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Degree Programs

The College is home to 18 departments and nearly 100 majors. The College offers instruction leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Arts, Master of Music, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. In conjunction with the School of Education and Human Services, the College offers instruction leading to secondary teaching certification in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, French, German, Spanish, music, physics, and studio art education. The School of Engineering and Computer Science and the College offer 3 majors jointly: engineering biology, engineering chemistry and engineering physics.

Below is a listing of undergraduate majors, masters and doctorate programs and other programs of study, including Secondary Teaching Education Programs. Students should consult the Undergraduate and Graduate catalogs for a complete list of all college offerings.

Undergraduate Degree RequirementsGraduate Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Social Work
Social Work, B.S.W.

Secondary Teacher Education Programs
*School of Education & Human Services Teacher Education Program Information

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

All students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to complete the following degree requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 124 credits (at the 050 level or above). The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in environmental health requires completion of 128 credits. The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education requires completion of 153 to 161 credits. No more than 8 credits in physical education will count toward a degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Complete the requirements for a major offered by the College of Arts and Sciences with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00.
  • Complete at least 32 of these credits at Oakland University, of which at least 16 credits must be in the student's elected major.
  • Complete at least 32 credits in courses at the 300 level or above.
  • Complete the last 8 credits at Oakland University.
  • Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 in courses taken at Oakland University and in the major(s) and any elective minor(s).
  • Complete the writing proficiency requirement, generally by completing a two course sequence in RHT 150 and 160, preferably in their first year.
  • Complete the university's 32-credit general education requirement as defined below.
  • Complete the university's ethnic diversity requirement.
  • Complete the college distribution requirements described below.

General Education Requirements
All students at Oakland University must complete 32 credits of General Education courses (4 credits in each area) in the following areas :

  • Arts
  • Literature
  • Language
  • Western Civilization
  • International Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Mathematics, Logic and computer science
  • Natural science and technology
College of Arts and Sciences Exploratory Requirement 

Students within the college must select a major. Minors or concentrations are encouraged but not required.

Masters Programs of Study

Graduate Certificate programs

Special Courses

Occasionally, with the approval of Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, departments which do not have graduate programs may offer certain courses which carry graduate credit.

A list of College of Arts and Sciences special courses that have been approved by the Graduate Council can be viewed here.

CAS Secondary Teacher Education Programs
School of Education & Human Services Secondary Teacher Education Program Information

  • Center for English as a Second Language
    ESL Institute Programs provide instruction in all English language skills at all proficiency levels.

  • Graduate Music Courses: Individuals holding either a bachelor's or master's degree in music or music education, and who meet the department's entrance qualifications, may enroll in graduate music courses under professional development status. Contact Jackie Wiggins ([email protected]) or Joe Shively ([email protected]).

In cooperation with the School of Education and Human Services, the College of Arts and Sciences offers an extended program of study leading to secondary teaching certification.

The  Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) is available to majors in biological sciences, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, French, German, Spanish, music, physics and studio art.

Generally, eligibility for admission to the STEP requires a GPA of 3.00 in both the major and minor, and an overall GPA of 2.80. No single major or minor course grade may be below 2.0. Second undergraduate degree candidates completing major and/or minors for STEP may be required to complete coursework at Oakland University beyond the stated minimums, For more information on program and admission requirements and procedures, please consult with advisers in the appropriate college department.

College of Arts and Sciences Advising

100 Fitzgerald House
614 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-4567

 

College of Arts and Sciences
Dean's Office

Varner Hall, Room 217
371 Varner Drive
Rochester , MI 48309-4485
(location map)
(248) 370-2140
Fax: (248) 370-4280
[email protected]