Oakland University 2nd Degree Fall 2010 cohort

777RN, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2009

Hi!

I am considering this program, but I'm a bit daunted by the general-ed prereqs. My previous bachelor's was in accounting; therefore, I didn't take a great deal of liberal arts classes. From what I understand, OU doesn't grant a gen ed waiver to 2nd degree students like many other ABSN programs go.

So, have you applied? Have you finished all the prereqs, to include all the liberal arts requirements? Or, am I incorrect? Does OU grant a gen ed waiver to 2nd degree students?

Sincerely,

Wendy

JazzyOneRN · Jul 28, 2009

Im not sure about gen ed waivers..I would suggest that you go to the oakland.edu/nursing website and all of the information is there...

I have applied, took all prereq's Ive interviewed and now im waiting to hear from them. The website goes in full detail on what it is that you need to know and what classes you need in order to be considered for a cohort.

steph0502 · Jul 30, 2009

Wendy,

I too was just like you. I have a finance degree, so it seemed like I needed to take a lot of gen ed classes as well. OU is very liberal when it comes to the gen ed classes for their 2nd degree students (i was told this at the informational meeting about a year and a half ago). I was pleasantly surprised at the classes that transferred for OU gen ed credits. I actually didn't have to take as many as I thought. I did have to take a language, since I never had one for my previous degree. The first thing you should do is apply to the school (directions are posted on OU's website) and then the 2nd degree adviser will mail you a Plan of Study which will list any remaining classes you have to take. Then, you just start attacking those classes!! :-) I am currently taking my prereqs right now.

777RN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2009

Thank you so much for your reply!

That's exactly what I needed to know: how liberal OU was in applying general education requirements for 2nd degree students. I guess I should just start the application process asap and see what they say.

Best,

Wendy

Firehawk734 · Aug 1, 2009

I'm in the same boat as Christinajoy. I just interviewed and am waiting. I went ahead already and started taking the NRS classes, just have one more to go in this fall. I have an electrical engineering background, and ended up needing 9 prereqs including the 3 NRS classes that everybody takes. It's not too bad, it goes really fast and you can take them all at community colleges (easier and cheaper) to get them out of the way. Start the application process, and you will be sent a list of things that are waived and list of things you need to take. It's pretty nice how they do it, honestly.

I did comparing with this program versus Wayne State's and Michigan's programs. OU was by far the least amount of prerequisites required and the cheapest.

777RN, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2009

Does anyone know if OU is more liberal with its credit-by-examination policy for 2nd degree students? Thanks!

need2getin · Aug 2, 2009

After looking at colleges here in IL, mostly 2nd degree programs- I decided to venture back to MI's programs. Agree with Firehawk734, in comparing OU, Wayne and U of M- I found that OU's was far more liberal . As for credit-by-examination, I'm not exactly sure what you mean? I can tell you that I did not have the math course req'd and they are allowing me to take a proficiency exam to satisfy the requirement. Aside from that, I have several science, 1 psych course and the 3 NURS courses left to complete for pre-req's.

Not bad at all :)

Firehawk734 · Aug 2, 2009

I don't know what you mean either. But, they were trying to get me to take a philosophy requirement and I challenged it, and won the argument. I had two courses at Lawrence Tech that were philosophy classes but were not classified as such by OU, so after filling out the right paperwork I got the requirement waived. So if you mean, can you challenge a course and have a chance in hell at winning, the answer is yes.

777RN, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2009

Hi and thanks for the replies!

To clarify what I meant, I was wondering if Oakland University is more liberal in accepting credit-by-examination tests for ABSN prerequisites. In my case, many of the credits I achieved for my first bachelor's came from CLEP, AP, and DSST (Dantes) tests. Oakland, however, does not expressly accept DSST exams (an as example). I'm wondering if OU is more liberal in their acceptance of such exams for 2nd degree students? Anyone know?

Thanks in advance!

ejcl68 · Aug 3, 2009

Hi everyone,

I applied to Oakland ABSN recently and was impressed with how quickly they reviewed my transcripts(after applying to the university first). The school of nursing will tell you which classes will transfer and which ones are still needed.. I found Oakland to be very fair on the course work from my undergraduate degree. So it's best not to guess and just apply now to get the ball rolling. I know you can CLEP out of certain classes but you want to make sure you have a good GPA for the 5 core classes(Bio, Biochemistry, A &P, Psych, Gen Chem). The rest of the key courses are not counted for GPA = but you will need Algebra(min.), nutrition, developmental psych, Microbiology in order to be eligible for an interview.

The other GEN. Ed requirements are satisfied by your undergraduate degree. Hope this helps. The bad news about Oakland is tack on 1 - 1.5 years on your application after you complete your pre-reqs to start the program. But I have heard they will move people up. Good luck everyone who is applying or waiting on word.

ejcl68 · Aug 3, 2009

Just a follow-up to my last reply - I just checked my plan of study from Oakland it said 100 % satisfied for all those credits. My guess is my undergrad degree was sufficient to satisfy the requirements. So I believe as long as you received a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, you will be fine and you will meet the Gen Ed classes. Hope this helps. :)