For over 140 years, Ottawa University has been providing a high quality liberal arts education. The residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas offers traditional aged students a rich educational experience in and outside the classroom. Students choose from 19 majors and can participate in 14 varsity athletics and over 30 student organizations. 

As one of the pioneers in adult education in the United States, OU opened its first adult campus in 1974 in Greater Kansas City. Since then, additional campuses focusing on the needs of working adults have been established in Arizona, Wisconsin, Indiana, and internationally.

Today, Ottawa University offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degree majors in disciplines including business, education, human services, health care management and many more. Our online programs are tailored to those who have completed a baccalaureate program and are between the ages of 22-60. In some cases, those with 30+ credits of college may petition for special consideration into a Master's level program.

Ottawa University will provide you with an academically challenging environment as well as guide you throughout your education experience. We admit qualified individuals from varied geographic, cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. Our professional admissions staff work personally with each student.

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Students

To qualify for undergraduate admission to Ottawa Online, the process begins with an interview between the prospective student and an enrollment advisor. Consideration is given to career/work experience, academic experience, and other life experiences. In addition to the interview, each applicant must submit the following:

• A completed application for admission along with the $50 application fee. 
• Official documentation of high school or GED completion.
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended. 
• International students must meet additional admission requirements

Ottawa Online offers degree programs in Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Education, and Master of Arts in Human Resources. The minimum requirements for regular admission includes the following (additional requirements and exceptions may vary by program or location as noted):

• Official transcript indicating an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum junior/senior grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Completed application form and $75 application fee
  
• Official transcripts of graduate coursework, if applicable.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and professional abilities. 
• Current resume. Preference is given to applicants with at least two years of relevant employment or volunteer experience.
• Essay of 300-500 words describing your professional development and expectations for graduate study and demonstrating the ability to organize thoughts in a clear, concise manner. 
• On a separate page list awards, honors, volunteer work, committees you may have served on, community services, or any other type of activities that tell us a little more about you.
• International students must meet additional admission requirements.

Applicants without knowledge of introductory statistics may be granted provisional admission but must satisfy the statistics requirement within six months of entering the program. Successful completion of HRC 7000, HRC 7911, or another acceptable statistics course will meet this requirement.

Graduate business students are required to register for and purchase a software program called LiveText prior to completing your first term.

A maximum of nine (9) applicable semester-credit-hours of graduate study completed at a regionally accredited institution with a grade of "B" or better may be accepted for transfer credit.

Individuals with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university may apply to take individual courses as a special student. Completion of coursework as a special student does not guarantee admission to a graduate program or the transfer of the coursework into a program. Individuals enrolled in a graduate program at another school may also apply to take courses as a special student with a written request from the school at which they are pursuing their degree. Please note that special graduate students are not eligible for financial aid programs.

Established in 1865, Ottawa University continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience. As a pioneer in adult education, Ottawa University has been offering busy adults the opportunity to earn a bachelor's and master’s degree since 1974. Now with our online programs you can earn your degree completely online from the comfort of your own home. Online student services allow you the flexibility to access resources with a click of your mouse.

A degree from Ottawa University is an out-of-the-box educational experience from an accredited university.  At Ottawa University you can expect m o r e:

More flexibility.  Our 8-week sessions all you to complete your degree around your busy schedule.

More credit.  Ottawa University awards college credit for a variety of learning experiences including prior college, military, life/work experience.

More options.  A variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are offered in some of today’s fastest growing careers.

Contact us today and find out how Ottawa University offers you more.
 

"I want to thank you and the staff at Ottawa Online for making my educational experience quite enjoyable. It was a hard decision to make but Ottawa University made returning to school very pleasant. As a 40+ student the online format that Ottawa has is nothing short of spectacular. It has been easy to fit into a busy work schedule and with twin boys the Online format is flexible to work with."

Michael Statz, current student 

View Larger Map

Location