Ada, Oklahoma is home to East Central University (ECU), a four-year state institution of higher learning. East Central University is ideal for the full-time student, or one who needs a few evening classes. ECU has 35 undergraduate and 8 graduate degree programs and confers over 800 degrees each year. Enrollment averages over 4,500 students a semester, with full time enrollment of 82.0%. The ECU student body is full of diversity, with students from 24 countries and 25 states. The low student to faculty ratio and reasonable tuition costs make East Central University the desired college for over 600 applicants each semester.

For over 10 years, East Central University has operated a Criminal Justice degree program as one of its most successful professional and academic programs. ECU offers both Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree programs in criminal justice. East Central University is the only public institution in the state of Oklahoma that offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies. ECU is the only institution in Oklahoma, and is only one of 21 nationally, that offers an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Science.

East Central University was established in 1909 as a normal school. Each normal school provided preparatory education including two years of college leading to teacher certification. In 1919 all six of the state’s normal schools became teachers’ colleges and bachelor’s degrees were conferred. In 1939, East Central University received designation as a state college when it began offering Art and Science degrees. In 1954, East Central University was authorized to begin offering graduate degree programs. Today East Central University offers 43 degree programs and located in the heart of Ada, Oklahoma on a campus that consists of 37 buildings on 135 acres.

East Central University is the alma mater of many distinguished people in our state and national history. Three governors graduated from East Central: former Oklahoma Governor Robert S. Kerr, former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh, and former Arizona Governor Ernest McFarland. East Central University is proud to claim Dr. Gil Morgan, winner of 30 PGA tour events, and Clifford Thrift, ECU All-American Linebacker and part of the 1986 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears. Kevin Turner is also a graduate of East Central University. Mr. Turner was the youngest person to become Vice President of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. In 2005, Mr. Turner became the Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft Corporation.

For more information visit East Central University or call (580) 332-8000.

National Center for Education Statistics.