A Pathway Toward Discovery

Students attend college to embark on a journey to discover themselves as they work toward their future. Those on Oakland University’s fast-track path have uncovered a unique, convenient program that allows for greater flexibility and college-life balance.

One such student, Stephanie Marji, SBA ’19, was working in human resources at Henry Ford Health System and needed a degree to advance in her career. OU’s human resources management degree, offered in a fast-track format, proved to be the ideal fit, with its accelerated schedule and online course components.

“I was not only able to fit classes in with my work schedule, but I was also able to graduate faster than many of my peers,” says Marji.  

Similarly, Nakisha Scruggs, SBA ’18, sought out the fast-track program in general management as a means for increasing upward mobility options with her employer, Fiat Chrysler LLC. Born and raised in Mount Clemens, Scruggs long worked on the line at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, with aspirations for a corporate position. 

“I was able to fit class work into my daily routine without changing my full-time work schedule or interrupting time with my daughter,” Scruggs says.

Brendan Michell, employee at Summit Sports for five years, is currently earning his marketing degree through the fast-track program so he can attend classes while working his way up from sales associate to brand and retail marketing manager.

“My OU education is preparing me to be a better marketer,” explains Michell. “And, I’m only in class two nights a week and can finish my degree sooner with the accelerated format.” 

Offered exclusively at the OU Anton/Frankel Center in Mount Clemens, the fast-track courses are typically comprised of working adults and transfers from Macomb Community College. Armed with transfer credits, this demographic has the opportunity to finish a bachelor’s degree in about two years. And, students can map out their entire program trajectory, anticipating their path toward graduation right from the start.

“I have transitioned knowledge gained in the classroom to use on the job a countless number of times with projects and initiatives,” says Marji. “OU prepared me for success in my field.”