OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Rochester, Michigan
The University
Pioneering the Future is the best way to describe the excitement building at Oakland University (OU) today. The comprehensive campus is in its forty-fifth year and continues to increase its programs, facilities, resources, and enrollment. Oakland University was created in 1957 when the late Alfred G. and Matilda R. Wilson donated their 1,500-acre estate and $2 million to Michigan State University to begin a new college in Oakland County. Named Michigan State University–Oakland, the new campus enrolled its first students in 1959. In 1963, its name was changed to Oakland University, and in 1970 the Michigan legislature recognized the maturity and state of the University by granting it autonomy. From its beginning, the University has flourished, emphasizing academic quality and concentrating on providing its students with a broad liberal arts education by a nationally recognized faculty.
Dedicated to preparing learners for the twenty-first-century workplace and society, the university today is organized into the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business Administration, Education and Human Services, Engineering and Computer Science, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Oakland offers undergraduate programs in more than 100 areas, with master's and doctoral programs in sixty-three areas. OU also features an active Honors College for students looking for a more challenging academic experience. Oakland was rated twenty-fourth in academic reputation among the 123 top Midwestern regional colleges and universities for 1998 by U.S. News & World Report.
Enrollment at Oakland University continues to set new records, reaching 16,059 students in 2002–03. Oakland retains the best features of a small-campus setting even as the University grows and changes to meet enrollment demands.
Oakland is committed to preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment. The University has major institutes and centers in eye research, wellness, biochemistry technology, and international studies. Students use multimedia applications and interactive learning to reach their potential. Through innovative, technology-enriched delivery of educational services, Oakland University is preparing a community of learners for the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
OU is home to approximately 1,200 students who live on campus in six residence halls and a 48-unit apartment complex. All rooms are equipped with phones with voice mail and cable TV. Cars are allowed for all class levels.
Oakland University has ninety-five recognized student organizations, including thirty-six academically oriented organizations and fifteen Greek letter organizations.
In 1999, OU's athletic programs moved from Division II to Division I competition. OU joined the Mid-Continent Conference and competes in six men's sports and eight women's sports.
Oakland's cultural enterprises attract more than 500,000 visitors to the campus each year. Students can enjoy events offered through OU's Meadow Brook Theatre, Meadow Brook Art Gallery, and Meadow Brook Hall. Meadow Brook Music Festival stages a variety of summer concerts.
Location
Oakland University's 1,441-acre campus is conveniently located in suburban Rochester, Michigan. The University's location in Oakland County offers many cultural and recreational opportunities, such as the Palace of Auburn Hills and the Pontiac Silverdome. Oakland County, the fastest-growing county in the state, plans to add about 40,000 new jobs within the next two years, which will mean more opportunities for Oakland's students and graduates.
Majors and Degrees
The College of Arts and Sciences offers bachelor's degrees in anthropology, applied statistics, art history, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, communication arts, East Asian studies/China, East Asian studies/Japan, economics, English, environmental health, French, general studies, German/German studies, history, international studies, journalism, Latin American languages/civilization, Latin American studies, linguistics, mathematics, medical physics, modern languages, music,music education, performing arts (music, theater, and dance), philosophy, physics, political science, predentistry, prelaw, premedicine, preoptometry, psychology, public administration and public policy, Russian language/civilization, Slavic studies, sociology, South Asian studies/India, and Spanish. The School of Business Administration offers bachelor's degrees in accounting, economics, finance, general management, human resource management, management information systems, and marketing. The School of Engineering and Computer Science offers bachelor's degrees in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering chemistry, engineering physics, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering. The School of Health Sciences offers bachelor's degrees in industrial health and safety, medical laboratory sciences, medical physics, physical therapy, and radiation therapy. The School of Education and Human Services offers bachelor's degrees in elementary education, human resource development, and secondary education with certification in biology, chemistry, English, French, German, history, mathematics, music, physics, and Spanish. The School of Nursing offers a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Academic Programs
While each school has its own sequence requirements, all students must satisfy the following requirements: 32 credits in general education, writing proficiency, and one course in ethnic diversity. Students must also have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in courses taken at Oakland University. In certain programs, additional GPA requirements must be met. Finally, students must successfully complete 32 credits in courses at the 300-level or above. Students at Oakland have the unique opportunity to conduct research at the undergraduate level.
Off-Campus Programs
Oakland prepares students for the twenty-first-century workplace by offering meaningful challenges and experiences. Oakland is one of four Michigan colleges participating in the federally funded Americorps program, patterned after the Peace Corps.
At Oakland, students have opportunities to gain paid work experience. Many students work in internships and cooperative job placements in government, business, and industry throughout southeastern Michigan.
Oakland also offers study-abroad opportunities in England, France, Italy, Japan, and Vienna.
Academic Facilities
To accommodate ongoing growth, several capital improvements are underway at Oakland. A new science and engineering complex, an Honors College, a new business administration building, a new education building, and a $31-million recreation and athletic center have opened recently.
Oakland University's Kresge Library includes a 1.7-million-piece collection of books, microforms, and periodicals. The library also houses private study rooms, a major computer lab, and an interlibrary database so students can access materials at other libraries.
Computer labs are located in various campus buildings, offering current software and applications, high-quality printers, and advanced computer graphics.
Costs
Tuition for the 2002–03 academic year was $144.25 per credit hour for freshmen and sophomores, $158.75 per credit hour for juniors and seniors, and $364 per credit hour for out-of-state students. A typical full-time semester schedule consists of 12 to 16 credit hours. The 2002–03 room and board cost was $5252. Books and supplies averaged $475.
Financial Aid
Oakland offers two programs of assistance to students: scholarships based on academic achievement and financial aid based on need. Students must submit the Supplemental Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid for consideration.
Faculty
Oakland's faculty members encourage curiosity, foster critical thinking, and help students develop skills that allow them to analyze an increasingly complex world. Of the University's 371 faculty members, 90 percent hold a doctoral degree in a specialized field of study from many of the nation's finest research institutions. Virtually all courses (99 percent) are taught by faculty members. The student-faculty ratio is 19:1. Small classes contribute to Oakland's student-focused learning environment.
Student Government
Oakland's student government, University Student Congress, is an elected, campuswide governmental body that serves students' needs. In addition to its administrative duties, University Student Congress provides funding for the Student Activities Funding Board, which allocates money to recognized student organizations, and for the Student Program Board, a student committee responsible for programming films, lectures, concerts, and other recreational activities. The elected student leaders also lobby on behalf of students at the state and national level.
Admission Requirements
Freshman applicants should have completed a high school college-preparatory program and have a B average or better. The ACT is required. Transfer students must be in good academic standing at the time of transfer and have at least a 2.5 GPA. For both freshman and transfer applicants, required grade point averages vary for certain programs.
Application and Information
For more information, students should contact:
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