High employment rate for Oklahoma Christian University

In a year when hiring was slowed or halted across the country, the 2020 Oklahoma Christian University (OC) bachelor’s degree recipients had a placement rate of 90% within six months of graduation. This is defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as employed, continuing education, volunteer and/or military work, and not seeking employment.

According to Pew Research, published May 2021, just 69% of students who graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree or higher were employed compared to 78% in 2019.

The university’s data also showed a majority of these graduates remain in the Edmond and Oklahoma City metro area. Of those who entered the workforce, their employment includes Edmond Public Schools, Deer Creek Public Schools, Tinker Air Force Base, Paycom, American Fidelity, Integris Hospital and Mercy Hospital, and many other organizations.

Graduates who decided to get advanced degrees are getting them from Oklahoma Christian University, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City University Law School, and others.

“This confirms what we’ve always known about Oklahoma Christian, which is that our degrees and students are sought after by employers and graduate programs alike,” said President John deSteiguer. “An OC degree is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a lifeline, even in unprecedented times.”

OC partially attributes this higher-than-average number to the investment the faculty and staff have in each students’ success. The small, residential campus and class size allow for one-on-one attention to the needs and pursuits of each student.

In 2018, OC revamped its existing career services office to provide more holistic services centered on its Christian mission. The new office, Day Six, is now the campus’ “Calling and Career” office, which offers career counseling and assessments, CliftonStrengths coaching and analysis, career search assistance, networking building, and more.

The name Day Six was chosen from the Bible in Genesis 1, The Creation Story, where on the sixth day God creates humans and gives a rationale for what it means to have a good life. Day Six at OC allows prospective, current, and former students to discover their calling and find the steps to get there.

“We are more than the traditional career services office that other universities have; we are exploring not just how to make a career, but how to make a life that bears God’s image,” said Susan Hoover, director of Day Six. “We want each student to understand how God has gifted them and how they can use their talents to make an impact in the world inside and outside of their work.”

Day Six hosts various student recruiting events for employers and grad schools to attend. If you are interested in recruiting OC students and alumni, please visit the website to learn more.