Oakland University

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Preparing for Professional HR Careers at Oakland

Oakland University is also featured in our ranking of the 25 Best Return On Investment Degrees in Human Resource Management (Bachelor’s).

At Nancy & Hugh Elliott Hall, the School of Business Administration awards a Human Resources Management BS with a 20:1 student-teacher ratio for Oakland University Golden Grizzles to learn organizational strategies for peak workplace performance. Chaired by Dr. Lizabeth Barclay, the 124-credit, SHRM-aligned plan integrates 280 internship hours into 4000-level major courses like Labor Relations and Employee Motivation for 92 percent job placement. Founded in Fall 1983, the Human Resources Management MBA trains upper-level leaders for overseeing personnel functions with a median starting salary of $80,400. Directed by Dr. Michael Mazzeo, the 36-credit, 16-month Rochester Hills degree offers AACSB-accredited courses from Business Ethics to Change Management. Other opportunities include joining DECA, conducting Southeast Michigan Economic Center research, engaging with the Women in Business Mentor Program, traveling to Beijing, and choosing an accelerated Anton/Frankel Center format.

About Oakland University

Oakland University originated in 1957 when founders Alfred and Matilda Dodge Wilson donated $2 million plus their Meadow Brook Farm to build Michigan State University-Oakland. In 1959, President D.B. “Woody” Varner welcomed the inaugural class of 570 to Pontiac Township for $255. Renamed in 1963, Oakland University became independent of the MSU System in 1970. In 1981, the Honors College was officially chartered for individuals with GPAs above 3.5. In 1983, the School of Business Administration was organized. In 1985, Oakland University first connected to the internet via the Merit network. One decade later, OU launched its earliest distance learning programs. By 2012, Oakland had built its first LEED-certified Platinum building for sustainability. That November, OU hosted a Republican presidential primary debate. In 2013, the Golden Grizzlies joined the NCAA Division I Horizon League with 16 teams.


Endowed for $91.6 million, Oakland University now educates 15,799 undergrad and 3,510 post-grad Golden Grizzlies from 60 countries online or on the 1,443-acre, 50-building Rochester Hills campus of Metro Detroit with 300+ clubs like Beta Gamma Sigma for 77 percent retention. In 2010, Oakland received the SHRM Student Chapter Superior Merit Award. In 2019, Oakland won the NACADA Outstanding Advising Program Award. Oakland University accepted a 2018 CASE District V Circle of Excellence Award too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Oakland the 350th best undergraduate business school. On Niche, OU boasts America’s 249th best location and 293rd top public education. Forbes placed Oakland University 225th among research institutions. Washington Monthly named OU the 274th best college. CEO magazine applauded Oakland for the 24th best global Executive MBA.

Oakland University Accreditation Details

On June 7, 2019, Oakland University received an updated Institutional Status Report from the Higher Learning Commission on North Central Association (HLC-NCA) that renewed the Level VI accreditation through 2028-29 under the seventh president, Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, who earned the Robert H. Williams Distinguished Leadership Award. Located 307 miles west via Interstate 69 in Chicago, Illinois, this giant 19-state Great Lakes Region accreditor is recognized by the U.S. Education Department to review OU’s 143 bachelor’s, 53 master’s, 20 doctoral, and 56 certificate programs. Further, the School of Business Administration was reaffirmed by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International on February 5, 2019. The Human Resources Management BS is also certified by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Oakland University Application Requirements

Enrollment at Oakland University is classified “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because 8,691 of the 10,296 Fall 2018 applicants were successful for selective 84 percent acceptance. First-year Golden Grizzlies seeking the Human Resources Management BS must complete high-quality academic preparation for a high school or GED diploma. Cumulative GPAs of 3.2 and higher are strongly preferred. GPAs of 2.5-3.19 are considered by case. The Class of 2022 presented a median GPA of 3.47. The middle 50th percentile had SAT scores of 1010-1230. Mid-range admitted ACT scores were 21-27. Testing minimums are 960 on the SAT and 18 on the ACT. Collegiate transfers need 24+ accredited undergrad credits and GPAs above 2.5. The Graduate School requires at least four-year baccalaureate degrees and “B” averages. Non-native English speakers need 550 TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS, 77 MELAB, or better scores. School of Business Administration entrants must achieve 500 and greater GMAT scores. If taken, minimum 144 GRE Verbal and 147 GRE Quantitative scores are suggested.

Oakland University has rolling undergrad admission with priority deadlines of July 15th for Fall, November 15th for Winter, or March 1st for Summer starts. Non-U.S. residents should file by May 1st, September 1st, or January 1st. Business Honors Direct Admit forms are due December 1st. The Graduate School has final Human Resources Management MBA deadlines of July 15th and November 15th. Priority dates are February 15th and October 1st. Accordingly, complete the OU Application online for $45. Send official transcripts electronically or to 318 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester Hills, MI 48309. Forward testing reports via SAT/GRE code 1497, GMAT code ZVT-MW-68, or ACT code 2033. Attach checklist items, such as the test waiver, curriculum vitae or resume, two recommendations, and essay. Contact (248) 370-3360 or [email protected] with questions.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2019-20, Oakland University is charging in-state freshmen and sophomores $13,346 annually. Non-resident Human Resources Management BS majors pay $24,710 each lower-division year. Juniors and seniors pay $14,432 or $24,728 respectively. Residing at the Rochester campus’ dorms like Hillcrest Hall adds $10,430 to $11,515 for yearly room and board. Voluntary 75-meal plans for Vandenberg Dining Hall are $525 per semester. OU budgets $784 for books and $2,434 for personal needs. Annual undergrad attendance equals about $28,456 in-state and $39,352 out-of-state. The School of Business Administration bills full-time Michiganders $15,278 and non-residents $21,260 each post-grad year. Note the Executive MBA has flat-rate tuition of $17,400 for everyone.

According to the NCES College Navigator, the Student Financial Services Office in North Foundation Hall Room 120 helps 64 percent of full-time Oakland Golden Grizzlies earn median aid of $7,804 each for $79.05 million combined. Human resource management funds include the Jeff Dupuis Scholarship, Gina & Jeff Petherick Scholarship, Ken Morris Center for the Study of Labor Scholarship, Macomb County Fast-Track Scholarship, Barbara & Allen Gough Scholarship, Benedettini-Pearson Scholarship, Catherine Tyler Memorial Scholarship, Chiu Family Scholarship, Frances Amos Scholarship, and Helander SBA Social Impact Scholarship. The Platinum Presidential Scholar Award gifts $12,000 annually to freshmen meeting the 1450 SAT or 33 ACT minimum. The $5,000 Phi Theta Kappa Award assists community college transfers with 24+ credits and GPAs above 3.5. Federal resources, such as the Pell Grant or Graduate Plus Loan, require FAFSA applications coded 002307 by March 1st. Michiganders could also receive the Children of Veterans Grant, Dual Enrollment Grant, Fostering Futures Scholarship, Competitive Scholarship, Gear Up Scholarship, and Tuition Incentive Grant.

Keep reading about Oakland University at the School of Business Administration website.