Oklahoma State University announced on Monday that it will create two new schools within the College of Education and Human Sciences – one for nursing and one for aviation – to better serve Oklahoma’s growing demand for skilled professionals.
Why the new schools matter
Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences Dr. Stephen Clarke said the nursing and aviation programs are among the university’s largest and fastest‑growing. Both fields play a vital role in supporting Oklahoma’s economy and families.
“These are two of our largest and fastest‑growing programs in the college, which obviously play key roles in meeting Oklahoma’s workforce demands,” Clarke explained.
Aviation program on the rise
Oklahoma’s aerospace sector is the state’s fastest‑growing industry, generating more than $52 billion annually. OSU’s aviation program now enrolls over 600 students, with professional‑pilot and aerospace‑security enrollment having doubled and aviation‑management enrollment quadrupling over the past decade.
Clarke noted, “People often think about pilots as part of aviation and space, but the other part is aviation management and security – essential industries that support the rest of the aviation sector.”
Nursing program helps close a critical gap
The nursing program has also expanded dramatically. This fall the university welcomed more than 350 first‑year nursing students, just three years after launching its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
“In just a few years, we’ve gone from an enrolling class of around 30 students to now over 1,000 majors in the college who are dedicated to nursing,” Clarke said. He added that every class has secured employment before graduation, a testament to the program’s alignment with employer needs.
Impact on Oklahoma families
With a statewide nursing shortage and a booming aerospace sector, the new schools are designed to give students clearer pathways to stable, well‑paid careers. By providing dedicated resources, faculty, and facilities, OSU aims to ensure that graduates are ready to serve Oklahoma families and businesses from day one.
“Every class has had a job before they’ve actually graduated,” Clarke emphasized, underscoring the program’s commitment to delivering immediate value to the community.
Official launch date
Both the School of Nursing and the School of Aviation will officially open on July 1, operating under the College of Education and Human Sciences. University officials say the new structure will improve visibility, attract additional funding, and allow for continued growth in enrollment.
OSU’s expansion reflects a broader trend of higher‑education institutions aligning curricula with state‑wide workforce priorities, ensuring that Oklahoma’s families have access to qualified health‑care providers and a robust aerospace talent pipeline.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
