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Academic Advising

The professional Academic Advising Office staff empowers students during their academic pursuits and journey towards a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Health Sciences; Nutrition; Applied Health Sciences; Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences; Exercise Science; Environmental Health and Safety; or Public Health. Our staff works in collaboration with the student to achieve their overall academic, graduation, and career goals in purpose for health.

For information about scholarships, student organizations and helpful links, please visit our Student Resources page.

To accommodate the needs of all students, we deliver services both in-person and remotely. To schedule your appointment, contact the advising office at (248) 370-2369.

ADVISING OFFICE FEEDBACKGPA CALCULATOR

 
        

Our goal is to empower students as they plan and prepare for the next few years at Oakland University. Below are actions you should be taking as an SHS student to stay focused on the finish line — graduation.

First Year:  Schedule an academic advising appointment with the First Year Advising Center. We also suggest that you explore connecting with student organizations to get involved.

Second Year:  Schedule a one-on-one degree planning meeting with an SHS academic adviser. We'll encourage you to decide on what area you would like to study and commit to a major. Consider joining an academic organization, networking with other students and possibly job shadowing.

Third Year: Start preparation for professional school exams and possibly complete a professional exam. Consider job shadowing. Schedule a graduation audit with an SHS academic adviser.

Fourth Year:  Apply to professional programs and job shadow.  Plan at least two semesters in advance for  graduation audits. Also, remember that there is an application deadline for graduation. Plan for grad school.

What are your responsibilities as a student?
  • Carefully read information on your chosen major, specialization, concentration, minor, etc.
  • Understand all of the requirements for your chosen major and all university requirements outlined in your Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Remember that some programs are competitive and admission may not be guaranteed.
  • Requirements for competitive programs vary. As a student, it is your responsibility to make sure that you understand the requirements, application procedures, deadlines, etc. for the competitive programs.
  • You should also keep in touch with SHS academic advising staff for regular updates and schedule an appointments at least once a year

Welcome to the School of Health Sciences

The School of Health Sciences provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff and partners across a broad array of health interests. Through exciting clinical and community-based opportunities, we pursue innovative learning, meaningful service and vibrant research endeavors in health and wellness. No matter your goals, a degree from the School of Health Sciences prepares you for a wide range of career paths. Identify your career choice through the SHS foundational model. From the SHS Academic Advising team, welcome to the School of Health Sciences!

Visit the New SHS Students website to meet your SHS academic adviser.

Appointments

Current students are required to schedule an academic advising appointment at least once a year. Students who are looking to graduate should schedule a graduation audit at least two semesters prior to graduation.  All graduation audits and transcript reviews require a scheduled academic advising appointment.

To schedule an appointment (virtual, phone, or face to face), contact the SHS Advising office at (248) 370-2369.

Pre-Health Professions Advising

Are you a SHS undergraduate student planning to attend graduate or professional school in the health industry? Schedule an appointment with one of our expert Pre-Professional Advisers to ensure you are on the right track to meet your goals.

The Pre-Health Professions Advising services promote a successful foundation of undergraduate exploration and engagement for students within the School of Health Sciences. Collaborating with SHS Faculty, Academic Advisers and ECLIPSE, this office will help students develop strong and lasting interpersonal relationships, advocate for successful post-graduate outcomes and build exceptional community leaders in health. 

Pre-Health Professions Advising assists students with:

  • Exploring health careers and getting started on their journey to become a competitive applicant to graduate and professional schools
  • Entrance exam preparation and planning
  • Guidance on clinical/patient-facing, volunteering, community service and leadership experience opportunities needed for successful admissions
  • Application support
  • Interview preparation, including help with resumes, personal statements and mock interviews

The OU Pre-Professional Advising Website also has many electronic resources and workshops available to students to help them on their path to becoming a health professional. 

To schedule an appointment with Pre-Health Professions Advising, email [email protected] or call the SHS Academic Advising Office at (248) 370-2369.

Meet the Pre-Health Professions Advising Team
A headshot of Brian Wigman
Brian Wigman, MA, LLC
Pre-Health Professions Adviser
School of Health Sciences
A headshot of Kaneisha McCray
Kaneisha McCray
Professional and Career Ambassador
School of Health Sciences
A headshot of Asha Mullings
Asha Mullings
Professional and Career Ambassador
School of Health Sciences

Contact our team at [email protected] or (248) 370-2369, and visit us in the Human Health Building, room 3070.

Student Testimonials

“When writing my personal statement for medical school, Brian was patient and provided constructive advice; he pushed me to dig deeper and showcase my strengths. He helped me tackle interview questions and my anxiety about the process. If you question if you need help, take the leap and meet with Brian. He will ensure you have complete confidence, not just in your application readiness, but also in your ability to excel in whatever profession you pursue.”
Robin LeFevere – Health Sciences, Pre-health Professions graduate; OUWB medical student

“Brian reviewed Physician Assistant schools, explained what they look for, helped me understand where I stood, and gave me instructions for improvement and positive feedback. Being a first-generation college student and a transfer student is not easy. Still, by his words of encouragement, Brian was able to help me overcome my insecurities and self-doubt. Because of him, I still believe in my professional goals.”
Orjona Shtalbi - Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant student

“I had the privilege of hosting Brian for a Personal Statement Workshop for my club, and the advice and wisdom Brian provided was enlightening. His years of experience showed great value in helping other students. Brian allowed me to think of my goals and aspirations more deeply during this workshop.”
Kendall Binfet – Exercise Science student, Pre-Occupational Therapy Club President, Honors College Ambassador

“As a Pre-PT student, Brian helped me perfect my personal statement to apply to physical therapy school. I came in with the right idea, but Brian helped me highlight certain areas to stand out and not sell myself short. He also helped me look over the application as a whole. His level of care and dedication to helping students is unmatched.”
Erika Camire – Exercise Science graduate (Spanish Language minor); OU Doctor of Physical Therapy class of 2027

“Brian has helped me throughout my journey to PA applications, including my personal statement, supplemental applications, writing experiences and practicing for interviews. He has gone above and beyond to support me even after graduating. Brian is an outstanding adviser and I cannot think of anyone who has spent more time helping me building my future career.”
Tixiana Dupuy – Health Sciences graduate, ECLIPSE leader, Physician Assistant applicant

“Not only has Brian been straight forward in exactly what I need to do to accomplish my goals of going to dental school, but he has given me confidence. Having someone to evaluate everything with an unbiased perspective and very approachable personality is exactly what I needed during this process.”
Audrey Giacolone – Health Sciences Pre-Health Professions student (pre-dental)

“Brian is always willing to help us improve ourselves to be competitive before applying to graduate schools. He checks on our mental health and supports us during every step we take. He's more than willing to speak to student organizations to educate on personal statements, primary and secondary applications, and how to prepare for interviews.”
Aneeta Danial - Health Sciences, Pre-health Professions student and organization leader

“I have been at Oakland University for five years and Brian is the most helpful person I have met with. He is so understanding and very nice with his approach; he always wants to hear your questions to help. Brian is the reason why I am continuing medicine and not giving up.”
Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences - Pre-clinical Professions graduate; OU Master’s of Arts student

The degree plans are suggested schedules designed for incoming freshmen to stay on track for graduation. Keep in mind that all students are required to follow any prerequisite requirements for every course. 

Health Sciences
A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (HS) degree combines basic sciences, social sciences and health science courses for students who desire a generalized, health-focused academic experience. Students choose an academic concentration area to obtain greater exposure to a specific health discipline.

Concentration Areas:
Holistic Health | Pre-health Professional Studies | Pre-pharmacy

Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies
A Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies offers an opportunity to acquire health expertise across disciplines that allow students to pursue a health science degree that extends beyond training for direct clinical care provision.  This degree positions students to pursue job opportunities in a variety of supportive and non-clinical positions in healthcare.

Degree:
Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies

Nutrition
Nutrition (NTR) is an interdisciplinary field with three primary areas of focus: community nutrition (or public health), food service management, and clinical (medical) nutrition. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition emphasizes the relationship between diet, nutrition, food access and health status.

Degree and specialization:
Nutrition | Dietetics

Applied Health Sciences
The Applied Health Sciences (AHS) program is designed to allow students to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree by combining courses from the university curriculum with specific Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degrees from accredited community colleges. The two-plus-two degree completion program allow students to readily transfer course credits from accredited two-year community colleges. 

2-Year Degree Completion Program:
Health Care Leadership Track | Health Promotion Track l Orthotics and Prosthetics l Radiologic Technology

Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences
The Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS) program is designed to prepare students for professional opportunities in a variety of growing healthcare fields. In response to emerging technologies, many areas of specialization have evolved that ensure the expertise of the healthcare personnel fulfilling critical roles.

Specializations:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography l Histotechnology | Medical Laboratory Science | Radiologic Technology | Nuclear Medicine Technology | Pre-clinical Professions | Pre-pharmacy Sciences | Pre-Physician Assistant | Medical Laboratory Sciences Combined Program

Exercise Science
The Exercise Science (EXS) program offers a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, pre-physical therapy concentration, and a minor in exercise science, as well as elective courses for students interested in the relationship among physical activity, weight control, disease prevention, stress management and nutrition for optimal health and performance.

Degree, specialization and concentration:
Exercise Science | Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant StudiesPre-Physical Therapy | Exercise Science Combined Program

Environmental Health and Safety
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program is multi-disciplinary in nature, providing students with relevant exposure to environmental health, occupational safety and industrial hygiene concepts through natural sciences, behavioral sciences and experiential learning opportunities.

Degree:
Environmental Health and Safety | Environmental Health and Safety / Management Combined Program

Public Health (previously Wellness and Health Promotion)
The Public Health (PH) program prepares students for an impactful career improving the health and well-being of your community and our world with a degree in public health. As a public health professional, you will focus on proactive, preventative measures – striving to reduce the risk of illness, injury or disease in populations even before it occurs – through community engagement, programming, research, policy, health behavior and more.

School of Health Sciences

Academic Advising
3070 Human Health Building
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-2369


Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]