History

A proud heritage
Oakland University has a heritage of exceptional liberal arts education that has provided a strong foundation for general education. In 1989 the university’s accrediting body, the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA), lauded OU’s general education program and noted that Oakland was one of the first universities to recognize the importance of including international courses in its core curriculum.

Much has changed since the current general education program was conceptualized. There have been significant changes in the way people live and carry out their careers -- the globalization of society, the rapid spread of technology, the likelihood of having multiple careers during one’s lifetime and recognition of the importance of lifelong learning to name only a few.

Building knowledge and skills
Employers today emphasize the importance of liberal studies, critical thinking, leadership and the ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. The NCA also indicated the importance of providing not only the knowledge, but also the skills and values needed to live a creative and fulfilling life.

Oakland University’s new general education program, implemented in Fall 2005, continues OU’s tradition of seeking excellence in the instruction of its undergraduates and in the development of a distinctive undergraduate experience.

General education is central to the undergraduate experience of our students, touching the lives of Oakland graduates and helping to shape their future. At the baccalaureate level general education is the largest undergraduate curriculum at the university.