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Major Degree Programs
The College is home to 16 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 catalogues for a complete list of all college offerings.

To apply to Oakland University, visit the Future Students website or go to the online application here

Bachelors Programs of Study

(All undergraduate degree programs earn a B.A. degree unless otherwise noted.)

Other Programs of Study

Selecting a Major

Students must select a major in addition to these programs in order to graduate from Oakland University.

Masters Programs of Study

Doctoral Programs of Study

Continuing Education

Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)

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 and the School of Education and Human Services.

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 in the general education requirements section 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 Distribution Requirements
In addition, students in the college must complete an additional 16 credits in distribution classes for a Bachelor of Arts degree and 12 additional credits for a Bachelor of Science degree. Selections must be made from different areas.

  • Foreign language (115 level or higher)
  • Arts and Literature
  • Civilization
  • Social Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Science

AMS 300 and WS 200 may also be used to satisfy one area of the distribution requirement.

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


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