By Katie Land, news editor
Oakland University - Macomb will host an open house highlighting bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available in Macomb County from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 2.
Current and future students, parents and residents in the Macomb County area are invited to learn more about these programs, the facilities and financial aid efforts, as well as to meet the staff and consider enrollment options for summer courses and the fall 2009 semester.
Once again, Oakland is offering new, more flexible classes and broader degree programs to serve residents in the community. These changes are in response to student aspirations and a growing need for higher education, particularly in the medical and education fields.
“We have made a commitment to Macomb residents to develop new programs that respond to the needs in Macomb County,” said Julie Dichtel, regional director for outreach.
Among the new programs offered this fall are a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Integrative Studies and a Master of Training and Development degree. Both the Integrative Studies and Training and Development programs are designed for adult learners, with some courses offered in a convenient weekend format, according to Dichtel. The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program will be offered in two locations in Macomb County; Clinton Township and Southern Macomb County.
The recent announcement of plans for a satellite campus in Macomb County called Oakland University – Macomb has garnered much positive attention and support, according to Vice President for Outreach Mary Otto.
“Perhaps the most excitement comes from students in Macomb County having the opportunity to complete a four-year degree locally,” she said. “In addition, there is an increasing pressure on professionals in the community to enhance their skill set, so the graduate programs in professional areas have become very popular.”
This only increases the value of the groundbreaking Macomb2Oakland (M2O) program, which is the first concurrent enrollment program in Michigan and brings much-needed quality education options right into resident’s backyards.
“M2O is one of the many ways that Oakland is striving to help students find affordable options to obtain a degree. With M2O, students are dually admitted to the university and to Macomb Community College so they can take up to half of their credits at MCC,” Otto continued. “I believe that dual admissions strengthen the determination of students to complete both their associate's and bachelor's degrees.”
M2O students will be able to make the most of their education, in the most budget-friendly way. They may be able to save more than $12,000 by taking classes toward the same degree through both Oakland and Macomb, and may be eligible for the new debt-free tuition program at Oakland, making their education truly affordable.
With the satellite campus in progress, more financial aid options on the way and consistently new and flexible programs offered, Oakland University – Macomb is an incredible resource for residents and fills a great need in Macomb County.
Otto sums it up best. “Clearly these new programs are about serving students and without question, students will be the primary beneficiaries. At the same time, it is important to recognize the value that Oakland University's presence contributes to the economic growth of the overall community.”
To reserve a space for the open house or for more information about the Macomb2Oakland program, visit
www.oakland.edu/macomb or call (586) 263-6242.
