International Programs

In order to improve global education and to meet industry needs for engineers, the School of Engineering and Computer Science recruits students from all over the world. The presence of international students strengthens SECS by bringing new cultures, ideas, and experiences. Traditional students become more globally aware and gain from the experience of working with students from other cultures.

We have formal agreements with universities in China, Brazil, Iraq, and Jordan and continue to add new universities every year. Students can participate in a “2+2 program” where they study two years in their home university and two years here at Oakland University and then receive a masters in engineering or computer science degree from both participating universities. Other students choose a traditional exchange student program where they study at Oakland University for a year. Students also can participate in a “1+1 program” where they study one year in their home university and one year at OU and then receive an engineering or computer science degree from both universities.

These agreements create opportunities for international students who might not be able to come due to resources, logistics, or funds. International students are offered opportunities to improve their English while they are here through our Conversation Partner Program which matches an international student with an English-speaking student. They meet and practice their language skills together. Many of the international students participate in English as Second Language classes to improve their English as well. Some of the students also choose to live in the International Village on campus. In the International village, domestic and international students room together to get a better understanding of each other’s cultures, countries, and customs. In addition, SECS has sent engineering professors to teach in China for the past five years to help provide an international education to Chinese students.

The programs will continue to grow due to more agreements with new universities and more students studying engineering at Oakland University. University representatives interested in developing a program with Oakland University are encouraged to contact Gary Barber, Ph.D., SECS International Program Director at [email protected]

Credit Transfer Policy

OU credit calculation for international students covered by an articulation agreement will be determined on the number of contact hours for a given course.

 To ensure compliance with the Carnegie definition of a credit hour, the number of contact hours per credit and additional information will be provided by the partner university. The number of credits transferred to OU will then be calculated as follows:

OU credits = (Number of Contact Hours per Credit at Partner University/Number of Contact Hours per Credit at OU) x Number of Credits in a Given Course at the Partner University

 Faculty would still, as they do now, review courses to confirm the content. Once this has been determined, the above formula based on contact hours would be applied to obtain the credit equivalent.