Pathways Toward Your Degree

Program Description | This pathway will allow a student to complete up to 15 credits within the Computer Information Systems-Cybersecurity program through Oakland Community College. 

Courses | Students earn up to 15 credits of core curriculum over four semesters:

Upon Completion |The Cybersecurity pathway students will aid students in developing foundational skills in cybersecurity concepts, networking, and system security. Students will earn college credit that applies directly toward an Oakland Community College Cybersecurity Certificate, positioning them for a seamless transition after high school graduation to complete the full credential and continue into advanced coursework or an Associate Degree program. 

Career Outlook | Cybersecurity professionals protect computer systems, networks, and digital information from cyber threats. They monitor security risks, respond to incidents, and implement safeguards across industries such as healthcare, finance, and government. Demand for cybersecurity workers is expected to grow rapidly through the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow much faster than average, with strong opportunities in Michigan for individuals with technical training and industry-recognized cybersecurity skills.

Program Description | This pathway will allow for a student to complete a Level I Computer Animated Design (CAD) Certificate of Achievement through Oakland Community College. These courses are offered in person and online. The final two courses are 100% in person at the Auburn Hills campus. 

Courses | Students will earn 18 credits over five semesters:

Upon Completion | Upon completion of the CAD Level I Certificate of Achievement, students will have developed foundational skills in 3D modeling and surface development. Credits earned apply directly toward the CAD Level II Certificate, allowing students to transition seamlessly to Oakland Community College after high school graduation to continue the certificate or move into an associate degree program.

Career Outlook | Computer Aided Design drafters collect all drawing, data, and notes involved in a project, draft building plans, layout interiors, and even designate landscaping. Their responsibility is to flesh out a final version of the construction project- specifying dimensions, codes, production methods, and materials. Demand for drafting jobs is expected to continue to grow through the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate is about 7% for computer-aided design (CAD), the average for all other occupations.

Program Description | This pathway will allow a student to complete the 18 credits of core coursework within the Computer Information Systems-Software Engineering Certificate program through Oakland Community College. 

Courses | Students earn up to 16 credits of core curriculum over four semesters:

Program Description |Upon completion of the core Information Technology Support (ITS) curriculum, students will be prepared to continue into one of three specialized focus areas. Each focus area consists of an additional 18–19 credits that may be completed through dual enrollment or after high school graduation as a student enrolled at Oakland Community College, supporting a smooth transition into the full program.

Career Outlook | Information Technology Support (ITS) professionals maintain and support computer systems, networks, and technologies used across industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in computer and information technology fields is projected to grow much faster than average, with regular openings from both growth and the need to replace workers as they retire or change careers. Demand for IT support skills remains strong, with continued opportunities in Michigan for individuals with competencies in systems support, networking, and IT administration.

Program Description | This pathway will allow a student to complete the 18 credits of core coursework within the Computer Information Systems-Software Engineering Certificate program through Oakland Community College.  

Courses | Students earn up to 18 credits of core curriculum over four semesters:

Program Description | Upon completion of the core Software Engineering curriculum, students will be prepared to continue into one of four specialized focus areas. Each focus area consists of an additional 15-16 credits that may be completed through additional dual enrollment opportunities or after high school graduation as a student enrolled at Oakland Community College, supporting a smooth transition into the full program.

Career Outlook | Software engineers design, build, and maintain applications and systems used across a wide range of industries. Employment in software engineering is projected to grow much faster than average through the next decade, with strong opportunities in Michigan for individuals with programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on development experience. 

Program Description | This pathway will allow a student to complete the 14 credits of core coursework within the Computer Information Systems-Web Designer Certificate program through Oakland Community College.

Courses | Students earn up to 14 credits of core curriculum over four semesters:

Upon Completion of Core Curriculum | Upon completion of the pathway for Web Designer, students will have developed foundational skills in web design, user experience (UX), and front-end web technologies. Students will complete 40% of the certificate program through dual enrollment, positioning them for a smooth transition to Oakland Community College after high school graduation to complete the full certificate or continue into related programs.

Career Outlook | Web designers plan, design, and maintain websites that are visually engaging, accessible, and user-friendly. They apply skills in layout, visual design, user experience (UX), and front-end web technologies to support communication, marketing, and digital services across industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in web development and digital design is projected to grow faster than average, with continued opportunities in Michigan for individuals with applied skills in web design, UX principles, and front-end development tools.

Program Description | This pathway will allow a student to complete up to 16 credits within the HVAC/R Systems Technology program through Oakland Community College. These courses are 100% in person at the Auburn Hills campus. Evening sections are available. 

Courses | Students earn up to 16 credits over four semesters:

Upon Completion of Curriculum | The HVAC/R momentum pathway allows students to complete up to 16 credits through a sequence designed to build foundational skills and support informed career decisions. Students will complete 3 semesters of general HVAC/R coursework before choosing a focus and final course in: Heating, Air Conditioning, or Refrigeration. By earning half of the 30+ credit HVAC/R Certificate before high school graduation, students are well positioned for a smooth transition to Oakland Community College to complete a certificate or continue into an associate degree program.

Career Outlook | HVAC/R technicians play a critical role in keeping buildings comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient. They install, service, and troubleshoot heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, responding to both routine maintenance needs and urgent repairs. As buildings age and energy systems become more advanced, demand for qualified HVAC/R professionals is expected to continue growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is projected to be faster than average, with strong employment opportunities in Michigan, especially for technicians with industry certifications and advanced HVAC/R skills.

Program Description | This pathway will allow a student to complete up to 12 exploratory credits of Health Science related courses through Oakland Community College. 

Courses | Students earn up to 12 credits over four semesters:

*Additional course option if student is eligible: 

BIO 1530: Molecular and Cellular Biology (4 credits)

(To enroll in BIO 1530, student must have completed high school Biology and Chemistry. OCC Placement into MAT 1100 or SAT score of Math 450+ required)

Upon Completion of Curriculum | Upon completion of the Health Sciences Exploratory Track, students will have developed foundational knowledge of healthcare systems, terminology, and professional practices. Students gain a broad understanding of the healthcare field while earning real college credit. This pathway allows students to explore multiple healthcare career options and supports a smooth transition to Oakland Community College to continue into a variety of health science and allied health programs after high school graduation. 

Career Outlook |Health science professionals play a vital role in supporting patient care, healthcare operations, and community well-being. Careers in healthcare span a wide range of roles, including clinical care, administration, and health support services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than average through the next decade due to an aging population and increased demand for medical services. Strong opportunities continue across Michigan’s healthcare sector for individuals pursuing careers in health sciences and allied health fields.

Program Description | This pathway will allow a student to complete up to 16 credits within the Machine Tool Technology program through Oakland Community College. These courses are 100% in person at the Auburn Hills campus. Evening sections are available.

Courses | Students will earn 16 credits over five semesters:

Upon Completion of Curriculum | Upon completion of the Medical Assisting: Medical Insurance Coding and Billing curriculum, students will gain knowledge to represent broad areas of knowledge and skills developed over the duration of the program through a wide range of courses and experiences. These learning outcomes represent what a student should be able to know, think, or do upon successful completion of their program at Oakland Community College.

Career Outlook |Michigan medical billers perform a host of clerical duties and use medical codes to identify the services provided to a patient. Medical billers also prepare patient claims and submit them for payment. The Bureau of Statistics forecasts that jobs for medical billers and coders will increase about 8% between 2022-2032, adding about 16,500 opportunities for employment in the U.S.

Program Description | This career pathway will allow for a student to complete a Medical Assisting: Insurance Billing and Coding certification through Oakland Community College. 

Courses | Students earn up to 13-16 credits of core curriculum over two semesters:

Upon Completion of Curriculum | Upon completion of the Medical Assisting: Medical Insurance Coding and Billing curriculum, students will gain knowledge to represent broad areas of knowledge and skills developed over the duration of the program through a wide range of courses and experiences. These learning outcomes represent what a student should be able to know, think, or do upon successful completion of their program at Oakland Community College.

Career Outlook | Michigan medical billers perform a host of clerical duties and use medical codes to identify the services provided to a patient. Medical billers also prepare patient claims and submit them for payment. The Bureau of Statistics forecasts that jobs for medical billers and coders will increase about 8% between 2022-2032, adding about 16,500 opportunities for employment in the U.S.

Program Description | This career pathway will allow a student to complete a Medical Assisting: Medical Office Administrative Procedures Certificate of Achievement through Oakland Community College. 

Courses | Students earn up to 12-15 credits of core curriculum over two semesters:

Upon Completion of Curriculum | Upon completion of the Medical Assisting: Medical Office Administrative Procedures curriculum, students will have gained valuable skills towards Medical Office Assisting. A Medical Office Assistant is responsible for managing the administrative and clerical tasks at a medical clinic or other private healthcare practice. Their duties include responding to messages from patients, scheduling appointments according to staff availability and processing insurance claims.

Career Outlook | Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14% from 2022-2032, much faster than the average for most occupations. Currently more than 114,000+ job openings for medical assisting are open each year in the U.S.

Program Schedule: 

The program runs from mid-October to mid-May
The class meets at the Auburn Hills campus:
Monday nights 6:30-10:30pm
Thursday nights 6:30-10:30pm
Every other Saturday 9am-5pm

Upon Completion of Curriculum | Upon completion of the program, students will be ready to take the Firefighter I and II state licensure exam, of which OCC has an 88% pass rate. After passing the state exam, students can then choose to begin an EMT program or directly seek employment as some agencies may sponsor EMT/Medic Training. This is a great opportunity to enter into a rewarding career shortly after high school graduation without accruing debt along the way.

Career Outlook | Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 7% through 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.