About the School of Business
The Oakland University School of Business Administration delivers undergraduate and graduate programs that merge the teaching talents of dedicated faculty researchers and experienced business leaders with the latest technologies and applications. Oakland business graduates launch highly successful, rewarding careers in a competitive global environment in corporations, non-profits, the community and in entrepreneurial ventures in Michigan and around the world.
In its first half century, Oakland’s School of Business Administration evolved from a small business program to an internationally accredited business school. Thanks to the work of its expert faculty members and the success of its graduates, the school has experienced tremendous growth in its reputation in the business and research community.
At Oakland University’s School of Business Administration, you’ll find programs that integrate theory, research and experience, giving you the unique combination of solid academic preparation and practical skills necessary to succeed professionally. The business school offers nine undergraduate business majors and 12 minors, five master’s degree programs, and a wealth of graduate certificates.
OU's business school is one of about 190 business schools worldwide to hold elite accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International for both its business and accounting programs.
With more than 18,000 business school alumni at work at all levels of organizations through Michigan and around the world, our students graduate with access to a powerful network of professionals and industry leaders who appreciate the value of an OU business degree.
Small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 21-to-1 means business school faculty and staff know our students’ names and career aspirations. Combined with vast support resources located right in Elliott Hall and plentiful opportunities for real-world business practice, Oakland business graduates go on to achieve highly successful, rewarding careers in a fiercely competitive global marketplace. On average, more than 94 percent of our graduates secure professional employment shortly after graduating.
OU's School of Business offers an active, vibrant network for businesses, community leaders, researchers and students to explore current and emerging issues, and build partnerships that drive solutions. By building on our legacy of strong academic curriculum and partnerships that advance knowledge, we are uniquely positioned to deliver real value to business, to effectively prepare students and to serve the community – within Michigan and beyond.
Our Mission
To provide a leading-edge business education that enriches students’ intellectual perspectives and career horizons and prepares them for personal and professional success in a global economy.
Our Vision
To be the center of business education and business school of choice for aspiring students, faculty, entrepreneurs, employers, and community partners in Southeast Michigan and beyond.
Core Values
We build a sustainable and inclusive intellectual community that facilitates critical thinking, experiential learning, impactful research, global understanding, and community engagement.
Strategic Goals
- Provide a leading-edge business education
- Produce impactful research
- Sustain an inclusive academic environment
- Promote community engagement
The Board of Visitors of OU’s School of Business Administration is comprised of business leaders who support the school in developing transformational programs that continue to integrate education with real-world application and skills, and research with business of today and future, while providing an overarching global perspective. Specifically, members of the Board:
- Advise and assist the Dean in implementing the strategic vision of the School
- Raise resources for the School's various programs
- Advocate for the School within the business community
Board Members
Ken Janke
Board Chairman
OU SBA Alumni
Retired Treasurer,
Aflac Incorporated
Ray Gunn
Board Vice Chairman
OU SBA Alumni
CEO,
Wingspan Group, LLC
Valiena A. Allison
OU SBA Alumni
Retired Owner, CEO & Chairman,
Experi-Metal, Inc.
Gary Brancaleone
OU SBA Alumni
Retired Senior Investment Specialist,
Portfolio Solutions, LLC
Bob Broderdorf, Jr.
OU SBA Alumni
Senior Vice President, Head of Jeep Brand North America
Stellantis
Asalyn Coachman
Financial Advisor,
Prudential
George Corona
OU SBA Alumni
Retired President & CEO,
Kelly Services
Brian Edgar
Managing Director – Investments,
Wells Fargo Advisors
R. Hugh Elliott*
Honorary Alumni
President and CEO,
Elliott International Group
Mark Guthrie
OU SBA Alumni
Director IS&S & CIO,
AM General LLC
Judy Hegelund
OU SBA Alumni
US Policy Strategy & Compliance Leader & Managing Director,
Deloitte
Bryan Kieler
OU SBA Alumni
Senior VP, Market Manager and Community Development Banking,
PNC Bank
Stefanie Kimball
OU SBA Alumni
Chief Lending Officer & Executive VP,
Independent Bank Corp
Mary Mbiya
DEI Leader
Mark Mendola*
OU SBA Alumni
Vice Chairman & US Managing Partner,
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Chuck Pierce
Ex-Officio to the Board
Dean and Professor of Management,
School of Business Administration, Oakland University
Bill Sandy*
Retired Chairman & Founder,
Sandy Corporation
Craig Stinson*
OU SBA Alumni
Executive Advisor,
Wind Point Partners
*Emeritus Member
Since 1959, Oakland University’s School of Business has evolved from a small liberal arts business program in the College of Arts and Sciences to a Department of Economics and Business Administration to an AACSB-accredited business school offering undergraduate and graduate business degrees. Over the last four decades, OU’s business school has experienced tremendous growth in its reputation in the business and research community, thanks to the work of its expert faculty members and the success of its graduates in the work world.
In Oakland University’s new College of Arts and Sciences, students could earn a Bachelor of Arts in economics or business administration. As was common for that time, the business program was part of the economics program. By 1963, the economics program had become the Department of Economics and Business Administration and was housed in North Foundation Hall.
In 1969, the Department of Economics and Business Administration evolved into the School of Economics and Management, offering a BS in Management. Throughout this time, the school added courses and majors in accounting, finance, marketing, human resources management and management information systems.
In 1971 the school launched its first master’s program in business called the Master of Science in Management.
In 1979 the School of Management faculty committed to earning accreditation from AACSB-International, the premier business school accrediting organization.
In 1980 the Master of Science in Management evolved into the Master in Business Administration.
By Fall 1983, the school enrolled 2,085 undergraduates (90 economics majors and 1,995 business students) and 293 master’s students.
During this time, the school moved from North Foundation Hall to the first two floors of West Vandenberg Hall, and then to Varner Hall, where it shared four floors with the departments of Music, Sociology/Anthropology and Political Science.
In recognition of changes to its undergraduate business program and the new MBA name, the school became the School of Business Administration. During this period, the business school organized into four academic departments – accounting/finance, decision information systems, economics, and management/marketing.
The school formed its first Board of Visitors. This group of executives and managers, led by chairman James McDonald, president, General Motors, provided advice and support to the SBA.
In 1988 the business school earned accreditation of both its undergraduate and MBA programs from AACSB-International. The SBA was reaccredited in 1994.
The school continued to offer a BA and BS in Economics and the BS with majors in accounting, finance, general management, HRM, MIS and marketing. In addition to the MBA, the SBA partnered with the School of Engineering and Computer Science to deliver some course work for its Masters of Science in Engineering Management.
Unusual for business schools in the 1980's, female undergraduate students comprised 61% of the 2,212 student population in 1988. Enrollment in the MBA program fluctuated during 1983-94, and was at 321 in 1994.
In 1995, the school began offering the evening MBA program off-campus in Birmingham.
In 1997, the school introduced the Applied Technology in Business minor, the Masters in Accounting and the Executive MBA in Health Care Management.
In 2000, the school moved into the newly constructed Elliott Hall, which received its name from major donors Nancy and Hugh Elliott.
In 2001, the Master of Science in Information Technology Management was introduced.
In 2004-05, the school began offering undergraduate business courses at Macomb Community College.
In 2005, the business school was reaccredited by the AACSB-International.
An entrepreneurship minor and many post-master certificate programs were also introduced during this time.
In 2007, the business school introduced two programs geared to enhance the undergraduate experience: ACHIEVE, which indoctrinates students to the changing nature of business careers, and introduces them to financial literacy and business ethics by engaging them with regional business professionals as mentors; and Scholars, this competitive program uses case competitions and community projects to enhance the leadership skills of students.
In 2008, the school introduced the Experiential Learning and Innovation program where graduate business students work to solve corporate-sponsored business and entrepreneurial challenges.
In 2009, Oakland University’s School of Business again completed an intensive review process that culminated in the reaccreditation for both its business and accounting programs.
The school introduced its Center for Integrated Business Research and Education (CIBRE) in 2009. CIBRE offers a collection of unique experiential learning programs and activities that create opportunities for business students to develop and sharpen work skills in the real world, on real projects for real organizations – skills and experiences that differentiate them as they enter a competitive job market.
In 2010, the school sponsored the start of a new student organization – the Society for Applied Investment in Finance Education (SAIFE) which encourages hands-on financial education by providing students with donor funds to invest in security markets to learn investment strategies.
In December 2010, the school opened the Stinson Student Advancement Center, which provides a one-stop area offering student services, meeting and lounging areas, and first-rate technology, including a virtual conferencing facility.
The Tim and Marsha Healy Café, opened in February 2011, serves Elliott Hall visitors a selection of fresh food items and Starbucks products.
AACSB-International recognized the OU School of Business Administration’s ACHIEVE career and professional development program as a best practice in 2014.
In 2015, the $2-million Student Managed Investment Fund, powered by The Kresge Foundation, in new Data Analytics and Trading Floor Lab welcomes first students.
The OU business school began hosting summer camps for high school students starting summer 2015.
In 2016, the Oakland University School of Business Administration was recognized nationally for the first time by The Princeton Review Best Business Schools, U.S. News & World Report, Best Graduate Schools; and CEO Magazine North American MBA and Global EMBA lists.
The OU business school introduced Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Fall 2017.
In Fall 2018, the school relaunched the Executive MBA with a leadership focus and introduced two more graduate certificate programs geared for working professionals: Business Essentials and Finance.
U.S. News & World Report recognized Oakland undergraduate business programs in its 2018 publication.
In 2019, the OU School of Business added a Graduate Certificate in Information Security Management to its suite of programs for working professionals.
In Fall 2019, the School of Business Administration welcomed its first cohort of Business Honors Program students.
In Fall 2020, the 100% Online MBA program launched.
In Fall 2021, the Master of Science in Business Analytics program launched and three more graduate certificate programs were introduced: FinTech, Leadership in Business and Marketing.
In Fall 2022, the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management launched.
In Fall 2023 the following programs will launch: Online Master of Science in Information Technology Management, Online Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Science in Business Analytics 4+1 and Online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics.
In January 2024, the Master of Science in Finance program launched.
In Fall 2024, a Data Science Graduate Certificate and Digital Marketing minor launched.
The Oakland University business school offers undergraduate and graduate programs that merge the teaching talents of dedicated faculty researchers and experienced business leaders with the latest technologies and applications.
Small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 21-to-1 means business school faculty and staff know our students’ names and career aspirations. Combined with vast support resources located right in Elliott Hall and plentiful opportunities for real-world business practice, Oakland business graduates go on to achieve highly successful, rewarding careers in a fiercely competitive global marketplace.
Thanks to the reputation it is gaining within the region and beyond, the School of Business Administration at Oakland University has been recognized by several national organizations.
Recognition
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review recognizes the Oakland University School of Business Administration as one of the Best Business Schools in its annual rankings for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Read the profile from the 2023 edition here. The Oakland University School of Business Administration was also recognized as one of the Best Business Schools in the Midwest and included on the Best Online MBA Programs list. Read the Online MBA profile from the 2023 edition here.
U.S. News and World Report
U.S. News & World Report once again recognized the Oakland University School of Business in its 2023-2024 edition of Best Graduate Schools under the specialty of Best Part-Time MBA Programs. The OU MBA program has received this designation annually since 2019. See our profile here.
U.S. News & World Report recognized the Oakland University School of Business Online MBA program in its 2024 report on the Best Online MBA Programs.
U.S. News & World Report also recognized the OU School of Business for its Undergraduate Business Programs in 2018.
CEO Magazine's 2024 MBA Rankings
CEO Magazine’s 2024 MBA rankings names Oakland University’s MBA, Online MBA and Executive MBA programs among the best for students. The CEO Magazine MBA Rankings are designed with students in mind. It examines the nuts and bolts of an MBA: the learning environment, class sizes, tuition fees, faculty, delivery methods, international diversity, gender make-up and more. The objective is to identify schools which marry exceptional quality with great ROI. See the complete rankings.
EduRank
EduRank recognizes the Oakland University School of Business Administration as one of the top five best universities in Michigan in 2024. This list is based on research performance from university faculty in business and does not distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor adjust for current majors offered. View the full list here.
Business Majors
The business school at Oakland University is consistently recognized as a leading school for return on investment for Michigan business majors in Payscale’s Best Value College for Business report.
Best Values Schools ranks the Oakland University School of Business among the Best 15 Business Schools in Michigan in 2020.
Study.com places Oakland University's among the nation's top colleges and universities for degree programs in human resources.
Value Colleges recognized Oakland University’s Project Management Principles (PMP) as one of the top 25 programs in the nation on its 2020 list. Oakland’s ranking places it among other leading schools such as CalTech, UC Berkeley and Rochester Institute of Technology.
University HQ ranks Oakland University business programs among the best for finance, part-time MBA and hybrid MBA; and among the most affordable for human resources, finance, supply chain and operations management.
QS Reimagine Education Awards
The ACHIEVE Program was named the Overall Bronze Winner in the 2023 QS Reimagine Education Awards for the United States and Canada region throughout all 17 categories.
Fall 2024
School of Business Administration - Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,562*
View enrollment and outcomes reports:
- Enrollment by department, major and race/ethnicity for both undergraduate and graduate students
- New student demographic characteristics for both undergraduate and graduate students
- Undergraduate rates for graduation and retention
- Graduate rates for completion and retention
- Post-graduation outcomes for undergraduate students
*As reported by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.
AACSB International Accreditation
Oakland University's School of Business Administration stands proudly among an elite cohort of just 194 business schools -- out of more than 16,000 worldwide -- to hold prestigious AACSB International accreditation for both its business and accounting programs. Notably, it is one of a mere five institutions in Michigan holding separate AACSB accreditation in accounting.
AACSB accreditation is the gold standard in specialized accreditation for business programs, recognized and respected worldwide. It's a mark of our unwavering dedication to academic excellence and commitment to producing top-tier graduates who are sought after by leading global organizations. Our AACSB-accredited status positions our graduates at the forefront of recruitment preferences among prestigious employers. With superior programs, renowned faculty, outstanding students, and strong industry connections, we are proud to represent the epitome of excellence in business education.
Certifications
Human Resources Management
Oakland University’s Human Resources Management program is certified by the National Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and recognized as a member of the SHRM Academic Alignment Program.
.jpg){kind=icon}
School of Business Administration
School of Business Administration