Degree Programs Overview

   Consistent with the concept and philosophy of a comprehensive community college, Oakland Community College offers a curriculum with widely diversified programs of study to meet the varying needs of students and to respond to existing and emerging social and economic trends. The rigors of the programs and the demands placed on the student allow comparison of these curricula to the best in the country.
   Should the institution feel obligated for reasons including, but not limited to, low enrollment or financial constraints, the college reserves the right to terminate any courses or programs from its offerings.

Degree Programs / Oakland Community College offers programs leading to five degrees:

   The curricula of applied sciences are designed to prepare students for immediate business, technical or  semiprofessional employment. A majority of available jobs requires advanced education beyond high school, but does not necessarily require a four-year degree.
   The graduates of the applied sciences programs also have a sound base for continuing their formal education toward a Bachelor’s degree. Many four-year institutions are developing options such as Bachelor of Technology degrees that facilitate the transfer of students from technical programs. For information relative to this type of option, students should contact the counseling office on campus. Career selection seminars are available to familiarize the student with the variety of job opportunities that exist and permit the student to make an intelligent selection of a specific occupational field of study. During the seminar, students prepare a personalized plan of study to develop the necessary skills and capabilities for a chosen career. This structure permits students to solidify their interests and test their ability prior to making a final career selection and enables them to switch from one technical major to another with a minimum loss of credit and time.
   Applied sciences cooperative work experiences at Oakland Community College include a planned combination of related work experience in business and industry, supplemented by specially designed instructional activities. These internships are part of many occupationally oriented educational programs and provide special experiences through agreement among the employer, Oakland Community College and the student.
   The Associate in Business Administration Degree offers a strong foundation in areas fundamental to business studies, such as accounting, economics and mathematics. Students elect the Associate in Business Degree as a basis for further study toward a Bachelor Degree. Before taking business courses, students should consult a counselor since the requirements of fouryear colleges and universities, both private and public, vary considerably. The Associate in Business Administration Degree meets the requirements of the MACRAO transfer agreement.
   The Associate in General Studies Degree is designed for students choosing to pursue widely varying areas of interest. The degree is not designed for career students, nor is it designed to meet the four-year transfer college requirements of the MACRAO agreement. Flexibility is provided so the required 62 credit hours can be met as individually appropriate.
   The Associate in Liberal Arts Degree emphasizes foreign languages, literature, science, mathematics, music, economics, philosophy, sociology and psychology. Students elect the Liberal Arts Degree as a basis for further study toward a Bachelor Degree, as a basis for employment in a variety of positions which require a broad college education and for cultural enrichment. The Liberal Arts Degree may serve as the base for baccalaureate-level studies or as the preparation for graduate and professional degrees (e.g. law, medicine). Refer to this catalog for Liberal Arts Degree concentrations in Fine Arts/Visual, Music, Pre-International Commerce and Broadcast Arts. These Associate in Liberal Arts Degrees meet the MACRAO transfer agreement requirements.
   The Associate in Science program is a carefully designed collection of coursework linked to demanding requirements found in higher levels of science education and training. The Associate in Science Degree offers a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and the environmental sciences. Students elect the Associate in Science Degree as a basis for further study toward a Bachelor Degree and as preprofessional course work in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Another option is the Pre-Engineering Program which provides familiarity with various engineering disciplines and practical application of theoretical knowledge. These Associate in Science Degrees meet the MACRAO transfer agreement requirements.

Extended Degree Programs /  Because this is an institutional requirement that goes beyond the normal 62 credit hours, the college recognizes the efforts of students by designating such programs as Extended Degree Programs. Upon completion of an extended degree program, students will receive documentation of the fact that they have completed an extended program and appropriate notation will be made on their diplomas. Because of advances in technology and the increasing complexity of various occupational programs, such recognition has become appropriate.

About the Listing of Programs /   The programs and courses shown are offered as guidelines. Requirements for these programs may be met through appropriate course substitutions. Each student is urged to see a counselor to construct a personal plan of work. Because of the special nature of certain programs, such as those having national or state accreditation standards, additional rules and conditions may apply to these programs as a variance from those that are generally applied to the institution. Such programs conduct an orientation wherein these rules and conditions are explained to students. In such cases, the rules are available for review by prospective students and others by contacting the appropriate department.

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