The Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design is excited to announce that a new agreement has been formally established between Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) and the University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. This partnership creates a direct and seamless transfer pathway for students from the Associate Arts (AA) of Diversified Studies at OCCC to the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Design (EnD) at OU.
The agreement aligns curriculums to ensure that students who complete their AA in Diversified Studies at OCCC will have satisfied all of OU's general education requirements as well as the essential prerequisite courses for the EnD major. This eliminates guesswork and potential delays, providing a clear and efficient roadmap for students to follow from their first day at OCCC to their graduation from OU.
The EnD program is known for its emphasis on experiential learning and professional preparation. Students engage with real-world issues facing Oklahoma communities, often through projects and lectures featuring local professionals. The program’s structure is designed not only to impart knowledge but also to build professional networks and practical skills from the outset.
Furthermore, this pathway opens doors to advanced educational opportunities. Students who transfer to OU through this agreement and excel in the EnD program are well-positioned to take advantage of several accelerated master’s degree programs. These innovative options allow high-achieving students to earn graduate credit while completing their bachelor's degree, potentially saving a year or more on the path to a master's in fields like Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, or Regional and City Planning.
The establishment of this transfer pathway represents a shared commitment by OCCC and OU to strengthen educational infrastructure and support student success. It provides a defined, accessible route for local students to pursue a specialized and impactful four-year degree, fostering the development of future professionals who will go on to design sustainable, resilient, and vibrant communities right here in Oklahoma.
Petya Stefanoff, Chair of the Educational Committee with the American Planning Association, Oklahoma Chapter (APA-OK) and Gibbs College PhD candidate, has developed a new training program for local government officials. The program, focused on land use, zoning principles, and land development, recently certified its first graduates with Certified Citizen Planner status.
Gibbs Construction Science and Architecture students recently traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to compete in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 8 Student Competition. The team partnered with Czech Technical University and secured third place in the Design-Build category.
Gibbs College is pleased to present the exhibition Vollendorf in Oklahoma: The Architecture of Dean Bryant Vollendorf during the Spring 2026 semester. It will be on display in Gould Hall, on the OU-Norman Campus, from February 16, 2026 - March 13, 2026.
