Business Honors Direct Admit

Direct admission into Oakland’s business school puts motivated, high-achieving high school students on the fast-track to success. After being admitted, the Business Honors Direct Admit program also provides:

• Opportunity for students to declare a major by the end of the freshman year
• A structure designed to graduate students in four years
• Pre-core and core courses taken as a cohort in special Honors sections
• Unique experiential learning activities
• International experiences
• Customized Freshman and Senior Seminars

Freshmen Business Honors students who live on campus may further enhance their educational and residential experience by applying to live in the Honors College Living Learning Community in Oak View Hall or on the Business Special Interest Floor in Hamlin Hall. Space is limited in both halls, so be sure to apply as soon as you are admitted to Oakland University.  

Admission into the highly selective Business Honors Program keeps motivated, high-achieving transfer students on the fast-track to success. After being admitted, the Business Honors Direct Admit program also provides:

• Opportunity for students to declare a major by the end of their first semester
• Pre-core and core courses taken as a cohort in special Honors sections
• Unique experiential learning activities
• International experiences
• Customized Learning Seminars
• Mentorship opportunity with seasoned BHP students
• Dedicated internship coordinator

Want to learn more? Attend an information session to learn about the engaging curriculum and experiences available for students in the Business Honors Direct Admit program.

1/17/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

2/7/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

4/3/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

5/1/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

6/19/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

7/10/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

8/7/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

9/11/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

10/9/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

11/13/20 - Business Honors Direct Admission - Information Session

Want to learn more? Contact Meaghan Cole for more information: mcwalter@oakland.edu

Admission Requirements
Enrollment in the Business Honors Direct Admit Program is limited.

Freshmen
To be considered, incoming freshmen must have:

• High school GPA of 3.5 or greater following junior year
• A combined SAT score of 1280 or higher or an ACT composite score of 27 or higher
• A score of 660 or higher on the Mathematics section of the SAT or a score of 620 or higher on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing section; or an ACT Math score of 28 or higher or an ACT English score of 28 or higher

Transfer
To be considered, incoming transfer students must:

• Meet the criteria listed above for freshmen, and
• Be in good standing at their transfer institution

Application
To be considered for direct admission into the Business Honors Program prospective students must:

• First apply to and be accepted by Oakland University at oakland.edu/apply
• Complete a Business Honors Program Supplemental Application

Apply Now to the Business Honors Program

Admission to Oakland’s Business Honors Program is limited to exceptional students who are chosen on a competitive basis. Completion of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the School of Business Administration as a direct admission student.

Acceptance in the program is decided on a rolling basis.

Taught by some of our most dedicated faculty members, courses in the Business Honors Direct Admit Program feature:

• Experiential, problem-solving activities (flipped classroom model)
• Cased-based learning integrated across courses
• Simulation-based capstone experience

Fall Cohorts
Meet a few members of Oakland's Business Honors cohorts. These motivated students joined the OU Business School as freshmen through the Business Honors Direct Admit program. Now they are flourishing in an academic climate where examining topics, asking questions, challenging assumptions and expanding their horizons is encouraged and expected. Here's what they  have to say about their experience.

Fall 2019 Cohort

Business Honors Students Fall 2019
	Julia Major: Finance and Accounting Why Oakland’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? OU gave me the best opportunities in terms of the programs it offers. From as early as the first semester in the Business Honors Program, I am immersed in the world of business and can take classes that I would have to wait years to take at other universities. As a member of the OU BHP, I am part of a small, talented group that allows me to receive individualized help and attention. What has impressed you about the Business Honors Program? The individual attention I received before I even started classes. Before starting my first classes, I already had multiple meetings with advisors who helped me create a resume, career path and goals for my career at OU. I feel as though if I ever have a question or concern someone will be there to help.
	Lauren Major: Management Information Systems Why the OU Business Honors Direct Admit Program? The Business Honors Program feels very personal. We have the chance to know each one of our peers and we act as a great support system to one another. The BHP leadership also makes us feel there is a clear path to success for each of us. This program gives us the peace of mind that there are plenty of resources to support us for the next four years. What has impressed you about Oakland University? I am impressed by how eager the faculty are to help students. The professors highly encourage communication through email and office hours. There are plenty of resources to help students be successful, including the Tutoring and Writing Centers. The university is oriented towards making each student feel supported.
	John Major: Undecided Why business? I first became interested in a business major in my junior year of high school when I took microeconomics. The class was exciting and it interested me much more than my other classes. I looked forward to going to that class every single day. Even though the class was challenging, I persevered and tried my best to understand the concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. How do you believe the OU Business Honors Direct Admit Program will support your career plans? The Oakland Business Honors program will help me to realize my plans for the future because it will provide me with a lot of experiences, like job fairs, deeper academic instruction and networking skills to really prepare me for having a career in business.
	Rachel Major: Accounting What has impressed you about OU? I am impressed by how supportive, approachable and knowledgeable my professors are. After just a few classes, my professors knew my name and were invested in my success as demonstrated by their willingness to answer questions to ensure my understanding of the material being presented. Why Oakland’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? The part of the Business Honors Program that I find valuable is the small class sizes where a connection can be made between classmates and professors. Because my cohort is comprised of high-achieving students, I am part of thought-provoking class discussions and group projects.
	Lucas Major: Marketing What has impressed you about Oakland University? I am impressed by how the Business Honors Program makes Oakland University feel like a small college. Why Oakland’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with students in class and on projects. I would like to own my own business and I believe OU’s Business Honors Program will give me skills I need to make a career for myself.
	Faith Major: General Management Why OU? By attending Oakland University, I am able to stay close to home which allows me to continue working at my current job as well as continue to pursue my online company. Why a business major? I am quite set on co-running the gym where I currently work as well as growing the online company I started. A business major is an all-encompassing degree that will help me pursue both of those career goals.

Fall 2018 Cohort

Business Honors Students Fall 2018
	Joshua Major: Operations Management (specialization in Project Management) Honors College Why Oakland’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? The Oakland Business Honors Program is unbelievable. I had zero idea what I was getting myself into. I’ve created amazing friendships, connections and growth as part of the program. Why business? Everything in life is about people. I believe time is well spent with other people in projects, collaborations, life. The business field allows me to make the connections needed to allow this. Ultimately, I want to improve the world in some aspect, whether that's on a large scale or small scale.
	Julia Major: Accounting Minor: Business Analytics Why OU? Oakland offers the full college experience, small class sizes, close to home. I am impressed by the enthusiasm of Oakland students and faculty, the opportunities within the business school, and how much the professors truly care about their students’ wellbeing. An abundance of extracurricular activities enhances the learning experience. Why Oakland Business Honors Direct Admit Program? The Oakland Business Honors Program delivers personalized attention to help me figure out exactly what I want to do in the future.
	Max Major: Finance and Accounting Honors College Why OU? Oakland’s business program has a good reputation. Plus, I like the atmosphere of the mid-sized school with smaller classes. The Presidential Scholarship was a significant factor. Why business? I am interested in working with the stock market, learning more about how businesses run and the economy. I also have family members who pursued careers in business who enjoy their careers and have found success.
	Ryan Major: Finance Minor: Business Analytics Why Oakland’s Business Honors Program? As a student in Oakland’s Business Honors Program you take business honors courses every semester instead of just taking general education courses. This allows us to test the waters sooner when it comes to choosing a major and career. I know I will be able to make a much better decision about my future because of my involvement in the Business Honors Program.
	Ryanne Major: Accounting Honors College Why business? I discovered a passion for business my sophomore year of high school when I got involved in the Virtual Enterprises International class, where I got to dive into different areas like marketing, accounting and human resources. Why Oakland’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? Digging into more content with members of my cohort, sharing what we are learning makes it so easy to enjoy the classes and learn from each other. I’m impressed with the personal attention we receive, the professors are great, and it is a real community where we all work together cohesively and enjoy being together.
	Shelby Major: Marketing Minor: Business Analytics Honors College Why OU? I chose Oakland University because of its academic opportunities, proximity to home and its beautiful campus. With the opportunity to be a part of both Oakland’s Honors College and the Business Honors Program, I knew I would receive an excellent education. Both programs push me to my full potential. The Business Honors Program will especially grant me the skills that will help me find my future business career. Why business? With an avid interest in the equestrian industry, I realized early I did not want to pursue a typical equine career as veterinarian or trainer. Still, I wanted to work with horses, in consultation with my parents, I decided to pursue a career that can combine my passion for horses with my photography and writing skills.

Can I be part of the Oakland Honors College as well as the Business Honors program?
Absolutely. The Honors College and the Business Honors Direct Admit program are complementary. All Honors College core courses satisfy the general education requirements of Oakland University and some core courses may also satisfy the ethnic diversity and writing in the Gen Ed requirement. Students in the Honors College work toward completing the HC requirements in conjunction with their major.

What is an example of a required experiential learning activity?
The Oakland business school offers students many opportunities to take part in experiential learning activities. Many of our high-achieving students take advantage of more than one. Options include: completing an internship, participating in Business Scholars, taking the Student Managed Investment Fund course (FIN 4900), and an international trip.

I can’t afford to travel, how can I meet the mandatory international experience?
While traveling internationally is a tremendous experience that students say it can’t be beat, it isn’t the only way to fulfill this requirement. Business Honors students can fulfill the international experience requirement by taking a foreign language class or international business elective. Keep in mind scholarships are often made available to help business students offset the cost of an international trip.

I want to live on campus. Can I extend my Honors experience in the residence halls?
There are a couple options for Honors students living on campus. Those students accepted into the Honors College and who meet other criteria can apply for a spot in the Honors College Living Learning Community in Oak View Hall. Business Honors students also have the option of applying to live on the Business Special Interest Floor in Hamlin Hall. Space is limited in both halls, so be sure to apply as soon as you are admitted to Oakland University.

Can I apply to the direct admit Business Honors program if I am not a freshman or transfer student?
You can only apply and be admitted to the Business Honors program as an incoming freshman or as a transfer student in good standing at your transfer institution.