By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

Oakland University is offering three new master's programs and two new doctoral programs beginning in the fall 2001 semester.

The new programs are for Master of Science in Information Technology Management, Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering, Master of Science in Embedded Systems, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy.

The addition of these degrees reflects OU's commitment to enhancing its graduate programs.

"There is definitely an emphasis on improving OU's current graduate offerings and creating new programs," said Associate Provost Wallis Andersen. "This is largely responsive to our strategic plan. All of these programs respond to needs in the community and to current educational initiatives. The engineering programs in particular concentrate on relatively new fields."

The MS in Information Technology Management provides a strong technical and managerial background to business professionals who need to effectively manage information technology. It also teaches information systems professionals the latest technologies and their use in application development.

Students in the MS in Information Systems Engineering program will gain specialized knowledge related to the design, development and engineering of information systems. It is particularly suited for students who have received a BS in Science or Engineering and are employed in the information technology field, or computer science or engineering majors who are involved in designing information systems for automobile, communication and medical applications.

The MS in Embedded Systems will provide students with specialized knowledge related to the design and development of embedded systems. The program seeks a balance between the software and hardware aspects of embedded systems. It is particularly suited for students who have a BS in computer engineering or electrical and computer engineering, or computer science majors who are involved in designing programmable devices for automobile, communication and medical applications.

"There's a relation between us adding these technology-based programs and the fact that OU has proximity to many technology-related businesses, whether in the profession of creating or managing technology," Andersen said.

The DPT program will prepare clinicians with the advanced evaluation and examination skills necessary to make physical therapy differential diagnoses, as well as teach effective care in the areas of prevention, screening, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Students also will be able to interpret and conduct clinical research.

The DScPT program is for licensed physical therapists who want to advance their knowledge and skills in this field. The degree is directed toward practicing clinicians who want to increase their education to keep up with the advanced training received by entry-level therapists.

The creation of these doctoral programs stems from changes in the physical therapy industry.

"When we started the Physical Therapy masters program six years ago, a graduate degree at the master's level was the standard requirement for an entry-level physical therapy position," Andersen said. "Now the entry-level professional standard is the doctorate. The doctoral program will completely replace our master's program in the fall of 2002. We're the third university in the state to have the doctorate approved, so we're ahead of the pack."

For more information on the new programs, contact the Office of Graduate Studies at (248) 370-3167 or gradmail@oakland.edu.