Exercise Science + Orthotics and Prosthetics [BS + MS]

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics (MSOP) program at Eastern Michigan University is a five-year combined program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and prepares graduates for careers in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and research institutions. Graduates may work as orthotists, prosthetists, or in other related roles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics (MSOP) program at Eastern Michigan University aims to foster the education and training necessary to develop professionals dedicated to improving orthotic and prosthetic outcomes. The program emphasizes lifelong learning, preparing graduates to apply and advance the profession's knowledge and evidence base. The MSOP program is one of twelve such programs in the entire country. Traditionally, students complete a bachelor's degree before beginning a two-year MSOP program, a total of six years of coursework. The Combined Exercise Science and Orthotics & Prosthetics program provides exceptional, motivated students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Science and Orthotics & Prosthetics in five years. This program is one of two combined programs in the country, and it's the only one in which students earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in addition to a Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Outline:

The five-year combined Exercise Science and Orthotics & Prosthetics program includes the following course schedule:

• First year: Students primarily complete courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.
• Second year: Students build their understanding of the human body on the basic science foundation established in the first year.
This phase includes courses in human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, pharmacology, and more.
• Third year: Students continue their coursework in human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics.
They also take courses in exercise psychology, research methods, and clinical practicum.
• Fourth year: Students begin taking courses in orthotics and prosthetics.
These courses cover topics such as gait analysis, musculoskeletal pathologies, kinesiology-biomechanical basis of orthotic & prosthetic management, kinetics and the human body, materials: choice and use in orthotics and prosthetics, and applied patient practicum in orthotics and prosthetics.
• Fifth year: Students continue taking courses in orthotics and prosthetics.

Careers:

The MSOP program prepares graduates for careers in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and research institutions. Graduates may work as orthotists, prosthetists, or in other related roles.