Oakland University's Department of Music, Theater and Dance (MTD) received three separate accreditations to all three areas for a period of five years.

"Oakland University is one of the few universities in the country to receive accreditation in music, theatre and dance in the same year," said Carol Halsted, chair of MTD. "It attests to the quality of the performing arts at Oakland."

The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) approved the music area for membership for degrees in Bachelor of Arts in Music; Bachelor of Music in Performance, Music Education and Composition; and Master of Music in Performance, Pedagogy, Music Education, Composition and Conducting.

The National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) approved the theater area for membership with the four-year degree of Bachelor of Arts: Performing Arts (Theatre Performance, Music Theatre, Theatre Production).

The National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) approved the dance area for membership with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Dance.

The process of preparing for application and hosting accreditation visits lasted two years.

In 1999, the MTD prepared for application by conducting a self-study of evaluation of the current programs and facilities. In November 2000, with application submitted, the department hosted three separate campus visits from NASM, NAST and NASD. Each visit was conducted by a team of evaluators who observed classes, toured facilities and met with faculty, staff and students of each area to asses the state of each program.

The next accreditation visit is scheduled for 2006-2007.