Sound academic principles require that students be required to maintain a minimum level of academic standing. The standards of academic standing measure a student's performance in four areas: cumulative grade-point average (GPA), the
number of credits earned bearing less than a B, performance in required courses, and completion of degree requirements within a maximum time allowance. The Academic Progression Committee shall evaluate each matriculated student's academic standing at the end of each semester. Students who fail to maintain a minimum level of academic standing may be placed on probation, or may be suspended or dismissed, in accordance with the policies of the school. Academic standing for both part-time and
full-time matriculated students will be evaluated under the criteria given below.
Grade-Point Average
Matriculated students who have earned 9 credits or more are required to maintain a minimum GPA
of least 3.0 for master's degrees and certificates, and at least 3.2 overall and 3.2 in the set of required courses specified by their concentration for doctoral degrees.
Number of Credits Earned Bearing Less Than a B
Matriculated students are normally expected to earn grades of B (3.0) or better in their
coursework. No more than 9 credits bearing grades less than B (or less than 3.0) may be used in meeting the requirements for a master of public health (M.P.H.) or a doctoral degree; and no more than 6
credits bearing grades less than B (or less than 3.0) for a master of science (M.S.) degree.
Performance in Required Courses
Students who fail a required course must repeat the course and receive a passing grade if they wish to remain in the school. Upon receipt of a failing grade, an immediate appointment must be made with the faculty adviser for counseling. (The grade of F is averaged into the GPA, as well as the second grade received for the course.)
Maximum Time Allowances for the Completion of Degree Requirements
Maximum time frame is defined by the school as the
maximum number of years a student may attempt courses in the pursuit of a
degree or certificate at the School of Public Health. The Academic Progression
Committee shall evaluate whether each student has made adequate progress toward
his or her degree or certificate according to the following schedule.
The maximum time frames for all matriculated students
(full-time and part-time) are as follows:
Type of Program
| Maximum Time from Matriculation in a Certificate or Degree Program to Graduation
|
Certificate (15 credits)
| 2 years
|
Master of Science in Biostatistics (30 credits)
| 4 years
|
Master of Science in Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (40 credits)
| 5 years
|
Master of Public Health (45 credits)
| 6 years
|
Doctoral Degrees (72 credits)
| 9 years
|
Additional requirements for doctoral students: A
doctoral student should complete and pass the Qualifying Exam and be admitted
to candidacy within three years of
admission, complete the dissertation proposal defense within one year of
candidacy (passing of the qualifying exam); and defend the dissertation within
nine years of admission.A doctoral
student's entire course of study, including dissertation research and defense
must be completed within nine years of admission to the doctoral program.
Semesters on leave and those devoted to study at other
institutions for a dual degree or at external scholarly programs are not
included in these time allowances.
For more information about probation, dismissal, or appeal, please see the Academic Standing policy.
Academic Policies and Procedures 
