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.

4/5/23 - Business Honors Direct Admission - In-person Information Session

5/17/23 - Business Honors Direct Admission - In-person Information Session

6/21/23 - Business Honors Direct Admission - In-person Information Session

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 3.7 or greater following junior year
• The OU Business Honors Program is test optional and we will review ACT/SAT scores if students elect to submit them. Our students must complete Precalculus, as well as Composition 1, during the Fall of their first-semester in order to progress with their cohort.

Transfer
To be considered, incoming transfer students must:

• Meet the criteria listed above for freshmen, and
• Transfer GPA of 3.7 or greater from transfer institution
• If students transfer in with less than 24 credits, the HS GPA is also required
• If students transfer in with more than 24 credits, the HS GPA isn't required

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 2022 Cohort

Business Honors Students Fall 2022
	Courtney Major: Accounting Minor: Spanish Why did you choose Oakland University? When I took a campus tour over the summer, I already felt right at home and knew that Oakland would rise straight to the top of my list! Why did you choose to participate in the BHP? The BHP gives me an intimate community in which I receive the attention I need to further my education while pushing me to strive for success.
	Doug Major: Business Economics What is the most interesting aspect of the BHP (thus far)? Learning about all of the fun bonding activities and one in a lifetime experiences that will happen. Why did you choose to participate in the BHP? I think this honors business program suited my standards and was exactly what I needed/ was looking for.
	Emily Major: Exploring Have you had any internships - if yes what was the most important lesson from that experience? I currently work at a law office and collections agency and have learned so much in the past year. Mostly, I've become well-versed in picking up new skills at the drop of a hat and adapting to difficult and different scenarios every day. It has also been important to learn how to operate in a professional setting with all different kinds of coworkers. What activities/organizations are you involved with on campus (or hope to be)? I plan to be active with the student government organizations on campus and the creative writing club. Judging by my past involvement with activities, probably many more as well!
	Mackenzie Major: Human Resources Management Why did you choose Oakland University? I grew up with OU in my backyard so to speak! As a kid I attended so many events, camps, and activities on campus over the years that it just feels like home now. Plus, I already have a huge collection of OU swag! Besides these memorable times, I chose OU for their reputable business program and smaller class sizes. In addition, I love the campus and positive vibe it radiates. Why did you choose to participate in the BHP? I am excited to be a part of the BHP to meet other peers with common interests and go through classes together as a cohort. I feel like being with the same group of classmates along this journey will encourage more growth as well as build a strong network with one another.
	Zohaib Major: Accounting Have you had any internships - if yes what was the most important lesson from that experience? Yes, I was a member of the Administrative Support Staff at the Salus Group and while I learned how to work audits, the most important lesson I learned was how to properly perform in a professional setting and make connections with other staff members. What activities/organizations are you involved with on campus (or hope to be)? Collegiate DECA, Oakland Accounting Student Information Society (OASIS), Entrepreneurs In Action, Muslim Student Association, Pakistani Student Association, Oakland University Judo Club

Fall 2021 Cohort

Business Honors Students Fall 2021
	Brinkley Major: Marketing Why the OU Business Honors Program? OU is a great university that is close to home. I love all the special opportunities the BHP offers me.
	Isabel Major: Economics Why the OU and the Business Honors Program? Scholarships brought me to OU. The cohort style and small class size led me to the Business Honors Program. Involvement: Intramural volleyball, Younglife, Collective, Business Honors
	Kennedy Major: Human Resources Management Why the OU Business Honors Program? The cohort structure and the way the classes are organized throughout the year is an interesting aspect. It also offers people and resources when you have questions. I also read about the many ways it encourages leading in the business field. Involvement: Society for Human Resources Management, Women in Business, Business Honors
	Ryan Major: Exploring What is most interesting about the Business Honors Program? I have already learned a lot about networking and have been able to apply some the skills learned in class to my life. The BHP seemed like a great way to meet new people with similar interests, and it allows me to take classes very well suited to my major sooner.
	Shira Major: Accounting Why OU? I chose OU because of the welcoming atmosphere. There is always somewhere to go to get academic help. The business program was also a factor. Involvement: Business Honors, Honors College, Center for Multicultural Initiatives
	Zac Major: Finance Why OU? I love the campus and it offered a lot of great opportunities. Why the Business Honors Program? It’s a great program with unique, hands-on business experience. Plus, smaller classroom environment and learning with same classmates together.

Fall 2020 Cohort

Business Honors Students Fall 2020
	Eli Major: Human Resource Management Why Oakland University? Oakland University has always been very welcoming. Every time the representatives visited my high school they were always helpful and lovely. My friends and past teachers all gave Oakland University a thumbs up! The programs are awesome. Why Oakland’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? Oakland’s Business Honors Program has given many opportunities that I otherwise would have missed out on. I really enjoy my peers and getting to know them. Being able to talk with others in the same situation as I am is a good feeling.
	Hannah Major: Operations Management with Project Management specialization Minor: Writing Why Oakland University? Once I learned about the perks of the Business Honors Program at Oakland University and toured the campus, I knew it was the place for me. The small, personalized classes of the BHP combined with the culture of the campus felt right. Most interesting aspect of Oakland University’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? I like the small cohort group because I will get to know everyone in the BHP classes for the next several years. It is nice to know we are all there to help each other succeed.
	Maris Major: Human Resource Management Minor: Sociology Why Oakland University’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? I chose to be part of Oakland’s Business Honors Program to build relationships with my peers and challenge myself. I love the sense of community within our cohort. The BHP made the transition to college infinitely easier because I already had a group of people who I knew had my back.
	Mitchell Major: Marketing Minor: Entrepreneurship Why Oakland University? I chose Oakland University because it is one of, if not the only, university that has a Business Honors Program. This program allows us to focus on all things business as well as commit to a major early in our college experience. Most interesting aspect of Oakland University’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? Being a member of a cohort of individuals who are all centered on business and have classes together is an interesting component of the program. The cohort allows us to make friends early and keep the friendships going through our four years. The cohort aspect is not something you can get from regular college life, with regular classes.
	Samantha Major: Business Economics Minor: Finance Why Oakland University? I chose Oakland University because of the community of students and the support I received during the application and admissions process. I applied to the Business Honors Program because I wanted to be challenged and pushed outside of my comfort zone in a positive environment. Most interesting aspect of Oakland University’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? The freshman seminar is most interesting because it gave me the chance to meet the members of my cohort, learn a lot of important skills and discover opportunities at Oakland University.
	Sukhman Major: General Management Minor: Entrepreneurship Why Oakland University? Oakland University offers the combination of opportunities and affordability. Why Oakland’s Business Honors Direct Admit Program? I chose OU’s Business Honors Program to help me meet new people, explore potential career paths and expand my social branch.

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 with Business Analytics specialization 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: Finance with Wealth Management specialization 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: Operations Management with Project Management specialization 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.

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.