For students looking for a small, rural four-year college that also offers master’s degree programs, Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma may be a perfect match. The school has roots as an agricultural college, but has moved into the modern age offering a variety of courses applicable to modern life.
History
Cameron University first began as an agricultural high school that was founded shortly after Oklahoma achieved statehood. Cameron University was first established as Cameron State School of Agriculture, named for a baptist minister, the Rev. E.D. Cameron.
The first classes at Cameron were held in 1909 in a bank basement while the campus was under construction. Cameron expanded its mission in 1927, adding junior college classes as Southwest Oklahoma’s educational needs expanded. The high school program was dropped in the early 40s, and by this time the school had been renamed Cameron State Agricultural College.
By the 1960s, Cameron was offering bachelor’s degrees and the name of the school changed again to Cameron College in 1973. Throughout the 1970s, the college sought to raise its profile, adding more academic programs and beefing up its athletic programs as well.
By the late 1980s, Cameron started adding master’s degree programs, further raising the prestige of the university. Cameron College became Cameron University in 2004 when the institution took over an education facility in Duncan, Oklahoma.
Cameron University
Academics
Cameron University offers a wide variety of courses and programs for students to choose from, including associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All told, Cameron University offers more than 50 degree programs. Education has become a major component of the university’s offerings, with a large number of Cameron students seeking degrees in that field. Business is also big business at Cameron, with a variety of university resources dedicated to business studies, including the university’s new master’s program in entrepreneurial studies.
Cameron University’s most popular majors include:
Education – 25 percent of enrollment
Business/Marketing – 18 percent of enrollment
Social Sciences – 13 percent of enrollment
Psychology – 7 percent of enrollment
Parks And Recreation – 6 percent of enrollment
Computer and Information Sciences – percent of enrollment
Like many universities, Cameron has been scaling up its online programs and now offers more than 200 courses online. Students can earn four degrees solely by taking online classes.
Cameron University has recently undergone a $55 million capital improvement program, which includes the construction of the McMahon Centennial Complex, Bentley Gardens and a modernized, high-tech School of Business.
The university’s master’s degree in entrepreneurial studies was recently cited by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top limited studies programs in the United States. The program has also attracted plaudits from the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Small Business Institute.
The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredits schools in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The association also accredits schools for the Navajo Nation.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Cameron University.
Cameron University admits nearly all applicants. The university does not have an admissions deadline, but financial aid information needs to be submitted by May 1. Students must submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, and an admissions essay is also required. Students should also turn in relevant documentation of volunteer work and letters of recommendation.
The university requires that all new freshmen be graduates of an accredited high school or have a GED. New students must have at least a 20 on the ACT or an 890 on the SAT or have a high school GPA of 2.7 and rank in the top half of their class.
The majority of first-time Cameron University students have a high school GPA of 3.0 or better and were in the top half of their high school graduating class.
As of Sept. 2011, the university has an application fee of $15.
Financial Aid
Students applying to Cameron University are eligible for federal grants and student loans. There are also a number of grants and scholarships offered by the state of Oklahoma, the university itself, and other outside organizations that students may be eligible for. For example, students who are Oklahoma residents may be eligible for financial aid from the Oklahoma’s Promise Program, which provides aid to families that make less than $50,000 per year.
The university’s office of financial stands ready to help students find other grants and scholarships they may be eligible for. About 53 percent of students at Cameron University receive student aid in terms of loans, grants or scholarships.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Cameron University 4817th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Oklahoma scholarships and financial aid
Cameron University is located near a small city and is probably more suited for students who want to pursue their education in a quiet, small town with few big-city distractions.
The university has four Greek sororities and three fraternities. There are more than 80 campus organizations students can participate in, including professional, academic and recreational organizations.
The recently opened McMahon Centennial Complex is a major part of campus life. The facility has a food court, art gallery, student services offices, meeting rooms and more.
Bentley Gardens is another key point of interest on the campus. The gardens include a pond, walking trails, an outdoor music venue and various natural features.
The nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers lots of camping, hiking and other outdoor recreation for students.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Cameron University?
Cameron University is a member of the NCAA Division II and participates in the Lone Star Conference.
The university offers men’s basketball, baseball, golf, tennis and cross country. Women’s sports include basketball, volleyball, softball, golf, cheerleading and tennis.
The now-defunct Cameron University football team captured a NAIA Division I National Championship in 1987. Financial issues resulted in the disbanding of the football team in 1993. The university won basketball and golf championships in 1980 and 1983.
Cameron University’s mascot is the Aggie, its colors are gold and black.
Alumni
Famous Cameron University alumni include:
John Brandes, former NFL player
Gen. Bryan Brown, former Commanding General of U.S. Special Operations Command
Avery Johnson, NBA coach
Bibliography
<http://www.cameron.edu/info/aboutcu.html>
The College Board College Handbook, 2010 . 47th ed. New York: College Board, 2009. Print.
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Lawton, OK 73505
p. 580-581-2225
w. www.cameron.edu