By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Oakland University and Macomb Community College have combined forces for OU at Macomb, a program that provides high-quality education within the boundaries of Macomb County, a seamless transition to OU for bachelor’s degree completion and, starting next fall, it will offer the state’s first dual-degree program.

Focusing on high-demand career fields, students will get hands-on education, applied research opportunities and enhanced cultural experiences through joint admission and concurrent enrollment at the two schools. Eligible students will receive an associate degree from Macomb while pursuing a bachelor’s degree at OU. The students will receive field-specific education along with the unique undergraduate and graduate experiences all Oakland University students receive.   

“Oakland University is pleased to partner with Macomb Community College to provide enhanced, market-driven educational programs that citizens of Macomb County and the entire state want and need,” said Oakland University President Gary Russi. “Moreover, by sharing resources, Oakland and Macomb are following the recommendations of the Cherry Commission and working toward the governor’s goal of producing more college graduates ready to make an immediate contribution to the workforce and the state’s economic vitality.”

To facilitate the increasing demand for undergraduate and graduate degree offerings in Macomb County, Macomb Community College will build the third phase of the Macomb University Center, which is estimated to open in the fall of 2007. The construction will include a 40,000-square-foot addition and renovations to the current University Center to serve as headquarters for the OU at Macomb program. Macomb Community College’s University Center opened in 1988 and more than 2,700 students rely on the center for bachelor’s and master’s programs.

“Innovative partnerships like OU at Macomb are a win-win for Michigan students and our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor John Cherry Jr. “We can ensure that our children have access to the education they need to succeed while guaranteeing Michigan businesses the well-trained workforce they need to compete in a global economy. This partnership is the first step toward developing comprehensive postsecondary opportunities for Macomb County.”

Other elements of the partnership include enhanced applied research opportunities and expanded cultural enrichment programming.

“Oakland University is making an unprecedented commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for residents of Macomb County,” Russi said. “This partnership will go a long way toward aligning higher education in Michigan with emerging employment needs, and building a workforce with the talent and skills needed for success in the 21st century – a combination of field-specific education with a grounding in liberal arts.”

For more information on the OU at Macomb program, including course offerings and admission information, visit the OU at Macomb Web site or call (586) 263-6242.