Undergraduate Students

Your ambition and dedication combined with Oakland University’s well-respected business education, real-world experiences, and unmatched access to expert faculty and accomplished industry leaders equips you with the credentials to take on the business world. In small classes taught by professors – not teaching assistants – Oakland business students learn directly from the experts. Business leaders add real-world insight in specialized courses or as guest lecturers.

Here you will find programs that integrate theory, research and experience -- giving you the unique combination of academic preparation and practical skills you will need to succeed. Our programs offer a stepping-stone so you can discover the right career path while gaining a comprehensive business overview in the foundations and specifics of your chosen field.

With this rich combination of business connections, active student involvement, engaging classroom discussions, hands-on learning, access to top-notch internships, and dedicated career and professional development preparation, you will graduate ready to contribute and succeed from day one.

Powerful programs and a strong student-centered education that merges experiential learning with innovative thinking, technology and hands-on applications mean Oakland business students can take advantage of incomparable opportunities to practice business and leadership skills within and beyond the classroom. No matter which major is the stepping-stone to your future, you will gain a comprehensive overview in the business foundations and specifics of your chosen field.

• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• Economics
• Finance
• General Management
• Human Resource Management
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing
• Operations Management

Build your business skills, deepen your knowledge and prepare to advance in your field by customizing your major with a business minor. Available across disciplines, a business minor offers students the chance to explore additional interests, deepen expertise or expand their skillset in a valuable field.

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Business (for non-business majors)
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Information Security Management
• International Management
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing
• Operations Management

Whether you are transferring from another educational institution or returning to college after gaining life experience, you take your future seriously. Match your determination to excel with a business degree from Oakland University. Our dedicated team of advisers understand transfer student needs and are ready to work with you on this important transition.

Oakland University holds many admission events throughout the year where you can learn more about the University and The School of Business.

Go for the Gold
If you're even slightly interested in being a Golden Grizzly, you won't want to miss this big event! High school and transfer students (and their families) will meet OU faculty, staff and students, and attend interactive sessions about potential majors and career areas. You'll also be able to tour the campus and residence halls.

Transfer Student Open House
Thinking about transferring? We’d love to have you at OU! We’ve designed open houses just for you. Attend and you’ll receive an immediate admission decision and transfer credit evaluation. Staff and faculty will answer your questions about general education requirements, transfer credit procedures and financial aid.

Transfer Tuesdays
Make a Tuesday appointment to meet with an admissions adviser. During your appointment, you will receive an immediate admission decision and transfer credit evaluation.

Discover OU
Come to Discover OU for an admissions presentation and campus tour. Then, chat with academic advisers from your area of interest during a free lunch in the Vandenberg Dining Center.

Transfer Student Information Sessions
Interested in transferring? Learn more at an info session, where you’ll be provided with an overview of the application and admission process, as well as tips on making a smooth transition to OU.

Business Day
It’s time to get corporate. Attend this event if you’re interested in academic programs in the School of Business Administration. You’ll take a campus tour and talk to faculty, staff, alumni and current students. You’ll also learn about financial aid, admission and scholarship criteria.

Before you transfer, there are two important questions to consider:

What credits will transfer to Oakland? What will apply to a business degree?

To get the answers, consult the transfer equivalency guide on the transferring credit page.

If you are transferring from a Michigan Community College, you can use the program guides. All business majors follow the same program guides, so the information will be the same regardless of your future business major at Oakland.

TIP: Even though a class transfers, it may not apply to your business degree. Following the transfer guides and meeting with an academic adviser before transferring can help ensure your transfer classes will help get you closer to your degree.

Once you have decided that Oakland University is for you, you need to complete an application. We recommend you apply at least two semesters in advance. For example, if you want to attend in September (Fall semester) you should apply two semesters between January and March (Winter semester).

On the admissions application you will be asked to select a major.

If you know which business major you want, you should select that major. If you know you are interested in business but not a specific major yet, you can just select “business.”

All business students begin Oakland as a “pre-business” or “undecided business” student based on their transfer courses and GPA. Major standing is earned as early as a students’ second semester at Oakland, depending on transfer coursework.

You can apply to Oakland University at any point in the year for free. Application instructions are available on Oakland's Future Students page.

Transfer Student Orientation has two components that need to be completed before you can register for classes.

1. Read through the Transfer Student Golden Grizzly Guide
2. Schedule Individual Transfer Student Orientation Appointment with an Academic Adviser - schedule using the button below

1) Transfer Student Golden Grizzly Guide

• Transfer Orientation Golden Grizzly Guide material takes about 30 minutes to review. Here you will learn how to set up your student accounts and how to register.
• You can access the Transfer Orientation Grizzly Guide online here.
• You must activate your Oakland University NetID and password prior to your Individual Transfer Student Orientation appointment.

2) The Individual Transfer Student Orientation Appointment takes place with a business academic adviser.

• To schedule your Individual Transfer Student Orientation, click on the button below and complete and submit the form. A business academic adviser will contact you through your Oakland University email to schedule your Transfer Student Orientation.
• Watch the business Transfer Student Orientation Videos before the advising appointment.
  • Here you will:
    • Learn about the different business majors
    • Find out how to earn major standing and full admission into the business program
    • Get details about how to register using SAIL
    • Learn about the campus resources available to business student
    • Work with an adviser to analyze your transfer credits
    • Determine how many and what classes you need to complete your degree
    • Register for courses under the guidance of academic advisers
    Meet with an Adviser

    Transfer students are welcome to meet with a business academic adviser to learn more about business majors, career opportunities and transfer courses. Please call the business academic advising office at (248) 370-3285 to schedule your appointment.

    Appointments are typically scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    An adviser can work with you to understand your transfer credits, along with how to maximize your transfer courses from a community college. Planning with an adviser can potentially save you tuition by maximizing your courses from a community college.

    You can apply online anytime on Oakland's Future Students page by clicking APPLY NOW. For additional transfer information, see transfers on Oakland's Future Students page. After applying, you’ll be notified via email about Oakland’s admission decision. If you are admitted, your next step is mandatory Transfer Student Orientation.

    Common FAQs

    Is there a separate transfer application for the business school?
    The School of Business Administration does not have a separate application. Follow the transfer process outlined on Oakland's Future Students page under transfers.

    How many credits can transfer?
    There are no restrictions on credits from a four-year college or university. However, the university will only accept 64 credits from a two-year community college.

    If you have more than 64 credits when you transfer that’s okay, we’ll take the 64 best credits that apply to business at the time of your application. For details on transferring credit, visit the Office of the Registrar Transfer page.

    Are scholarships available for transfer students?
    Yes, there are scholarships available specifically for transfer students. See the Transfer Scholarships.

    Prospective Students

    Once you have decided that Oakland University is for you, you need to complete an application. We recommend you apply at least two semesters in advance. For example, if you want to attend in September (Fall semester) you should apply two semesters between January and March (Winter semester).

    Attend an Event

    Oakland University holds many admission events throughout the year where you can learn more about the University and The School of Business.

    Go for the Gold
    If you're even slightly interested in being a Golden Grizzly, you won't want to miss this big event! High school and transfer students (and their families) will meet OU faculty, staff and students, and attend interactive sessions about potential majors and career areas. You'll also be able to tour the campus and residence halls.

    Discover OU
    Come to Discover OU for an admissions presentation and campus tour. Then, chat with academic advisers from your area of interest during a free lunch in the Vandenberg Dining Center.

    Are You Ready for College?
    High school students and their family members are invited to find out how they can prepare for college. Admissions and financial aid experts will discuss the college selection process, transitioning from high school to college, and financing a university education.

    Business Day
    It’s time to get corporate. Attend this event if you’re interested in academic programs in the School of Business Administration. You’ll take a campus tour and talk to faculty, staff, alumni and current students. You’ll also learn about financial aid, admission and scholarship criteria.

    Meet with an Adviser

    Learn how Oakland University's commitment to supporting new students in their transition to the university life can help you connect to campus and succeed academically by visiting the First Year Advising Center.

    Prospective OU students are welcome to meet with a business academic adviser to learn more about business majors, career opportunities and transfer courses. Please call the business academic advising office at (248) 370-3285 to schedule your appointment.

    Appointments are typically scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. On select Thursdays, appointments are available until 7 p.m.

    Advising is also available at the Macomb University Center near the campus of Macomb Community College Center Campus in Clinton Township.

    Apply Online

    You can apply to Oakland University at any point in the year for free. Application instructions are available on Oakland's Future Students page.

    To be considered for early admission into OU’s Business Honors Direct Admit program, you must gain admission and complete the supplemental application by December 1 of your senior year in high school. Apply today.

    Selecting Your Major

    On the admissions application you will be asked to select a major.

    If you know which business major you want, you should select that major. If you know you are interested in business but not a specific major yet, you can just select “business.”

    All business students begin Oakland as a “pre-business” or “undecided business” student based on their transfer courses and GPA. Major standing is earned as early as a students’ second semester at Oakland, depending on transfer coursework.

    Orientation

    New first-year students starting at Oakland University are required to attend New Student Orientation. During this program you will meet with your assigned academic adviser, register for courses and learn about university policies, resources and your OU accounts.

    Common FAQs

    Is there a separate application for the business school?
    The School of Business Administration does not have a separate application. Follow the application process outlined on Oakland's Future Students page under freshmen.

    What scholarships are available for business students?
    In addition to freshmen scholarships offered through undergraduate admissions, The School of Business offers both merit and financial based scholarships specifically for business students.

    • The Business Honors program for high achieving entering freshmen
    • Active student organizations that connect with professionals from national, regional and local companies
    • The Business Scholars program for high achieving students
    • Opportunities to build your resume with campus leadership positions
    • Business Data Analysis Lab with 10 Bloomberg financial terminals with the option to complete the Bloomberg Essentials Online Training Program
    • Student-Managed Investment Fund gives students hands-on experience in investment portfolio management with a $2 million fund
    • Faculty led study abroad programs
    • Personal study abroad programs available on six continents
    • Case competition teams that compete nationally against other colleges
    • Guided resume development with a career consultant
    • Individualized internship plan with the b-school internship coordinator
    • Practice interviews with real world business professionals
    Changing to Business Major?

    Considering a business major?

    A business degree is big step forward on a successful journey to career satisfaction. Business majors are in demand. Career Builder consistently reports that employers hire graduates with a business foundation at a greater rate than other majors. NACE Job Outlook confirms that employers seek out business majors. Thanks to the solid education, unique hands-on experiences and the opportunity to connect with professionals weekly, Oakland business graduates are poised to reach the top. The numbers speak for themselves: Oakland business graduates launch successful careers reporting a 95% placement rate after graduation. In fact, 83% report being professionally employed before they graduate.

    What makes OU's School of Business unique?
    • Active student organizations that connect with professionals from national, regional and local companies
    • The Business Scholars program for high achieving students
    • Opportunities to build your resume with campus leadership positions
    • Business Data Analysis Lab with 10 Bloomberg financial terminals with the option to complete the Bloomberg Essentials Online Training Program
    • Student-Managed Investment Fund gives students hands-on experience in investment portfolio management with a $2 million fund
    • Faculty led study abroad programs
    • Personal study abroad programs available on six continents
    • Case competition teams that compete nationally against other colleges
    • Guided resume development with a career consultant
    • Individualized internship plan with the b-school internship coordinator
    • Practice interviews with real world business professionals
    Attend an Event

    Oakland's School of Business holds several events where you can learn more about us.

    Business Major & Minor Expo
    Considering a career in business? Find out how a major or minor in business can differentiate you in today's competitive job market. This event is set up as an Open House where you'll have an opportunity to visit various representatives from different majors. Open to all OU students. At this event, you'll:

    • Discover major programs
    • Learn about minors that complement business and non-business majors
    • Explore career opportunities
    • Meet faculty and industry experts
    • Make professional connections
    • Get information about post-graduate educational opportunities

    This event is typically held in early November.

    Explore Business Careers
    Open to all Oakland University students! Come ready to learn about the various careers paths and graduate school opportunities that exist within each of the business majors. You will interact and connect with faculty, employers, peers, and those providing services for the major. This event is typically held in early February.

    Meet with an Adviser

    Students changing their major to any School of Business major are required to meet with an academic adviser. During your appointment, a Change of Major form will be completed. Additionally, a business academic adviser is a great resource to learn more about SBA programs, student organizations, and career opportunities.

    Please make an academic advising appointment using AdvisorTrac. You will need your OU Email name, or "Net ID" and email password to log on.

    If you require additional assistance, please call the business academic advising office at (248) 370-3285.

    Appointments are typically scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.