Oct 15, 2024  
2019-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Addendum to the 2019-2021 Graduate Catalog


All data in the Oakland University Graduate Catalog reflects information as it was available at the publication date. Updates and/or corrections to the Graduate Catalog made after the publication date appear in the Addendum to the Graduate Catalog
 

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the Graduate Catalog, Oakland University reserves the right, in its sole and exclusive discretion, to make changes to the Graduate Catalog at any time without prior notice.
 

It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of and understand University regulations as published.

NEW OR MODIFIED PROGRAMS FOR FALL 2021

Master of Science in Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and develop their skills in harnessing data to identify opportunities, respond to challenges, influence decision making and implement successful solutions.

Graduates of the program will be equipped to use data to solve business problems across industries and disciplines. Industries experiencing strong growth in the use of business analytics include financial services, retail, health services, accounting and auditing, transportation and logistics, entertainment, sports, and travel.

Through the combination of the focused curriculum, experiential learning, and expert-led courses, students will graduate with the skills to make data-driven decisions based on their business knowledge and ability to expertly utilize a variety of statistical and quantitative methods, computational tools, and predictive models.

The program is structured around four modules:

  • Preparatory and Foundation Courses - Required for students who lack an information systems and/or statistics background. Students with the necessary background will be waived from these courses. Credits from these courses do not count toward the degree.
  • Core Courses - Provides analysis, design, and implementation skills
  • Elective Courses - Develops in-depth knowledge
  • Capstone Project - Synthesizes and applies students’ knowledge to contemporary issues

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

  • February 15 (early), April 15 (regular), July 15 (late) for fall semester
  • October 1 (early), November 15 (regular) for winter semester
  • March 1 for summer semester

       International Students 

  • May 1 for fall (September) admission
  • September 1 for winter (January) admission
  • January 1 for summer (May) admission

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  1. Graduate Application Requirements

  2. Additional department application requirements
      
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resumé
  • Official transcripts from all the colleges and universities attended
  • Official transcripts providing evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree
  • Official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or GRE scores. The GMAT or GRE scores must be five years or less at the time of the applicant’s intended enrollment at Oakland University.
  • Two email addresses for individuals who will write your recommendations
  • Applicants applying to MSBA degree programs may request a waiver of the GMAT or GRE requirement if they meet one of the following criteria.
    • Earned a master’s degree or higher with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
    • Has an acceptable score on the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT entrance exam
    • Earned a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 from an AACSB-accredited business school
    • Earned a bachelor’s degree in any major with an overall GPA of at least 3.2 from a regionally accredited program
    • Completed a business-related certification such as CPA, CFA, CFP or FRM
    • Has at least 3 years of relevant professional work experience and an undergraduate overall GPA of at least 2.75
    • Has completed at least 3 years of service in the US armed services

To request a waiver, applicants must submit a Request to Waive GMAT form to Graduate Admissions as part of the application packet. The request for waiver is subject to the approval of the Graduate Admissions Committee.

International students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. college or university or at least 24 credits from a U.S school, will have additional application requirements:

  • A transcript evaluation (for transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States)
  • TOEFL Exam Scores (for non-native English speakers unless they have a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. college or university or at least 24 credits from a U.S. school)

Admission review and assessment

Admission to the Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program is selective and depends on several elements, including scholarship and ability to communicate effectively. In making admission recommendations, the department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the MSBA program by examining their undergraduate records, their GMAT or GRE scores, their responses to questions on the Supplemental Program Form, their recommendations, and their experience. 

Degree requirements

The Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program requires a minimum of 30 credits.

Course requirements

a. Preparatory course

b. Foundation courses

c. IT core courses (9 credits)

d. Business analytics required and elective courses (18 credits)

e. Capstone course (3 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science


The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Movement Science requires completion of 80 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree. Accepted applicants who have previously earned a qualified master’s degree from Oakland University or another regionally-accredited university may be permitted to reduce the credits required for the doctoral degree by up to 32 credits. Accepted applicants who have earned a qualified Doctor of Physical Therapy or related doctoral degree from Oakland University or another regionally-accredited university may be permitted to reduce the credits required for the doctoral degree up to 36 credits. With the program coordinator and the Graduate School’s approval, accepted applicants who have previously earned credits as part of one of the Oakland University post-professional graduate certificates in the School of Health Sciences may apply those credits to the degree. The graduate certificate credits must be earned within the time limit for completing the doctoral degree.

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

  • February 15 (early) April 15 (regular) and July 15 (late) for fall semester
  • October 1 (early) and November 15 (regular) for winter semester
  • March 1 (regular) for summer semester
  • International applicants    

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  1. Graduate Application Requirements

  2. Additional department application requirements
      
  • Applicants must have earned a minimum of a Bachelors degree in physical therapy, exercise science, movement science, or related degree from a regionally accredited institution or proof of a U.S. equivalent degree for foreign-educated applicants.
  • Applicants should have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. (B)
  • Professional vitae or resume
  • One-page narrative goal statement outlining academic and professional goals as well as a detailed description of research plans including a potential dissertation topic and an HMS faculty committee chair
  • Applicants who meet admission requirements may be asked to meet with members of the Admissions Committee to explore potential dissertation topics and an HMS faculty committee chair

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 (B) with the appropriate academic background and strong letters of recommendation may be considered for admission with limited standing. Applicants who qualify for this admission status must complete a minimum of 8 credits of graduate-level work, with a GPA of 3.0 (B) or above within the first year of their program, to be advanced to full admission

Admission review and assessment

A departmental admissions committee with representatives from the Physical Therapy program and the Exercise Science program will review and make recommendations for admission. Admissions committee members will assist interested applicants to meet with potential faculty who align with the applicant’s research interests. Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate and graduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.

Course requirements

Students will be required to take the core courses, a minimum of 34 credits, and to complete a graduate certificate, research concentration, and/or an approved set of related coursework. Credits required for the graduate certificate, research concentration, and/or the approved set of related coursework will be determined by the program director, dependent on the student holding a master’s or doctoral degree upon admission to the program. Credits required for the certificate, research concentration, and/or related set of coursework are as follows: Students entering the program without a master’s or doctoral degree are required to take 46 credits, student’s holding a master’s degree are required to take a minimum of 14 credits, and students holding a doctoral degree are required to take a minimum of 10 credits.

a. Core requirements (34 credits)

b. Graduate certificate, research concentration, and/or related coursework (10 - 46 credits)

All students must complete a graduate certificate, a research concentration, and/or a set of related coursework.

Graduate Certificates

Students who wish to create a concentration that includes a graduate certificate program must apply for and be accepted into the graduate certificate program. A graduate certificate program, completed as part of the concentration, will be awarded concurrently with the doctoral degree.

* Students must complete the appropriate prerequisites.

Research concentration

This would include a combination of research courses, independent studies, and projects worth a minimum of 10 credits in an area of interest. A plan of study must be approved by the student’s adviser.

Related coursework

May include a master’s in exercise science program, approved transfer credits, or related coursework within the school or university, that supports or complements the student’s plan of study and/or research focus. A plan of study must be approved by the program director. A master’s in exercise science degree, completed as part of the doctoral program, will be awarded concurrently with the doctoral degree.

Master of Organizational Leadership

The Master of Organizational Leadership program is designed to develop practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to enhance individual and organization development and performance. Graduates of the program will be able to lead and support interventions and processes associated with diagnosing individual and organization performance problems and opportunities, designing and implementing solutions, and evaluating results.

Current Deadlines

  • July 15 for fall semester

Admission requirements:

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  • A formal statement detailing work and life experiences of preferably one year or longer that have led to the desire to pursue the Master of Organizational Leadership degree program. The statement must be between 1,000 and 1,500 words.
  • Additional Recommendation for Graduate Admission form
    In addition to the two recommendations listed above, a third recommendation is required by the program.
  • Recommendation requirements
    All three forms must attest to the quality and scope of the applicant’s academic and professional ability.
  • A minimum of one year of professional work experience post earning a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework, showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (B) or better.
  • The formal statement is evaluated on the basis of quality of writing, organization of ideas, clarity of expression and compatibility with program goals.
  • An interview with the coordinator will be required of all prospective students.

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department. 

Program requirements:

The Master of Organizational Leadership degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 32 credits in an approved program of study.

Course requirements

a. Core requirements (28 credits)

  • HRD 6100  - Leadership Theory and Development (4 credits)
  • HRD 6170 - Motivation and Leadership in Organizations (4 credits)
  • HRD 6090  - Developing and Leading Teams (4 credits)
  • HRD 6080  - Organizational Culture and Change (4 credits)
  • HRD 6140 - Introduction to Human Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Perspectives (4 credits)
  • HRD 6150  - Leadership in a Global Context (4 credits)
  • HRD 6800 - Leadership Seminar and Professional Portfolio (4 credits)

b. Electives (4 credits)

  • HRD 6900  - Current Trends OR 6000 level course with approval of MOL adviser (4 credits)

NEW OR MODIFIED PROGRAMS FOR FALL 2020


 

Master of Science in Exercise Science

Department of Human Movement Science
433 Meadow Brook Rd  (map)
(248) 370-4041 • Fax (248) 364-8660
www.oakland.edu/shs/

 

► Apply Online

► Class Schedule Search

► Graduate Catalog Addendum 

Director:
Daniel Goble
1015 Human Health Building
(248) 364-8688
dgoble@oakland.edu

 

Program description

This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the role of exercise in health improvement and in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic degenerative disease. The curriculum addresses the inter-relationships among lifestyle, health and physical activity, and optimization of human performance. Clinical experience is gained through cooperating internship sites. Graduates of the program are prepared for professional positions such as cardiac stress testing specialists, exercise specialists in medical settings; sports scientists; and directors of adult fitness programs, human performance enhancement programs, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and health maintenance/health improvement programs in corporate, industrial and educational settings.

Admission terms and application deadline

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

  • February 15 (early), April 15 (regular), and July 15 (late) for fall semester
  • October 1 (early) and November 15 (regular) for winter semester
  • March 1 (regular) for summer semester
  • International applicants  

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  1. Graduate Application Requirements  
     
  2. Additional department application requirements

      

  • Applicants should have a background in basic and applied health sciences and a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0.
  • Requirements for recommendations
    The two Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms listed above must be from academics familiar with the student’s abilities (preferred) or from employment supervisors.

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 with the appropriate academic background and strong letters of recommendation may be considered for admission with limited standing. Applicants who qualify for this admission status must complete a minimum of 12 credits of graduate-level work, with a GPA of 3.0 or above, to be advanced to full admission.

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, and any other admission requirements established by the academic department. 

Related links

Program prerequisites

Completion of the following prerequisite courses is required. Students should have completed the required prerequisite coursework at the appropriate undergraduate or graduate level prior to beginning coursework for the master’s degree.

  • Human anatomy
  • Human physiology
  • Exercise physiology
  • Biomechanics (human motion analysis)

Oakland University equivalents for prerequisite coursework


  • BIO 2100 - Human Anatomy 
  • BIO 2600 - Human Physiology
  • EXS 3010 - Exercise Physiology
  • EXS 3020 - Human Motion Analysis

Degree requirements


The Master of Science in exercise science degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 32 credits in an approved program of study.

Course requirements


The average candidate entering the fall or winter semester will spend two full-time academic years to successfully complete this graduate program, which requires:

a. Core requirements (20 credits)


b. Electives (6 credits)


Students will select a minimum of 6 credits of elective coursework, approved by their advisers.

Additional electives


Electives outside of EXS may be selected if the electives are 5000 or above and are approved by the Program Director.

c. Research requirement (minimum of 6 credits)


Completion of a research requirement involving a master’s thesis or comprehensive examinations must be achieved. The research requirement involves the completion of a minimum of 6 credits in EXS 6995.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEW PROGRAMS FOR FALL 2019

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied and Computational Physics  

Graduate Certificate in Human Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice  

Graduate Certificate in Information Security Management  

 

PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS FOR FALL 2019

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology  

Master of Public Administration    

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education   


Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Department of Psychology
111 Pryale Hall  (map)
(248) 370-2300 • Fax (248) 370-4612
www.oakland.edu/psychology 

Director of Graduate Training:
V
irgil Zeigler-Hill
212A Pryale Hall
(248) 370-2676
zeiglerh@oakland.edu

► Apply Online

► Class Schedule Search

► Graduate Catalog Addendum

Program description

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program will provide graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to become successful producers of research, investigating the structures, processes, and products of the mind. Psychology is a broad discipline that interfaces with the biological and social sciences. This graduate program is organized around two concentrations that together comprehensively cover psychological science: (1) biological and basic processes and (2) social and behavioral sciences. These concentrations represent two broad areas that focus on psychological phenomena from different orientations in moderately overlapping but distinguishable content areas. Graduate students will have broad exposure to both concentrations that will be extended by an intensive inquiry specialized in one concentration. Students will apply for admission in either the biological and basic processes concentration or the social and behavioral sciences concentration.
 

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadline listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

All applicants to this program are admitted for the fall semester only. Review of applications will begin on the following dates:

  • January 15 for fall semester
  • International students: January 15 for fall semester

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  1. Graduate Application Requirements

      
  2. Additional department application requirements
      
  • Additional Recommendation for Graduate Admission form
    In addition to the two recommendations listed above, a third recommendation is required by the program.
    Requirements for recommendations
    All three forms must be from faculty members who can evaluate the scholarly achievement and potential of the applicant.
  • An essay (i.e., statement of purpose) describing the applicant’s interest in the program, research interests, and career goals
  • Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, the department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, and GRE scores.

Degree requirements


The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 80 credits in an approved program of study and successful completion and oral defense of a doctoral dissertation as determined by the student’s advisory committee.

The normal full-time course load for graduate students is 8 to 12 credits per semester. Students who have previously earned a master’s degree from Oakland University or another regionally-accredited institution may reduce the 80 credits of coursework required for the doctoral degree by up to 32 credits. To be considered for a reduction in required doctoral credits, students must submit a Petition of Credit from Earned Master’s Degree. The advisory committee will evaluate the student’s prior master’s degree work and may reduce the required Ph.D. credits based on the master’s coursework. The decision of the advisory committee is final, but the approved petition and approved plan of study must be on file in Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning by the end of the first year of doctoral study. All candidates must complete at least 24 credits of additional coursework exclusively at Oakland University.

Course requirements (80 credits)


The total credits required to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology degree is 80. Approved courses taken as a part of a master’s degree may be used towards satisfying this requirement. Students may also take graduate courses from other departments with the approval of their advisory committee.

a. Required courses (24 credits)


All students, regardless of the chosen area of concentration, must complete the following courses:

b. Concentration requirement (24 credits): Select at least 6 courses within a single concentration area


Concentration 1: Evolutionary, Comparative, and Cognitive Psychology

Concentration 2: Social-Personality Psychology

Concentration 3: Behavioral Health

c. Elective courses (16 credits): Select at least 4 courses


d. Dissertation



 


 

Master of Public Administration

Department of Political Science
418 Varner Hall   (map)
(248) 370-2352 • Fax (248) 370-4299
www.oakland.edu/mpa

► Apply Online

► Class Schedule Search

► Graduate Catalog Addendum  

Program director:
John Patrick Piskulich

Director of internships:
Diane Hartmus 

Program coordinator:
Jennifer Sikora
420 Varner Hall
(248) 370-4117
jsikora@oakland.edu

 

Program description

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree program at Oakland University provides a challenging education for individuals seeking professional careers and for those already employed in governmental or other public agencies. The need for professionals holding M.P.A. degrees is recognized due to the complexity of agencies at the state and local levels and the continued concerns for responsive and effective public service at all levels. The M.P.A. program offers a generalist foundation through a set of core courses that are bolstered with opportunities for specialization through its electives and the directed capstone project/internship option.

Accreditation

The Oakland University M.P.A. program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

  • February 15 (early), April 15 (regular), and July 15 (late) for fall semester
  • October 1 (early) and November 15 (regular) for winter semester
  • March 1 (regular) for summer semester
  • International applicants 

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  1. Graduate Application Requirements  
     
  2. Additional department application requirements
      
  • MPA essay (Instructions are downloadable from http://www.oakland.edu/mpa.)
  • Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in their undergraduate degree.

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.

  • Undergraduate grade record that indicates above-average work (generally a GPA of 3.0 or greater)
  • The program welcomes students with a wide variety of undergraduate preparations. Applicants must meet the university’s general requirements for admission to graduate studies. Limited standing admission status may be granted to students who need minor improvements to their records, subject to approval by Oakland University Graduate School. Detailed application information can be found at http://www.oakland.edu/mpa

Undergraduate preparation for the M.P.A.

Degrees in a wide variety of majors will prepare the student for admission, providing that the record includes the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
 

Students lacking in this area may be admitted to OU as post-bach students for graduate prerequisites with the requirement that the deficiency is corrected by completing appropriate coursework. A departmental adviser will plan with the student an appropriate way of addressing the deficiency. Credits earned to meet this standard will not be counted toward the total credits needed for the degree.

Related links

Degree requirements


The Master of Public Administration degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 36 credits in an approved program of study.

Course requirements


a. Core requirements (20 credits)


All M.P.A. students must take these seven courses:

b. Concentration or electives (12 credits)


In addition to the 20 credits in the core curriculum, a student may take all 12 elective credits in one of five concentrations: court administration, health care administration, non-profit organization and management, local government management, or criminal justice leadership. Each concentration has one course that is a “core course,” meaning that the student must take that course. Students who pursue a concentration may need an additional semester to complete elective requirements. Students may also choose not to concentrate in one area and may take 12 electives from among any the program offers.

1. Court Administration concentration

Core for concentration (3 credits)

Electives (additional 9 credits)

2. Criminal Justice Leadership concentration

Core for concentration (3 credits)

Electives (additional 9 credits)

3. Health Care Administration concentration

Core for concentration (3 credits)

  • PA 5600 - Organization and Administration of Health and Medical Care Programs (3 credits)
Electives (additional 9 credits)

4. Local Government Management concentration

Core for concentration (3 credits)

Electives (additional 9 credits)

5. Nonprofit Organization and Management concentration

Core for concentration (3 credits)

Electives (additional 9 credits)

6. Electives option

M.P.A. students do not need to choose a concentration. Any 12 credits from the list below will serve toward degree completion.

c. Exit (4 credits)


Students will do either an internship or a master’s project. A student who has not had significant public service experience may choose to do an internship; others will be expected to complete a project.


Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

School of Music, Theatre and Dance
207 Varner Hall  (map)
(248) 370-2030 • Fax (248) 370-2041
www.oakland.edu/mtd

Coordinator:
Deborah VanderLinde
304 Varner Hall
(248) 370-3022
vanderlinde@oakland.edu

► Apply Online

► Class Schedule Search

► Graduate Catalog Addendum 

Program description

The Doctor of Philosophy in music education degree program is designed to develop individuals who can provide leadership for music education practice as teacher educators, curriculum leaders, and researchers.

Core concepts in the program include constructivism, cultural psychology, social democracy in music learning and teaching, qualitative research, history of music education, and current trends.

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Admissions by the semester deadlines listed below.

Current Deadlines

  • February 1 for fall and summer semesters
  • February 25 interview deadline for applicants who qualify for an admission interview
  • International applicants  

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  1. Graduate Application Requirements

      
     
  2. Additional department application requirements
      
  • Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate and master’s degree in music (preferably music education) from a regionally-accredited institution or proof of a U.S. equivalent degree for foreign-educated applicants.
  • Teaching experience relevant to the applicant’s intended area of study
  • Written statement of professional goals
  • Additional Recommendation for Graduate Admission form
    In addition to the two recommendations listed above, a third recommendation is required by the program.
    Requirements for recommendations
    All three forms must be from an academic instructor or from an employment supervisor.
  • Applicants should also be prepared to provide evidence of their prior knowledge and understanding of music and music education. This could be in the form of papers written at the graduate level or in the form of a written examination designed by the admissions committee.
  • Applicants who qualify as a result of this screening process must complete their scheduled interview with the music education faculty prior to the published deadline.

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to the Doctor of Philosophy in music education program, the department evaluates admission candidates as musicians, scholars, and practitioners through assessment of prior coursework at the undergraduate and graduate levels, professional experience, written statement of goals, professional letters of recommendation, interview and any other admission requirement established by the academic program.

Degree requirements


The Doctor of Philosophy in music education degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 58 credits in an approved program of study, successful admission to candidacy, successful defense of the dissertation, and final approval and submission of the dissertation. This program of study was approved in 2018 with an effective semester fall 2019.

Course requirements


a. Core requirements (28 credits)


b. Approved electives (minimum of 14 credits)


Chosen in consultation with the faculty adviser and/or chair of the dissertation committee.

c. Dissertation (16 credits)