College of the Ozarks Degree Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

College of the Ozarks, also known as "Hard Work U," is a unique Christian liberal arts college with a distinctive approach to higher education. This institution is committed to fostering academic, Christian, cultural, vocational, and patriotic growth in its students. Founded in 1906 by a Presbyterian minister as The School of the Ozarks, it transitioned to a junior college in 1956 and began offering four-year programs in 1965. The college reinstituted the School of the Ozarks in 2012, providing Christian-based education from kindergarten through 12th grade, alongside its college programs.

The Five-Fold Mission and Faithful Education

College of the Ozarks operates on a five-fold mission, emphasizing academic, Christian, cultural, vocational, and patriotic growth. The academic program is intentionally Christ-centered, rooted in the belief that all areas of study were created through and for Jesus Christ. Courses are taught from a biblical worldview, offering a comprehensive understanding of the world. The faculty comprises experts in their fields, deeply committed to Jesus Christ.

Unique Tuition Model and Work Program

What sets College of the Ozarks apart is its commitment to offering higher education to students with demonstrated financial need. The college provides free tuition, requiring students to work at one of the school’s various work stations. Students work 15 hours a week, with two required 40-hour work weeks. The wages from these jobs, combined with federal and state grants, scholarships, and private donations, cover the cost of tuition. Students are responsible for room and board expenses.

The college has approximately 100 work stations, including a dairy, hotel, restaurant, bakery, gift shop, and mill. The school also houses a museum featuring the original “Beverly Hillbillies” truck.

Admission Requirements and Cost of Attendance

To apply to College of the Ozarks, students must complete an online form. Current requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, residency in the Ozark area, and demonstrated financial need. Required documents typically include an official high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, a completed FAFSA form, two reference forms, and an interview.

The estimated cost-of-attendance is $19,360, though most students do not pay this amount. Students are encouraged to seek scholarships and complete the FAFSA for federal grants. The college covers tuition and fees through work programs, federal grants, and donations. Room and board, estimated at $7,600 annually, can be covered by working full-time during the summer, setting up a payment plan, or seeking additional scholarships.

Undergraduate Degree Programs and Areas of Study

The College of the Ozarks offers 75 undergraduate degrees across 50 majors, along with minors, pre-professional programs, and certifications. As an undergraduate institution, it does not offer graduate programs. Due to the unique nature of its education process, no classes or programs are available online.

Specific Degree Programs

Biology: The Bachelor of Science in Biology is available with four concentrations.
Education: The Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education can be earned with an optional middle-school or early-childhood endorsement. The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary Education is offered in twelve secondary fields, including art, physical education, mathematics, and English.
Nursing: Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) must complete one year of general education and pre-nursing classes before applying to the nursing school. The program spans six semesters.
Culinary Arts: The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts is based in the Keeter Center, the largest work area on campus. The center includes a lodge, restaurant, bakery, and gift shop. The program covers introductory programs, professional cooling, dietetics, and baking. Students have access to chefs in Branson's fine-dining restaurants.
Hotel and Restaurant Management: The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management offers concentrations in Hotel and Restaurant Management or Meeting and Special Event Management. Courses cover all areas of hospitality.
Engineering: Graduates armed with a B.S. in Engineering from College of the Ozarks have a wide range of opportunities as engineers. Graduates are employed in manufacturing engineering, electrical power engineering, control systems engineering, mechanical engineering, construction management. Some graduates pursue graduate engineering degrees and others have started their own businesses. The Dee Ann White Engineering Center, completed in 2020, provides classrooms, laboratories, collaboration space, and offices. The center includes eight fully-instrumented engineering labs, as well as metal and wood fabrication areas, project labs and a computer lab.

Majors and Minors

A major consists of eight to 12 courses in one academic discipline, while a minor consists of six to seven courses. Every bachelor's degree candidate must complete a major. Students may declare a minor or a second major, but no more than two majors or two minors. Students are expected to complete their program of study within eight semesters, with a maximum of ten semesters with approval from the Dean of the College. A major may require up to 16 courses, with no more than 12 in a single discipline. Students must declare a major by the first semester of their junior year and can change their major or minor by completing the necessary form.

Agriculture Program

The Agriculture Department offers a strong academic program coupled with on-campus farm production experiences, farm management opportunities, and industry internships. Students earning an agriculture degree can gain real-world experience at the college's operating farm.

Leadership and Christian Fellowship Opportunities

College of the Ozarks provides various leadership opportunities to promote personal growth and campus impact. Students can participate in Student Senate, the Council for Student Programs, and the Leadership Development Tract. Exceptional leaders with strong character can become peer leaders in the Character Camp freshman orientation program.

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Christian fellowship is fostered through groups like the Baptist Student Union, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Christian Ministries. Non-denominational chapel services are held each Sunday morning.

Student Residence Requirements

Students must be 17 years old by the first day of Character Camp. All unmarried students are required to live on campus. After the first year, students may be considered for off-campus status if they live with parents/legal guardians and demonstrate significant financial need, are married, or are veterans of the armed services (all living within forty miles of the College). Exceptions to the first-year policy are considered for veterans. Commuting positions are limited.

Adjunct and Visiting Professors

The college benefits from the expertise of adjunct professors such as Reiny Cash (retired from White River Electric Cooperative) and Brian Crouse (Slingshot Aerospace). The college also hosts visiting professors.

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