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
- Anthropology, B.A.
- Anthropology - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School, and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs
- Art History, B.A.
- Biology, B.A.
- Biology - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School, and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs
- Chemistry, B.A.
- Chinese Studies, B.A.
- Communication, B.A.
- Communication, B.A. to M.A.
- Creative Writing, B.A., Specialization in Fiction
- Creative Writing, B.A., Specialization in Memoir and Essay
- Creative Writing, B.A., Specialization in Poetry
- Creative Writing, B.A., Specialization in Screenwriting
- Criminal Justice, B.A.
- Criminal Justice, B.A., Specialization in Homeland Security
- Criminal Justice, B.A., Specialization in Information Security and Assurance
- Criminal Justice - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School, and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs
- Dance, B.A.
- Economics, B.A.
- English, B.A.
- English, B.A. to M.A.
- Film, B.A.
- Film Production, B.A.
- French Language and Literature, B.A.
- German Language and Literature, B.A.
- German, B.A., Concentration in German Studies
- Graphic Design, B.A.
- History, B.A.
- International Relations, B.A.
- International Relations, B.A., Specialization in Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy
- International Relations, B.A., Specialization in Global Justice and Sustainability
- Japanese Language and Literature, B.A.
- Japanese Studies, B.A.
- Journalism and Media Studies, B.A., Specialization in Broadcasting and Digital Media Practice
- Journalism and Media Studies, B.A., Specialization in Journalism
- Journalism and Media Studies, B.A., Specialization in Media and Society
- Latin American Studies, B.A.
- Latin American Language and Civilization, B.A.
- Linguistics, B.A.
- Mathematics, B.A.
- Linguistics, B.A.
- Mathematics, B.A.
- Modern Language, Additional Major
- Music, B.A.
- Philosophy, B.A.
- Physics, B.A.
- Political Science, B.A.
- Political Science, B.A., Specialization in Campaigns and Elections
- Political Science, B.A., Specialization in Courts, Justice, and Politics
- Political Science - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School, and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs
- Professional and Digital Writing, B.A.
- Psychology, B.A.
- Psychology, B.A., Concentration in Linguistics
- Psychology, B.A. to M.S.
- Psychology - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School, and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs
- Public Relations and Strategic Communication, B.A.
- Sociology/Anthropology, B.A.
- Sociology/Anthropology - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs
- Sociology, B.A.
- Sociology, B.A., Concentration in Linguistics
- Sociology - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School, and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs
- Spanish Language and Literatures, B.A.
- Studio Art, B.A.
- Theatre, B.A.
- Two Modern Languages, B.A.
- Women and Gender Studies, B.A.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
- Instrumental Performance, B.M.
- Music Education and Performance, Choral and General Music, B.M.
- Music Education and Performance, Instrumental and General Music, B.M.
- Music Education, Choral and General Music, B.M.
- Music Education, Instrumental and General Music, B.M.
- Music Technology, B.M.
- Piano Pedagogy, B.M.
- Piano Performance, B.M.
- Piano Performance, B.M., Specialization in Pedagogy
- Voice Performance, B.M.
Bachelor of Science
- Actuarial Science, B.S., Economics
- Actuarial Science, B.S.
- Biochemistry, B.S.
- Bioengineering, B.S.
- Biology, B.S.
- Biomedical Sciences, B.S.
- Chemistry - ACS Certified, B.S.
- Economics, B.S.
- Engineering Chemistry, B.S.
- Engineering Physics, B.S.
- Environmental Science, B.S.
- Environmental Science, B.S., Specialization in Environmental Health
- Environmental Science, B.S., Specialization in Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management
- Mathematics, B.S.
- Mathematics, B.S. to M.A.
- Medical Physics, B.S.
- Physics, B.S.
- Public Administration and Public Policy, B.S.
- Public Administration and Public Policy, B.S. to M.P.A.
Bachelor of Social Work
Social Work, B.S.W.
Secondary Teacher Education Programs
*School of Education & Human Services Teacher Education Program Information
- English Language Arts for Educators, B.A.
- Integrated Science, B.A. (Pending Final Approvals)
- Mathematics for Educators, B.A.
- Mathematics for Educators, B.S.
- Modern Languages and Literatures K-12
- Social Studies with History for Educators, B.A.
- Studio Art with K-12 Art Education
- Studio Art with K-12 Art Education Certification, Specialization in Graphic Design
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) PreK-12 Minor
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
Students within the college must select a major. Minors or concentrations are encouraged but not required.
Masters Programs of Study
- Master of Arts in Biology
- Master of Arts in Communication
- Master of Arts in English
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Master of Arts in Linguistics
- Master of Arts in Mathematics
- Master of Music in Conducting
- Master of Music in Instrumental Performance
- Master of Music in Music Education
- Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy
- Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy
- Master of Music in Piano Performance
- Master of Music in Vocal Performance
- Master of Music in World Percussion
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with concentrations in:
- Court Administration
- Criminal Justice Leadership
- Health Care Administration
- Local Government Management
- Nonprofit Organization and Management
- Master of Science in Applied Statistics with a concentration in:
- Biostatistics
- Master of Science in Biology
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Industrial Applied Mathematics
- Master of Science in Physics
- Master of Science in Psychology
Graduate Certificate programs
- Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences
- Graduate Certificate in Conducting
- Graduate Certificate in Court Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Health Care Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Instrumental Performance
- Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management
- Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Organization and Management
- Graduate Certificate in Piano Performance
- Graduate Certificate in Statistical Methods
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language
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.
Doctoral Programs of Study
- Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematical Sciences with specializations in:
- Applied Continuous Mathematics
- Applied Discrete Mathematics
- Applied Statistics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Applied and Computational Physics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences: Health and Environmental Chemistry
- Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences: Medical Physics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- Accounting Minor
- Addiction Studies Concentration
- Advertising Minor
- African and African-American Studies Minor
- American Studies Concentration
- Anthropology Minor
- Applied Geographic Information Science (GIScience) Minor
- Applied Leadership Skills Minor
- Applied Mathematics Minor
- Applied Statistics Minor
- Archaeology Concentration
- Archaeology Minor
- Art History Minor
- Astronomy Minor
- Bioethics Minor
- Biology Minor
- Business Analytics Minor
- Business Minor
- Certificate in Dance Education
- Chemistry Minor
- Child Welfare Minor
- Chinese Language and Civilization Minor
- Chinese Minor
- Chinese Studies Minor
- Christianity Studies Minor
- Communication, Advocacy and Social Justice Minor
- Communication and Deaf Studies Minor
- Communication Minor
- Community Health Engagement Minor
- Computer Science Minor
- Creative Writing Minor
- Criminal Justice Minor
- Dance Minor
- Digital Media Production Minor
- ECLIPSE - Explorations in Collaborative Leadership and InterProfessional Education Program
- Economics Minor
- Employment Systems and Standards Minor
- English Minor
- Entrepreneurship Minor
- Environmental Health and Safety Minor
- Environmental Science Minor
- Environmental Studies Concentration
- Exercise Science Minor
- Film Minor
- Finance Minor
- French Language and Literature Minor
- French Minor
- French Studies Concentration
- Geology Minor
- German Language and Literature Minor
- German Minor
- German Studies Minor
- Gerontology Concentration
- Graphic Design Minor
- Health Communication Minor
- History Minor
- Holistic Health Minor
- Human Resource Development Minor
- Human Resources Management Minor
- Information Security Management Minor
- Information Technology Minor
- Interactive and Social Media Minor
- International Management Minor
- International Orientation for Engineering/Computer Science Students Minor
- International Relations Minor
- International Studies Minor
- Islamic Studies Minor
- Italian Minor
- Japanese Language and Civilization Minor
- Japanese Language and Literature Minor
- Japanese Minor
- Japanese Studies Minor
- Jazz Studies Minor
- Journalism Minor
- Judaic Studies Minor
- Latin American Studies Minor
- Lean Leadership Minor
- LGBTQ Studies Minor
- Linguistics Minor
- Management Information Systems Minor
- Marketing Minor
- Mathematics Minor
- Middle Eastern Studies Minor
- Music, Liberal Arts Minor
- Music Minor
- Music Technology, Liberal Arts Minor
- Music Technology Minor
- Music Theory Minor
- Nutrition and Health Minor
- Operations Management Minor
- Organizational Communication Minor
- Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies Minor
- Philosophy Minor
- Philosophy of Cognitive Science Minor
- Physics Minor
- Political Science Minor
- Pre-Law Studies
- Pre-Medical Studies: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine Concentration
- Psychology Minor
- Public Administration and Public Policy Minor
- Public Relations Minor
- Relational Communication Minor
- Religious Studies Concentration
- Russian and East European Studies
- Science Minors - Two and Three
- Sociology Minor
- South Asian Studies Minor
- Spanish Language and Literature Minor
- Spanish Minor
- Speech Language Pathology Minor
- Studio Art Minor
- Teaching English as a Second Language Minor - TESOL
- Theatre Minor
- Training and Development Minor
- Urban Agriculture and Agroecology Minor
- Urban Studies Concentration
- Wellness and Health Promotion Minor
- Women and Gender Studies Minor
- World Music Minor
- Writing Minor
CAS Secondary Teacher Education Programs
School of Education & Human Services Secondary Teacher Education Program Information
- Biology Secondary Teaching Minor
- Chemistry Secondary Teaching Minor
- Economics Secondary Teaching Minor
- English Secondary Teaching Minor
- History Secondary Teaching Minor
- Mathematics Secondary Teaching Minor
- Modern Language, Secondary Teaching Minors
- Physics Secondary Teaching Minor
- Political Science Secondary Teaching Minor
- TESL K-12 Teaching Minor
- 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
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]
College of Arts and Sciences Advising
100 Fitzgerald House
614 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-4567
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]