News Summary
Oklahoma Christian University has announced the closure of its Graduate School of Theology, citing declining enrollment and financial constraints. Established in 1988, the program will end support for current students to complete their degrees over the next one to four years. This decision reflects a broader trend among universities related to Churches of Christ as they reassess their theological programs in response to ongoing financial pressures.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Christian University (OCU) has announced the closure of its Graduate School of Theology, a decision that will impact current students and faculty members.
The university cited declining enrollment and financial constraints as primary reasons for discontinuing the program, which has been in operation since 1988. The Graduate School of Theology offers degrees such as the Master of Divinity, Master of Christianity and Culture, and Master of Biblical and Theological Studies. In the fall of 2023, graduate enrollment stood at 22 students, a decrease from 39 the previous year.
Provost Brian Starr stated that the decision was part of a broader set of budget cuts aimed at addressing the university’s financial challenges. He expressed confidence in OCU’s future and mentioned exploring opportunities to partner with sister schools to continue contributing to graduate theological education in new ways.
Current students enrolled in the Graduate School of Theology will be supported to complete their degrees. The university has committed to offering all remaining courses in each student’s degree plan over the next one to four years, depending on the specific program’s needs.
This move aligns with a broader trend among universities associated with Churches of Christ. Previously, Harding University announced the closure of its Memphis campus of the Harding School of Theology, planning to relocate the program to its main campus in Searcy, Arkansas. Additionally, Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, closed its Austin Center, a Texas branch campus of the Austin Graduate School of Theology, in December 2022. Despite these closures, Lipscomb continues to offer its Hazelip School of Theology in Nashville.
OCU’s decision reflects ongoing challenges in higher education, particularly within theological programs, where declining enrollment and financial pressures are prompting institutions to reevaluate and restructure their offerings.
Key Features of the Graduate School of Theology Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Closure | Graduate School of Theology at Oklahoma Christian University |
| Reason for Closure | Declining enrollment and financial constraints |
| Current Enrollment | 22 students in fall 2023, down from 39 the previous year |
| Support for Current Students | Commitment to offer remaining courses over the next 1-4 years |
| Similar Actions by Other Universities | Harding University and Lipscomb University have made similar program changes |
| Future Plans | Exploring partnerships with sister schools to continue graduate theological education |
FAQ
Why is Oklahoma Christian University closing its Graduate School of Theology?
The university cited declining enrollment and financial constraints as primary reasons for discontinuing the program. Graduate enrollment in the fall of 2023 was 22 students, down from 39 the previous year.
What will happen to current students enrolled in the Graduate School of Theology?
Current students will be supported to complete their degrees. The university has committed to offering all remaining courses in each student’s degree plan over the next one to four years, depending on the specific program’s needs.
Are other universities associated with Churches of Christ making similar changes?
Yes, Harding University announced the closure of its Memphis campus of the Harding School of Theology, planning to relocate the program to its main campus in Searcy, Arkansas. Additionally, Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, closed its Austin Center, a Texas branch campus of the Austin Graduate School of Theology, in December 2022. Despite these closures, Lipscomb continues to offer its Hazelip School of Theology in Nashville.
How does this decision affect the future of theological education at OCU?
The university is exploring opportunities to partner with sister schools to continue contributing to graduate theological education in new ways, reflecting a commitment to serving the church through quality academic and practical ministry training.
What is the broader trend in higher education regarding theological programs?
Many universities are reevaluating and restructuring their theological programs due to declining enrollment and financial pressures, leading to program closures and relocations.
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