Master of Science in Exercise Science

Degree requirements

The Master of Science in exercise science degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 36 credits in an approved program of study.

Satisfactory academic progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student’s successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state and university aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional details.

Good academic standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0.

Good academic standing is a requirement for:

• Holding a Graduate Assistantship
• Receiving a fellowship or scholarship
• Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree
• Going on a leave of absence
• Obtaining a graduate certificate or degree from Oakland University.

Additionally, graduate students must meet all department academic standards which may be more stringent than the minimum set forth by the University.

Department requirements: Students must maintain a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or better. Credit toward the degree will not be given for courses with grades under 2.5.

Graduate students who are not in good academic standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or dismissal from further graduate study.

Related program information

Plan of study

All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty program adviser, must develop a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements. The plan of study must be approved by the faculty program adviser and submitted by the student to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning.

Master’s and graduate certificate students must submit a department-approved plan of study by the end of their first semester of graduate coursework. Doctoral students must submit an approved plan of study prior to completion of the first year of coursework. (See the Graduate Student Responsibility  section of this catalog.)

Note:  Credit granted for successful completion of a course toward an undergraduate degree program may not be repeated for a graduate degree. If a substitution is approved, the minimum number of program-approved graduate credits will be required. A Petition of Exception - OU Course Waiver/ Substitution requesting the substitution must be approved.

Thesis research or comprehensive examination option

Candidates for the Master of Science degree must choose either to carry out an independent research project culminating with the completion of a master’s thesis or to conduct in-depth study in a number of approved areas, followed by a comprehensive examination covering these areas.

Students who choose the thesis option select an adviser who serves as the thesis committee chair and two committee members agreed upon by the student and chair. A thesis proposal is presented orally and in writing to the committee for approval. Research topics usually consist of experimental studies in the areas of biomechanics, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, measurement and evaluation, performance assessment, physical rehabilitation, and studies of lifestyle behavior. The thesis is presented and defended by the candidate at a meeting open to all interested faculty members. All thesis requirements must adhere to university format standards and deadlines (see Thesis and Dissertation ).

The comprehensive examination option is designed to provide those students who do not wish to conduct thesis research an opportunity for in-depth study in several areas. Under this option, students select a minimum of three topics, with their adviser’s approval. Extensive reading lists for each topic are compiled from recommendations submitted by three or more faculty members who have expertise in the area. A thorough paper detailing the review of literature is written for each topic or a comprehensive examination consisting of selected questions for each topic area is given in order to determine if the candidate has the in-depth knowledge expected of a master’s degree candidate. The comprehensive examination can be arranged to be given in three parts, covering each of the topics studied.

Exercise Science internship

The internship component of this program provides an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience in the practice of exercise science. Internship placements will be the responsibility of the program and will include public and private health care settings and corporate and community wellness settings.

At least one internship shall be taken at a health promotion/disease prevention facility. All students are required to demonstrate specific clinical and non-clinical competencies spelled out in the Master of Science in Exercise Science Student Handbook. Students entering the program with significant previous clinical experience, comparable to the internship experiences offered through this program, may request one or both internship course requirements (EXS 601 and EXS 602) be waived and another Oakland University course substituted. Students should follow the Petition of Exception - OU Course Waiver/ Substitution process.

Code of Ethics

Along with scholarly preparation in the appropriate academic disciplines, high levels of ethical conduct are considered essential for those who are involved in health care. Students are expected to comply with the principles of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of the American College of Sports Medicine. Violations will be brought before the faculty and could result in dismissal from the program.