Students are charged with knowledge of and compliance with all UTHealth Houston School of Public Health policies below. All of the following policies can be found on the mySPH Policies webpage. Students are expected to sign a pledge adhering to the school’s honor code during new student orientation.
Academic Policies
Policy 100, Student Academic Grievance Process
The School of Public Health expects its students to put forth their best effort and assume the primary responsibility for meeting their academic and professional goals, but recognizes that there may be instances when students raise academic grievances. Students should first attempt to resolve their academic grievance informally, such as meeting with their faculty member, their faculty advisor, and/or the department Chair. When these informal methods do not resolve the student’s grievance, students may request a review and recommendation from the Academic Grievance Committee through its Academic Grievance Resolution Process.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 100, Student Academic Grievance Process.
Policy 102, Doctoral Committee Structure
DrPH and PhD students are required to elect a dissertation committee. Before completing the preliminary exam, students work with their faculty advisor to plan future research. After passing the preliminary exam, students form a dissertation committee, which must include at least three current faculty members, including a faculty advisor, dissertation chair, and a third member from outside their discipline. Additional members may be added, such as a dissertation supervisor, certificate representative or optional members. Committee changes are discouraged after the dissertation proposal is approved, and all changes require approval from the dissertation chair and department chair.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 102, Doctoral Committee Structure.
Policy 103, Drop Date Deadline for Courses
This policy outlines the deadlines for dropping courses at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health: three weeks before the last class day for the fall and spring semesters, and two weeks before the last class day for both 6-week and 12-week summer sessions. Students are strongly encouraged to submit the withdrawal form as soon as they decide to withdrawal.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 103, Drop Date Deadline for Courses.
Policy 104, MPH and MS Committee Structures
This policy details the committee structure for MPH and MS students. MPH students are assigned a faculty advisor at admission, and those completing a Capstone or independent ILE only needing their advisor. MPH students who opt to complete a thesis as their ILE, must select an additional committee member, who can be from outside their primary discipline. MS students must have a faculty advisor, and if pursuing a minor, a second member from the minor discipline. Students pursing certificates requiring committee representation must include a faculty member from that certificate on their committee.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 104, MPH and MS Committee Structures.
Policy 105, Registration Maximum Credits in One Term
Students seeking to register for 16 credit hours in a single term are required to obtain approval from their faculty advisor and the Director of Academic Affairs. Full-time graduate enrollment is defined as 9 credit hours in the fall/spring and 6 credit hours in the summer.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 105, Registration Maximum Credits in One Term.
Policy 106, Registration Maximum Credits in One Term
Students are required to submit a Institutional Approvals, Data Handling and Publication Plan form as part of their thesis/dissertation proposal. Students are encouraged to discuss key topics with their thesis/dissertation chair, including copyrighting plans, data ownership, publication plans, co-authorship order, publication timelines, and potential contingencies regarding publication decisions. The goal is to ensure clarity and agreement between the student and chair on these aspects before proceeding with the research.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 106, Thesis Dissertation Data and Publication Authorship.
Policy 107, Academic Remediation Plan and Probation Steps
This policy establishes a system for identifying and addressing academic difficulties early in a student's program. Students who receive a failing grade, have two or more classes with a C grade, or accumulate for or more withdrawals (W) or incompletes (I) will enter the Academic Remediation process. A remediation plan is developed by the student and advisor and must be approved by the Director of Academic Affairs. If the student does not improve after remediation, they may be placed on academic probation, with the potential for dismissal if no progress is made. The goal is to help students resolve academic issues before they become more severe.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 107, Academic Remediation Plan and Probation Steps.
Policy 108, Test Security Policy
This policy ensures that UTHealth Houston School of Public Health can verify the identify of students participating in distance or online education courses, in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and SACSCOC requirements. Verification methods may include secure logins, proctored exams, or other technologies. Faculty must ensure all assignments adhere to the course's guidelines for independent work, and exams for online courses will be proctored using services like ProctorU. The Office of Academic Affairs and Student Services will monitor compliance.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 108, Test Security Policy.
Policy 109, Student Research Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Approval
Students are required to submit their thesis or dissertation proposal for review and approval to the Office of Academic Affairs and Student Services no later than the last class day of the term before their expected graduation term to allow sufficient time for revisions and review.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 109, Student Research Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Approval.
Administrative Policies
Policy 200, Student Evaluation Process
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health students are required to meet with their faculty advisor at least once each fall and spring semester to evaluate academic progress toward degree completion. Students are responsible for scheduling the meeting and bringing the necessary documents, such as a Student Evaluation Form and their current grades. The evaluation serves to assess academic standing and ensure students are making satisfactory progress.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 200, Student Evaluation Process.
Policy 201, Course Grading
Letter grades (“A,” “B,” “C,” or “F”) are given for all MPH core courses. Elective courses may be letter-graded or graded on the basis of pass/fail (“P” or “F”) at the discretion of the instructor. Grades in pass/fail courses will not be included in the GPA calculation. A GPA will be calculated from all letter-graded courses. In computing GPA per hour, the following scores are used: A = 4 points; B = 3 points; C = 2 points; F = 0 points. The GPA is calculated by multiplying the grade points by the number of credit hours for each course. Repeated courses will be listed on the transcript along with the original course. However, please note the following stipulations:
- Students have the opportunity to retake a course only one time for recalculation of the GPA. GPA recalculations are not automatic. The GPA will be calculated on the letter-graded course only using the grade from the repeated course.
- A third attempt is rarely approved, and will only be considered if the first two attempts were failures. Students may petition to the Office of Academic Affairs and Student Services to retake a course a third time.
- The final attempt will be the grade calculated into the GPA.
- Students who do not request a GPA recalculation for a repeated course will have both course grades calculated into the GPA.
An Incomplete (“I”) will revert to an “F” if the coursework is not successfully completed after one semester. However, at the course instructor’s discretion, a grade may be entered to replace the “F” when the work from the incomplete is completed. A “W” grade is assigned when a student withdraws from a course.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 201, Course Grading.
Policy 202, Maximum Students in a Course
This policy outlines that courses required for any degree plan at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health should not exceed 50 students per section. If enrollment exceeds this limit, additional sections will be created, or a teaching plan will be implemented to maintain a student-to-faculty ratio of 50:1. This policy aims to ensure a quality teaching environment while supporting students' progress toward degree completion.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 202, Maximum Students in a Course.
Degree Requirements Policies
Policy 300, Breadth and Minor Requirements for Doctoral Students
The policy defines the breadth and minor requirements for doctoral students at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Students must complete one major area of study and two additional areas, which can be a minor and a breadth area or two minors. The minor consists of at least 9 credit hours, while the breadth is a customized 9-credit course sequence that expands the student’s knowledge beyond their major. The policy also specifies that students can count a graduate certificate as a breadth, and DrPH students starting in Fall 2025 or later only need one minor. Specific requirements vary by program, and students are advised to discuss their options with faculty advisors.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 300, Breadth and Minor Requirements for Doctoral Students.
Policy 301, Conditional Admission to Doctoral Programs
The policy on conditional admission to doctoral programs at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health applies to applicants who do not meet all the prerequisites for full admission. Applicants with a prior master's degree but missing required coursework may be admitted conditionally, with the stipulation that they complete necessary leveling courses. These courses must be completed with a grade of at least a "B" before the student can proceed to the Preliminary Examination. If the student fails to meet the conditions, they will be discontinued from the program. Leveling courses appear on the transcript but do not count toward the doctoral degree.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 301, Conditional Admission to Doctoral Programs.
Policy 302, Direct Admission from a Bachelor's Degree to the PhD Program
This policy outlines the process for direct admission into the PhD program at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health for students holding a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. This pathway is available for students with strong academic backgrounds, particularly in science and mathematics. Direct admission students must complete the same PhD curriculum as those entering with a master's degree, totaling 72 credit hours. They must pass a preliminary examination and complete an original dissertation. The program has a maximum duration of seven years.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 302, Direct Admission from a Bachelor's Degree to the PhD Program.
Policy 303, Epidemiology Course Requirement
All UTHealth Houston School of Public Health students are required to complete one three-credit hour course from the Department of Epidemiology (2600-2998).
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 303, Epidemiology Course Requirement.
Policy 307, Preliminary Examination; Admission to Candidacy and Dissertation Defense
This policy outlines the process for UTHealth Houston School of Public Health doctoral students to move from preliminary examination to candidacy and dissertation defense. The process is divided into three main stages:
1. Preliminary Examination: Taken after completing 6-9 courses (18-27 credit hours). It assesses readiness for independent research, with two attempts allows. Failure to pass within the two attempts results in dismissal.
2. Dissertation Proposal Defense: Conducted after completing most required courses, this formal defense must be passed to be admitted into candidacy. Students have two attempts to pass.
3. Dissertation Defense: The final defense of the completed dissertation. It is assessed as pass/fail with two attempts allows. If consensus is not reached, a majority vote can determine passing.
Each stage has specific requirements, grading rubrics, and policies for remediation if needed.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 307, Preliminary Examination; Admission to Candidacy and Dissertation Defense.
Policy 308, Transfer of External Credits, Course Substitutions and Waivers
For students entering fall 2018 and thereafter, up to nine (9) graduate semester credit hours earned at other accredited institutions may be transferred and applied to UTHealth School of Public Health graduation requirements if approved by the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Office of Academic Affairs and Student Services and the student’s faculty advisor. Transfer of external credit hours, course waivers and substitutions may only apply towards degree required leveling, elective, minor, or breadth coursework not linked to program required competencies. Major required courses cannot be waived or substituted. These hours must not have been applied toward another awarded degree. See Policy 308 for detailed information and processes.
For dual degree programs, shared credit hours are earned in courses that are part of an agreed upon curriculum. Up to 12 completed credit hours applied toward the MPH degree requirements can be from the partner institution provided that the course has been reviewed and recommended by the student’s advisory committee and approved by the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Office of Academic Affairs and Student Services. This applies to all concurrent/dual degree programs and external transfer credits. Students should contact the program coordinator for the dual degree program for further information.
General non-degree and certificate students can transfer up to 16 semester credit hours of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health coursework if accepted into a degree program, a grade of “A” or “B” is earned in the course, and the course is completed within five (5) years prior to matriculation into the degree program. Credit hours earned as part of a master’s degree program do not count toward a doctoral degree program.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 308, Transfer of External Credits, Course Substitutions and Waivers.
Enrollment Policies
Policy 400, Auditing Courses
The policy outlines the guidelines for auditing courses at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Auditing allows individuals to attend courses without receiving academic credit, and the courses are documented on an official transcript with an "AD" grade. Auditing students must obtain instructor permission, and enrollment is on a space-available basis. Audited courses do not count toward degree requirements and are subject to an auditing fee. UTHealth Houston students pay a smaller fee than non-degree students. Access to campus facilities related to the audited course is provided.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 400, Auditing Courses.
Policy 401, Continuous Enrollment for Student Enrolled in Thesis and Dissertation Research
This policy requires doctoral students at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health to maintain continuous enrollment during their thesis or dissertation research. Students must enroll in PHM 9998 (Culminating Experience/Thesis) or PHD 9999 (Dissertation) each semester after their proposal is approved, including summer semesters. Enrollment must be at least 3 credit hours in fall/spring and 1 credit hour in summer. Failure to enroll results in the inactivation of the student’s research protocol. If a student cannot enroll, they must request a leave of absence, during which no research can be conducted. To reactivate an inactivated protocol, the student must revise their proposal and resubmit it for approval.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 401, Continuous Enrollment for Students Enrolled in Thesis and Dissertation Research.
Policy 402, Enrollment Requirements, Degree Time Limits, and Leaves of Absences
A student is classified as “full-time” if enrolled in at least nine (9) semester credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, at least six (6) semester credit hours during the summer.
Required Enrollment. Enrollment is required in the semester in which the research proposal is submitted and continuously through the semester in which all requirements for graduation are completed. Enrollment is required during the semester in which the preliminary examination is taken and in the semester in which the student is involved in a practicum/internship. Enrollment is required in the semester in which students graduate. Students must maintain enrollment so that any absence from the degree program does not exceed one (1) calendar year (three (3) consecutive semesters) unless a formal leave of absence is granted.
Time Limits for Degrees and Extensions. Students are expected to complete master’s degree programs (MPH and MS) within five (5) years and doctoral degree programs (DrPH and PhD) within seven (7) years. In case of extenuating circumstances, a student may request a one-year extension. The possibility of a second year of extension exists under extraordinary circumstances. Students who do not graduate within the approved time limit will be dismissed from the program and must be readmitted in order to complete the degree program in effect at the time of readmission.
Non-Enrollment. UTHealth Houston School of Public Health recognizes that in some instances, students may need to take time away from their studies to attend other important aspects and events in their lives. If such events are limited to a single semester, the student may choose not to enroll for that semester without unduly slowing the degree program. Students who may need to be away for more than one (1) semester, should seriously consider requesting a Leave of Absence (LOA) in order to preserve continuing student status. If the student does not request or is not granted a LOA and does not enroll for one calendar year (three (3) consecutive semesters) the student is automatically dismissed from the School and will need to seek readmission to return to their degree program.
Leave of Absence (LOA). Students who anticipate interrupting their degree program for more than two (2) semesters should consider requesting a LOA. The LOA “stops the clock” on the student’s degree program and does not add to the timeline for completing the degree. The LOA is granted for one (1) calendar year. A second year may be granted. Students who need to be away from the school for longer periods should consider withdrawing from the degree program and applying for readmission when their situation improves. The student may enroll in classes at any time during the LOA if his/her situation changes and the LOA is no longer needed.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 402, Enrollment Requirements, Degree Time Limits, and Leaves of Absence.
Policy 403, Readmission to a Degree Program
This policy outlines the process for readmission to a degree program at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health for students who have been discontinued due to non-enrollment or leave of absence. Students must apply for readmission after being absent for three consecutive semesters. The process includes a review of the student's academic record and an advisory committee will be reappointed. Upon readmission, students must meet current admission requirements and may need to repeat coursework or complete additional requirements if they have been absent for more than five years. Any previous thesis or dissertation work must be re-approved. The student is responsible for fulfilling all degree requirements, including any updated coursework.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 403, Readmission to a Degree Program.
Policy 404, Transfer of Students Between UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Campuses
This policy governs the transfer of students between UTHealth Houston School of Public Health campuses. Transfers are only allowed for students in good academic standing.
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Temporary Transfers: Students may transfer temporarily for 1-2 semesters due to relocation or research needs. For example, medical students completing rotations may transfer to a regional campus and return after the period ends.
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Permanent Transfers: Students wishing to permanently transfer must submit a request explaining the need, along with supporting documents. Transfers depend on factors such as advisor availability and campus admissions requirements.
Transfers are rare and generally discouraged unless they support the student’s academic goals, particularly for thesis or dissertation research.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 404, Transfer of Students Between UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Campuses.
Policy 405, Verification of Degrees for International Applicants
This policy requires all international and domestic applicants who earned their degrees abroad to submit a degree verification certified by a recognized agency, such as the World Education Service (WES), to the UTHealth Houston Office of the Registrar as part of their application. This verification ensures the authenticity of the applicant's degree. The policy addresses difficulties in verifying international transcripts and requires the submission of official transcripts or unofficial ones with a letter explaining that the official transcript will be sent. If the official transcript is not received, a registration hold may be placed, and the student could face dismissal.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 405, Verification of Degrees for International Applicants.
Policy 406, Teaching or Graduate Assistant Enrollment Status Requirement
This policy requires students to be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Assistant (GA) positions. Specifically, students must enroll in at least five credit hours during fall and spring terms, and at least three credit hours in the summer term. This does not apply to Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) roles. Doctoral students in the final phase of their program, having passed their preliminary exams and making progress toward their dissertation, can serve as secondary instructors with faculty guidance. A waiver can be requested through department TA/GA coordinators.
For the complete policy statement, see Policy 406, Teaching or Graduate Assistant Enrollment Status Requirement.
UTHealth Houston Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOOP)
The university's policies connect the university's mission to the everyday actions of its community, clarify the university's expectations of its individual members, mitigate institutional risk, enhance efficiency and support the university's compliance with laws and regulations. Two policies are highlighted below, however, students are charged with knowledge of and compliance with all UTHealth Houston regulations set forth in the UTHealth Houston Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOOP).
Reasonable Accommodation
Individuals seeking reasonable accommodations related to disability, pregnancy and parenting, or religion must initiate the accommodation process by contacting their school’s designated Section 504 Coordinator and completing a request form found on the University Relations & Equal Opportunity (UREO) webpage.
Accommodations are not retroactive, and require advance notice to implement. To allow adequate time to evaluate the request, engage in the interactive process, and make arrangements for any accommodation to be provided, requestors are strongly urged to contact UREO as soon as possible.
For more information, visit HOOP Policy 101, Disability and Pregnancy Accommodations, HOOP Policy 232, Pregnant and Parenting Students, and HOOP Policy 112, Religious Accommodations.
HOOP Policy 186, Student Conduct and Discipline
All students are required to obey federal, state, and local laws and to comply with the University of Texas System Board of Regents Rules and Regulations, the rules and regulations of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and directives issued by administrative officials of the University or UT System in the course of their authorized duties. Students are also required to obey standards of conduct appropriate for the academic institution. Any student who engages in conduct that violates the Regents' Rules and Regulations, University or UT System rules, or federal, state, or local laws is subject to disciplinary action.
For additional information on the student conduct and discipline process, please see HOOP Policy 186, Student Conduct and Discipline.