Oakland University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Oakland University hires OPT students across academic, administrative, research, and technical roles. As a public research university, it regularly brings on F-1 graduates in fields like computer science, engineering, business, and education, and has a track record of supporting the OPT-to-H-1B visa transition for strong performers.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Visiting Assistant Professor in Early Elementary Education
Department 2055 - Human Development & Child Study
Requisition No. 0000821
Job Description Summary
The Early Childhood Education area in the Department of Human Development and Child Studies (HDCS) at Oakland University invites applications for a non-tenure-track, Visiting Assistant Professor position to begin in August 2026. We are especially interested in a candidate with expertise in early elementary education. The position is a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.
Responsibilities include teaching, mentoring, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students; providing service to the department, school, and university, as well as contributing to Oakland University’s mission for community partnerships and engagement.
For full consideration, please submit your completed application, along with the following required materials, by Friday, May 29, 2026. The position will be open until filled.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Master’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education, Child Development, Human Development, or a related field; PhD or EdD strongly preferred
- Three or more years of experience teaching in an early elementary classroom setting
- Evidence of successful teaching in early childhood or elementary education, practicum or field experience supervision at undergraduate and/or graduate level
- Good command of educational technology; experience with online asynchronous and hybrid teaching
- Passion for mentoring preservice and inservice teachers
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
The following documents are required:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Post-secondary transcripts
- Teaching statement
- Research statement
- A representative publication in the Early Childhood Education or Early Elementary area
- Name and contact information of 3 references who can provide a letter upon request
Please direct all inquiries to:
Early Childhood/Early Elementary Education Position Search Chair Dr. Katie Sloan
krsloan@oakland.edu
SCHOOL/COLLEGE & DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM SUMMARY
The Department of Human Development and Child Studies (HDCS), housed in the School of Education and Human Services, provides a variety of Early Childhood and Special Education programs. The Early Childhood area offers a B.S. in Early Childhood Education that prepares students for Michigan’s Birth through 3rd grade teaching certification. The Department also houses an M.Ed and a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education, where students from across the state and internationally learn together. HDCS oversees the Lowry Center for Early Childhood Education, OU’s lab preschool accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Lowry serves children from 18 months to prekindergarten. Over 10 different nationalities are represented at Lowry every year.
MORE ABOUT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University’s Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.
PAY BASIS
INTRODUCTION
Visiting Assistant Professor in Early Elementary Education
Department 2055 - Human Development & Child Study
Requisition No. 0000821
Job Description Summary
The Early Childhood Education area in the Department of Human Development and Child Studies (HDCS) at Oakland University invites applications for a non-tenure-track, Visiting Assistant Professor position to begin in August 2026. We are especially interested in a candidate with expertise in early elementary education. The position is a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.
Responsibilities include teaching, mentoring, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students; providing service to the department, school, and university, as well as contributing to Oakland University’s mission for community partnerships and engagement.
For full consideration, please submit your completed application, along with the following required materials, by Friday, May 29, 2026. The position will be open until filled.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Master’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education, Child Development, Human Development, or a related field; PhD or EdD strongly preferred
- Three or more years of experience teaching in an early elementary classroom setting
- Evidence of successful teaching in early childhood or elementary education, practicum or field experience supervision at undergraduate and/or graduate level
- Good command of educational technology; experience with online asynchronous and hybrid teaching
- Passion for mentoring preservice and inservice teachers
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
The following documents are required:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Post-secondary transcripts
- Teaching statement
- Research statement
- A representative publication in the Early Childhood Education or Early Elementary area
- Name and contact information of 3 references who can provide a letter upon request
Please direct all inquiries to:
Early Childhood/Early Elementary Education Position Search Chair Dr. Katie Sloan
krsloan@oakland.edu
SCHOOL/COLLEGE & DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM SUMMARY
The Department of Human Development and Child Studies (HDCS), housed in the School of Education and Human Services, provides a variety of Early Childhood and Special Education programs. The Early Childhood area offers a B.S. in Early Childhood Education that prepares students for Michigan’s Birth through 3rd grade teaching certification. The Department also houses an M.Ed and a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education, where students from across the state and internationally learn together. HDCS oversees the Lowry Center for Early Childhood Education, OU’s lab preschool accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Lowry serves children from 18 months to prekindergarten. Over 10 different nationalities are represented at Lowry every year.
MORE ABOUT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University’s Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.
PAY BASIS
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Oakland University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target departments with recurring OPT hires
Oakland University's research centers, IT services, and graduate academic departments hire OPT students most consistently. Look for postings in these units specifically, since they're more familiar with EAD-based employment and less likely to screen you out early.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT's 24-month extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Oakland University participates, but confirm this with HR before signing an offer if you plan to file for the STEM extension after your initial 12-month OPT period ends.
Align your OPT end date with hiring timelines
Oakland University's academic hiring cycles often peak in spring and late summer. If your OPT EAD expires mid-cycle, flag your authorization window early in interviews so hiring managers can assess whether the timeline works before extending an offer.
Search verified OPT employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter for Oakland University and similar education-sector employers with confirmed OPT hiring history. This lets you focus applications on roles where F-1 work authorization is already understood, saving time on employers who aren't familiar with EAD employment.
Position your degree field against the role directly
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. In education-sector roles at Oakland University, highlight how your coursework connects to the position in your cover letter so HR can document the relationship if USCIS reviews your authorization later.
Raise H-1B sponsorship in your second interview
Oakland University has a history of sponsoring H-1B visas for employees who demonstrate value. Don't lead with it in your first conversation, but in a second-round interview, asking about their H-1B filing process signals you're thinking long-term and helps gauge their willingness early.
Oakland University OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oakland University sponsor OPT visas?
Oakland University doesn't sponsor OPT directly. OPT is work authorization granted by USCIS to eligible F-1 students, not something employers file for. What Oakland University does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD. It's also enrolled in E-Verify, which means it can support the STEM OPT 24-month extension for qualifying graduates.
Which roles at Oakland University typically hire OPT students?
Research assistant positions, IT and systems roles, administrative coordinator jobs, and graduate-level academic support positions at Oakland University are among the most common entry points for OPT students. Departments in STEM fields and business tend to have the most experience working with F-1 work authorization and EAD documentation.
How do I start the OPT hiring process at Oakland University?
You handle the OPT application through your DSO at your own university before your program ends. Once you have your EAD, you apply to Oakland University through its standard hiring process. At the offer stage, provide your EAD card and I-20 to HR. Oakland University's E-Verify enrollment covers the employer-side verification step for STEM OPT eligibility.
How do I know if Oakland University will support the STEM OPT extension?
Confirm E-Verify enrollment with Oakland University's HR department before accepting an offer if STEM OPT matters to your timeline. You can also use Migrate Mate to check Oakland University's OPT and H-1B hiring history, which helps you assess whether they have an established process for supporting F-1 employees beyond the initial authorization period.
Does Oakland University sponsor H-1B visas for OPT employees?
Oakland University has sponsored H-1B visas for employees, including those who started on OPT. H-1B sponsorship is a separate process from OPT and requires Oakland University to file a petition with USCIS on your behalf. Transitions from OPT to H-1B are most common in full-time research, technical, and professional staff roles where the position justifies the filing cost.
How does Oakland University hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Oakland University can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check Oakland University's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.