Addendum to the 2021- 2023 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.

POLICIES

Graduates transferring undergraduate courses - policy eliminated effective winter 2022

Up to 12 credits of 4000-level advanced undergraduate coursework, completed by an undergraduate at Oakland University, may be applied to a graduate program if the courses were not used to fulfill the baccalaureate degree requirements. The courses must be applicable to a select graduate program, approved by the faculty adviser, graduate committee on instruction, and Oakland University Graduate School. Credit earned more than six years, before a master’s degree is to be granted, may not be used to fulfill the degree or program requirements.

The difference between undergraduate tuition and graduate tuition will be assessed at the time credits are transferred to the graduate academic record. 

Transfer Credit Request for Oakland University Courses forms are available on the Web site https://www.oakland.edu/grad/.

Graduate Application Requirements - effective fall 2022

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 

• Online Application for Admission to Oakland University Graduate School.

• Official transcripts are required from all post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned a degree (beginning with first baccalaureate) and all enrollment in graduate level course work beyond the bachelor’s degree.
  
  International university transcripts (educational credentials) must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service. Oakland University will only accept transcript evaluations completed by a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation service) member organization.
  
  Three-year baccalaureate degree
  Applicants with a three-year baccalaureate degree from an institution outside of the U.S. are welcome provided:  1) they have been awarded the degree at the time of application; 2) the degree would qualify them for admission to an academic graduate program in the country in which it was earned; and 3) their degree evaluation must include a course-by-course (or detailed) transcript evaluation rather than the general transcript evaluation.
  
  General document-by-document evaluation
  A general document-by-document evaluation contains a description of your credentials, including name, year awarded, name of institution attended, and major field of study. It also provides the U.S. equivalent for each credential.  Not permitted for 3-year baccalaureate degrees.
  
  Course-by-Course transcript evaluation (preferred)
  Graduate programs requiring more detailed information will require an applicant to submit a course-by-course transcript evaluation.  A course by course transcript evaluation details all post-secondary subjects with the corresponding values expressed in terms of U.S. equivalent course grade, semester units and credit units for each subject
  
  Since official transcripts must be submitted to the evaluation service, official foreign transcripts will not be required by Oakland University

• Two official and original Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms.
  (Note: Some programs require more than two recommendation forms. Refer to the program application requirements listed below for the total number of recommendations and specific requirements for the recommendations.)
   
• Proof of English language proficiency
  
  ​International supplemental application and supporting documentation must be submitted before international applicants can be issued the Certification of Eligibility (I-20). This certificate is required to apply for a student visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Graduate Transfer Credit - policy ENDED effective summer 2022

With the approval of the faculty adviser and Oakland University Graduate School, selected credits for prior graduate coursework earned at another accredited U.S. college or university may be transferred to count toward an Oakland University degree. The student must have earned graduate level credit in the course according to the institution at which the course was taken. Students must complete one semester in their graduate program at Oakland and be in good academic standing (not on probation or limited standing) before the Transfer Credit Request can be given final approval. Students should be prepared to provide the graduate program adviser a catalog copy of the course description from the former institution and/or a course syllabus.

To receive consideration for graduate work completed elsewhere but not used toward another degree, the student must:

1. submit official transcripts to Oakland University Graduate School;

2. request transfer credits for graduate credits earned from an accredited institution that carry a grade of 3.0 (B) or better;

3. request transfer credits for credit earned within 6 years of the time the OU degree will be conferred;

4. request transfer credits for courses labeled “graduate” and numbered 5000 and above;

5. not request transfer credits for courses graded pass/fail, credit/non-credit or satisfactory/unsatisfactory

Oakland University does not provide transfer credit for life experience, credit by examination, independent study courses or noncredit courses.

The total number of graduate credits transferred may not exceed nine, and no more than one credit will be awarded per week of instruction (i.e., a 4-credit course must meet a minimum of 14 hours per week for four weeks-a minimum total of 56 class hours or 47 clock hours of instruction).

The Transfer Credit Request form is available on the Web site https://www.oakland.edu/grad/. Approved graduate transfer credit will appear on the student’s official transcript.

Graduate Transfer Credit - NEW policy effective summer 2022

In no case will credit earned in one master’s degree or graduate certificate program be transferred to satisfy the requirements of a second master’s degree or graduate certificate program. However, the faculty adviser may review the courses completed in the previous master’s degree or graduate certificate program to determine Oakland University course equivalency. Those courses found equivalent to Oakland University courses which satisfy degree requirements in the second master’s program may be eligible for course waiver.   See the Course Waiver/Substitution section of the graduate catalog.

PhD degree programs, which define the minimum credit hours as coursework beyond the baccalaureate, may permit students who have previously earned a master’s degree from Oakland University or another regionally accredited university, to reduce the credits required for the PhD degree up to 32 credits. This policy does NOT pertain to post-master’s PhD degree programs, where an earned master’s degree is required in advance of admission to the program. Students should refer to individual graduate program standards and requirements for details.

Students enrolled in a graduate certificate, master’s, or doctoral degree program may transfer up to 49% of the credits required for the program, provided the transferred credits meet the requirements below. Credits to be transferred:

• are being transferred from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S., or its equivalent from an international institution
• are verified by an official transcript
• are graduate level numbered 5000 or above (or equivalent) with satisfactory grades (at least 3.0, B, Satisfactory or Pass)
• have not been used for any other degree or awarded certificate
• have been taken within three years of when the graduate certificate will be earned or six years of when the master’s degree or doctoral degree will be earned, except when revalidated* by the student’s Oakland University graduate program and approved by the Graduate School .

*At least 51% of the credits required for the credential must be earned at Oakland University. Thus, if students are receiving a credit reduction because of a master’s degree or graduate certificate that was awarded at another institution prior to entering the program, the number of credits that may be transferred to Oakland will be reduced. Students transferring credit must still take Oakland coursework evaluated with a letter grade in order to achieve the minimum GPA of 3.0 as transferred coursework does not factor into the Oakland GPA.

* Students should refer to individual graduate program standards and requirements for details.

Students Accompanying a New Faculty Hire

Qualified graduate students accompanying a new Oakland University faculty hire may qualify for a reduction and/or transfer of graduate credits that represent a larger portion of the credits required for the degree than is allowed in the transfer policy and/or that exceed course age requirements. All other rules regarding transfer credits and credit reductions will remain in effect. Each program will evaluate the credits to be reduced and/or transferred and identify the equivalent in the Plan of Study. Students must still take Oakland coursework evaluated with a letter grade in order to achieve the minimum GPA of 3.0 as transferred coursework does not factor into the Oakland GPA.    

In the case of an incoming PhD student who has already passed a comprehensive/preliminary plan and achieved candidacy at the institution being transferred from, the program may determine that milestone has been achieved and does not need to be repeated.  All incoming PhD students must fulfill Oakland’s dissertation proposal requirement at Oakland with a committee that meets Oakland guidelines.

Note:  The student must still submit an Oakland University graduate application.  Prior to extending an offer of admission, the graduate program is required to submit a petition and accompanying Plan of Study to the Dean of the Graduate School requesting this exception.  The Graduate Dean’s approval of the exception will become part of the offer of admission.  It is a best practice to consult the Graduate School regarding students accompanying new faculty hires prior to students submitting the Oakland University graduate application.

NEW GRADUATE CERTIFICATES FOR FALL 2022

• Graduate Certificate in Epidemiological Research   
• Graduate Certificate in Global and Population Health Services  
• Graduate Certificate in Health Equity  

PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS FOR FALL 2022

• Master of Arts in English  

NEW PROGRAMS FOR SUMMER 2022

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (M.S.W) degree program at Oakland University provides students with the requisite theoretical knowledge, skills, and ethical framework for advanced social work practice with diverse client systems across practice settings. OU M.S.W students will be uniquely trained through an integrated advanced generalist. All M.S.W students will demonstrate advanced mastery of nine Core Competencies dictated by the CSWE, which will allow them to assume clinical and macro social work practice roles upon graduation. Students who wish to pursue licensure as clinical or macro social workers after graduation will have the necessary course preparation and field experience to do so.

Those students who seek more intensive training in a specialized area will have the option to complete one of three specializations (integrated health, community and organizational leadership or school social work). Depending how students enter the M.S.W program, (Advanced Standing versus Traditional) students have two options for completing the proposed M.S.W degree: a Traditional curriculum, including 64 hours of coursework and 900 hours of field education, and an Advanced Standing program that requires 34 credit hours of coursework and 450 hours of field education.

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.

Prospective students will apply through the OU Graduate Admissions for admittance into the program for the Summer Semester (advanced standing) and Fall Semester (traditional program).

• February 15 (regular) and April 15 (late) for fall semester for the Traditional M.S.W. Program  or until our cohort is filled or until June 1st, whichever comes first. Students may apply for an early admission decision is submitted by  December 15.
• February 15 (regular) and April 15 (late) for summer semester for the Advanced Standing M.S.W. Program  or until our cohort is filled or until June 1st, whichever comes first. Students may apply for an early admission decision is submitted by  December 15.
• 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

 Additional department application requirements

NEW PROGRAMS FOR FALL 2021

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science 

The Doctor of Philosophy 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 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)

• PT 8800 -  Understanding Evidence-Based Practice (2 credits)
• PT 8807 -  Educational Principles for Rehabilitation Professionals (4 credits)
• PT 9000 -  Advanced Scientific Inquiry (4 credits)
• PT 9010 -  Analysis of Clinical Findings (4 credits) or PH 5400  - Statistical Methods in Public Health or PSY 5101 -Advanced Statistics for Psychological and Behavioral Research or PSY 5102 - Advanced Statistics for Psychological and Behavioral Research II
• PT 9940  - Professional Seminar (4 credits)
• PT 9999   - Dissertation (16 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.

• Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Science*
• Graduate Certificate in Corporate and Worksite Wellness 
• Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science 
• Graduate Certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation    
• Graduate Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy   
• Graduate Certificate in Orthopedics 
• Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning for Rehabilitation Professionals 

* 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)