Related program information
Plan of study
All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty 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 adviser and submitted by the student to Oakland University Graduate School.
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 an approved area, followed by a comprehensive examination covering this area.
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 adviser 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. The student selects an adviser who serves as the comprehensive examination committee chair and two committee members agreed upon by the student and chair. Under this option, students select a topic, with their adviser’s approval. An extensive reading list for the topic is compiled from recommendations submitted by their adviser who has expertise in the area. A thorough paper detailing the review of literature is written for this topic or a comprehensive examination consisting of selected questions for the topic area is given in order to determine if the candidate has the in-depth knowledge expected of a master’s degree candidate. The student presents a seminar on this topic, open to all interested faculty members. Following this, the student undergoes an oral comprehensive examination on the topic by their committee.
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. 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 must meet the requirements established by internship site including proof of the following:
1) Proof of current health insurance;
2) Proof of current CPR certification (minimum BLS-CPR);
3) Proof of recent (last 6 months) physical examination by medical practitioner. A written statement indicating the student has been medically examined and is cleared to start the internship is required.
4) Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination OR a signed, dated statement of declination of vaccination.
5) Students may also be required to provide proof of immunity to rubella (German measles), rubeola (measles), and varicella zoster (chicken pox), and provide proof that they are free of active pulmonary tuberculosis which shall require a negative PPD (Tb) test given within one year of the start date of their clinical experience.
6) Students may also be required to successfully pass a drug screen, a criminal background check, and a check of the sexual offenders’ database.
7) Students may also be required to provide proof of a flu immunization.
Requirements are subject to change based on current practice in the field. Students are responsible for any costs associated with the requirements described above. Internships sites are not required to provide free treatment for students and will bill students for use of their emergency or employee health services.
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.
Time limits
All graduate certificate students are expected to complete their degree within the time limit established by the University.