in lifespan development, pastoral counseling, theology, ethics, psychology, teaching the Bible, abnormal behavior, group therapy, mathematics, substance abuse, and crisis intervention. In the senior year, an applied field practicum can be arranged in each student’s hometown community. Students will be immersed in the delivery of Empirically Supported Treatments (EST) to facilitate personal growth.

Online learners at Oral Roberts University may also be interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature, Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries, or Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies.

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