Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration program prepares graduates for leadership roles in various sectors. The curriculum integrates global awareness, entrepreneurial thinking, and essential business fundamentals and focuses on key managerial skills such as effective information management, resource optimization, and understanding human behavior.

Oakland University’s MBA will put you on the path to leadership and managerial roles. Oakland emphasizes all the functional areas of business in a case-based and action-based learning environment.

With flexible options, including on-campus evening courses and online classes, students can tailor their education to fit their schedules and preferences.

A program leading to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a special emphasis on information technology and international business is offered by the School of Business Administration. It is designed to educate students for managerial roles in private, public, or not-for-profit sectors of the economy.

The MBA program is designed for undergraduate majors from any discipline, including business or management. It is preferred that students with an undergraduate degree in business or one of the functional areas of management have two years of work experience before entering the MBA program. A typical entering class may consist of undergraduate majors from engineering, the natural sciences, the social sciences, computer science, mathematics, business, health care, education, and the humanities.

The program is based on the belief that an education in management should:

• Prepare students for careers involving problem identification, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership in any type of organization
• Emphasize the determination of goals and the effective utilization of scarce resources
• Help students understand and effectively interact with the emerging workplace issues of globalization and diversity
• Assist students in understanding the effects of, and successfully deal with, the changing social, legal, ethical, and technological environments of the organization
• Stress understanding of human behavior and the organizational setting, for much of management, relates to people - understanding them, communicating with them, working with them, and leading them
• Stress the importance of the management of information technology resources in the successful operation of an organization.

Students in the MBA program may choose to focus their elective work in one of the ten areas of concentration offered at Oakland University or select to choose from a variety of elective courses for more general study. Currently, the MBA program at Oakland University has areas of concentration in accounting, business economics, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources management, international business, management information systems, marketing, production/operations management, and supply chain management.

Length of Program

The length of the MBA program varies from 36 to 48 credits (not including prerequisites), depending on the student’s prior preparation.

Full-time students normally take 9 credits (three courses) in each of the fall and winter semesters and 6 credits (two courses) in the summer semester. The full-time student can finish the complete 48-credit program in less than two years. Students with sufficient background in business courses may be able to complete the minimum 36-credit MBA program in 16 months of full-time study.

Part-time students taking six courses per year can finish the complete 48-credit program in two and two-thirds calendar years (32 months) in a year-round program

The School of Business Administration at Oakland University is your gateway to a thriving career in business. Whether you've always envisioned a future in the business world or are just beginning to explore your interests, our school offers comprehensive programs that cater to your aspirations. From bachelor's and master's degrees to certificate programs, we provide the educational foundation needed to achieve your goals. Our distinguished faculty, dedicated advising services, and strategic partnerships with thriving global organizations in our proximity create an environment where Oakland University business students can access extensive professional resources and support. We prioritize a small student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention for each student.

Our focus on experiential learning and connection to a vast alumni network further enhances your preparation for a successful and rewarding career. The Oakland University School of Business Administration holds elite AACSB-International accreditation in business which is only held by 5% of business schools worldwide and also holds the supplemental accreditation in accounting, held by 194 schools worldwide. The school is consistently recognized by Princeton Review Best Business Schools, U.S. News & World Report, CEO Magazine, and more as a top business school. Choose Oakland University for an education that goes beyond the ordinary, preparing you with vital career advantages that will set you apart in today's competitive business landscape.

About Oakland University

At Oakland University, our students learn and grow in the epicenter of opportunity. OU is a public doctoral research institution in Greater Metro Detroit that promotes a global perspective amid an inclusive, close-knit community. We empower more than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students with experiential education and diverse opportunities. Our 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio enhances student-centered, personalized instruction. We pride ourselves in offering flexible class schedules, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive student services. On a campus infused with academics, arts, and Division I athletics, our Golden Grizzlies set the pulse of our community.

With a $1 billion economic footprint, Oakland University is a regional powerhouse with an international reach. Internships and research opportunities with corporate partners embolden our students to go beyond the books. By forging relationships with hundreds of businesses, including hospitals, Fortune 500 companies, cities, government agencies, and educational institutions, OU connects students to their community, career, and beyond.

Oakland’s roots stem from the generosity of Alfred Wilson and Matilda Dodge Wilson. In 1957, they donated their historic estate and $2 million to Michigan State University to plant the seed for progress by establishing a satellite school, named Michigan State University - Oakland. Since then, OU has flourished, impacting tens of thousands of students who call Oakland University their alma mater.

OU Mission and Vision

Oakland University Mission Statement

Oakland University cultivates the full potential of a diverse and inclusive community. As a public doctoral institution, we impact Michigan and the world through education, research, scholarship, and creative activity.

Oakland University Vision Statement

Oakland University will unlock the potential of individuals and leave a lasting impact on the world through the transformative power of education and research.