Regulations

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

The Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) provides an online Undergraduate Student Handbook, which contains additional updated information on policies, regulations, and other matters of concern to enrolled or admitted students. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the information contained in both this Bulletin and the Handbook. 

Graduation Requirements

Depending on the Milken Institute SPH degree program, students must complete 120 to 124 credits to earn their degree. Students enrolled in a dual degree program must complete all requirements of both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, but may double count specific courses toward both degrees. More information is available in SPH dual degree program guides. Students in the BS in exercise science and nutrition degree programs must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in courses in exercise science or nutrition core respectively; those in the BS in public health program must have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.0; those in the BS in health data science program must have a GPA of 2.75 of higher. All SPH programs require students to earn a C– or above in the core curriculum applicable to their major, including required and elective courses and prerequisites for core courses.

While degrees are awarded 3 times per year at the end of fall, spring, and summer semesters, the formal commencement ceremonies occur annually in May. Students are eligible to graduate only after they have completed all degree requirements and have no financial obligations to the University. Students may include degree designations (BS, MS, MPH, MHA, DrPH, or PhD) after their name only when they have completed all degree requirements.

Enrollment Status

Once enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, students are expected to be registered continuously during the fall and spring semesters and to actively fulfill their degree requirements.

  • During the summer session, students do not have to be enrolled unless they are graduating during the summer; in this case, they should register for Continuous Enrollment.
  • Some additional activities, such as study abroad programs, qualify as continuous enrollment.

Degree students who need to interrupt active pursuit of their degree may petition to take a leave of absence for a period of no more than one calendar year. Students who discontinue active enrollment without having been granted a leave of absence, or students who are granted a leave but do not return to active study at the close of the approved period, are no longer in status and must apply for readmission. Readmission to any program is competitive and not guaranteed. 

Advising

Students are responsible for building a support system to support their academic success. Each student is assigned an academic advisor who may assist with academic counseling in areas ranging from understanding University requirements to finding campus resources to help individual students connect with the GW community. Members of the faculty, academic advisors, tutors, and/or counselors also should be part of the support system. The University Career Services office and the Writing Center offer walk-in and by-appointment assistance. Personal counseling and other individualized services are available through the office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Support Services, the Multicultural Student Services Center, the Colonial Health Center, the International Services Office as well as the Office of Student Life, the Office for Student Success.   

Milken Institute SPH undergraduate students can declare no more than two majors, one or both of which may be within the School. In addition, students can pursue up to two minors, one of both of which may be with the Milken Institute SPH. The degree awarded is dependent on the student's primary major and the completion of general education requirements specific to the student's home School. 

Some exercise science core courses are taken as part of a sequence (such as EXNS 1110 and EXNS 1111). Students enrolled in the BS in exercise science and nutrition degree programs must earn a minimum grade of C- in the first course sequence in order to take the second. Please see your advisor for more information.

Timely Progress Toward the Degree

Students who fail to make adequate and timely progress toward the degree, through repeated leaves of absence or repeated failure to complete an appropriate number of credits per semester, may be dismissed from the University (see Right to Dismiss Students under University Regulations). Students dismissed on these grounds may apply for readmission after supplying sufficient evidence of academic promise. Additionally, students must attain grades no lower than C– in required major field courses (including core courses, elective courses, and any prerequisites for core courses). If a student receives a grade of D+, D, or D– in one of these major field courses, the student is required to repeat the course until a satisfactory grade (C– or above) is earned. Credit for the repeated courses will not count towards degree requirements; the grade earned in the repeated course will, however, be included in the student's cumulative GPA.

Incompletes

Conditions under which an Incomplete (I), may be assigned are described under University Regulations. In the Milken Institute SPH, the student must work directly with the instructor to document how the student will complete the coursework and earn a grade using the Incomplete Course Grade Contract. The completed contract must be approved by the student and instructor. Incomplete work must be completed by a date agreed upon by the student and the instructor, but no more than one calendar year from the end of the term in which the student registered for the course. The final grade earned will replace the I on the official transcript. An incomplete that is not changed by the deadline noted in the contract will convert to an F and the GPA and academic standing recalculated accordingly.

Pass/No Pass Option

Junior or senior students in good standing may, with the permission of the instructor and program director, take one course each semester for a grade of P, Pass, or NP, No Pass. A transfer student may not choose this option until the second semester of enrollment in the University, regardless of their class year. No student is allowed to take more than a total of four courses on a P/NP basis under this regulation. Students may, however, receive grades of P/NP in courses that are graded only on that basis—such courses do not count toward the four-course P/NP limit and may be taken by any undergraduate student (regardless of class year) if they otherwise satisfy registration requirements for the course. Courses required for the University General Education Requirement or in the student’s major or minor field (including those courses required for the major that are offered by other departments) may not be taken on a P/NP basis. Under no circumstances may a student change from P/NP status to graded status, or vice versa, after the end of the eighth week of class. The Milken Institute SPH allows up to three LSPA credits to be counted toward the degree.

Academic Workload

For the purpose of defining student status, undergraduates taking 12 or more credits per semester as considered to be full-time, those taking 6 to 11 credits are considered to be half-time, and all others are considered to be part-time. Generally, an undergraduate becomes a sophomore upon completion of 30 credits, a junior upon completion of 60 credits, and a senior upon completion of 90 credits. Undergraduate students are recommended to enroll in 14 to 16 credits each semester to stay on track for graduation.

Applying for Readmission to a Program

Undergraduate students who were previously registered at the University and who wish to resume studies are discontinuing enrollment for one or more semesters (summer sessions and leaves of absence excluded) must apply for readmission. Applications are accepted at any time as long as they adhere to the deadlines for each semester. Students seeking readmission are subject to the University Regulations in effect at the time of readmission. The application fee is waived for students applying for readmission after previous enrollment as a degree candidate. Students seeking readmission as degree candidates after previous enrollment in non-degree status at GW must submit the Common Application and all required credentials that were not submitted previously or required for non-degree admission.

International Students

International students on F-1 or J-1 Visas are responsible for enrolling as full-time students (minimum 12 credits for undergraduate students) for spring and fall semesters according to U.S. Immigration and Naturalization rules. In certain circumstances, a reduced workload may be allowed. Students should contact the International Services Office to request approval for this exception.

Special Honors

In addition to meeting the general requirements stated under University Regulations, a candidate for graduation with Special Honors in exercise science and nutrition must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in core courses in the major and a minimum overall GPA of 3.25. The candidate must complete, submit and defend an honors project; the student will be recommended for graduation with special honors only if a committee of at least two faculty members approve the paper. 

Independent Study Course Requirements

Independent study is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to gain or enhance field-specific knowledge. Independent studies must be approved prior to the beginning of the semester. Additional details, forms and instructions for registration are available online. Absent exceptional circumstances, independent study projects may not be used as a substitute for an available required or elective course and may not cover substantially the same subject matter that is available in a required or elective course. 

Undergraduate Research Course Requirements

Students who want to work with faculty on research projects may choose to do so for credit or for no-credit and receive a transcript notation memorializing their work. Students who wish to receive SPH credit for undergraduate research should sign up for PUBH 3995 or EXNS 3995, based on the subject matter of the research. The 3995 course offering is a variable credit class, and students may apply up to 9 credits of the 3995 research and independent study combined towards their major or 3 credits of 3995 research  and independent study combined towards their minor. In most cases, students should not get paid and receive credit for the same research. Students who are interested in signing up for a 3995 class should reach out to their undergraduate academic advisor for course requirements and process. In limited cases, students may wish to participate in a faculty research project for no credit but receive a transcript notation. This may occur if a student is at their credit limit and does not want to incur additional costs or if the student is getting paid for the undergraduate research and also has another GW job (undergraduates may not have two different paying GW jobs). Students who want a no-credit research opportunity should sign up for UNIV 1995: Undergraduate Research Experience.

Double Counting

SPH will only double count courses that are required by an SPH major or minor and required by another major or minor. Courses that may be counted as electives in either major or minor may not be double counted toward any SPH major or minor. There is an exception for the Health Equity Micro Minor. Students may double count courses taken for the Health Equity Micro Minor towards an SPH major or minor if those courses are either required by the SPH major or minor or are on an approved elective list for an SPH major or minor.

Preparation for Medical School and Health Professional Graduate Programs

A student who plans to apply to medical, nursing, physician assistant, or other health professions schools (e.g., dentistry, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc.) should fulfill the general requirements of their undergraduate degree program. The Pre-Health Advisors within the Office of Pre-Professional Advising provide advice about academic preparation for medical school. Students should also meet with their academic advisor to plan their course of study to meet all pre-health prerequisites and prepare for entrance exams.

Preparation for Law School

A broad liberal arts education is the best undergraduate preparation for law school. Students are encouraged to use elective credits to increase the breadth of their program of study. Advice about academic preparation for law school is provided by the Pre-Law Advisor in the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. 

Other Regulations

Other regulations applicable to undergraduate students of the University can be found under University Regulations.

Graduate Programs

The Milken Institute SPH provides an online Graduate Student Handbook, which contains additional updated information on policies, regulations, and other matters of concern to enrolled or admitted students. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the information contained in both this Bulletin and the Handbook. Students should also consult departmental handbooks and guidelines. 

Enrollment Status

Once entered in a graduate degree program, students are expected to be registered continuously for at least one credit during all fall and spring semesters and engaged actively in fulfilling the requirements for the degree.

During the summer session, students do not have to be enrolled unless they are completing degree requirements or graduating during the summer.

Degree students who need to interrupt active pursuit of the degree may petition to take a Leave of Absence for a period of no more than one calendar year during the program. Students who discontinue active enrollment in degree studies without being granted a leave of absence, or students who are granted a leave but do not return to active study at the close of the period of approved absence, are no longer considered in active status. Students who fall out of active status must apply for readmission and will be subject to the regulations and program requirements in effect at the time of re-enrollment. Readmission to any program is a competitive process and not guaranteed. 

Advising

Students are responsible for building a support system to help ensure their own academic success. Each student is assigned an advisor who may assist not only with academic counseling, but also in areas ranging from understanding University requirements to finding campus resources to help individual students connect with the GW community. Other members of the faculty, professional advisors, tutors, and/or counselors also should be part of the support system. The University Career Services and Writing Center offer walk-in and by-appointment assistance. Personal counseling is available through the office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Support Services, the Multicultural Student Services Center, and the International Services Office.

Academic Standing

Graduate students who are not suspended, on academic probation, or on provisional admission status are considered to be in good standing. Maintenance of a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all graduate-level degrees. All courses taken for graduate credit after matriculation as a degree candidate—including those the Milken Institute SPH accepted to transfer from non-degree status, but excluding those audited or taken for the grade of CR/NC—are used to calculate the GPA. 

Transfer Credits

Master's students may be eligible to transfer up to 12 graduate credits from an accredited university if they have not been applied to a previously earned graduate degree. External credits must have been earned within the last 3 years with a grade of B (3.0) or better in each transferred course. Doctoral students in a 48-credit degree program may be eligible to transfer up to 12 graduate credits from an accredited university if the credits have not been applied to a previously earned graduate degree. Doctoral students in a 72-credit degree program may be eligible to transfer up to 24 graduate credits from an accredited university regardless if they have been applied to a Master's degree. Doctoral program transfer credits must have been earned in the last six years with a minimum grade of B (3.0). SPH graduate certificate students may be eligible to transfer as many credits as meet program requirements—up to 18 credits—to a master's degree. SPH graduate certificate students wishing to transfer to a degree program may apply to do so via the online change of concentration petition after completion of 3 or more courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above; however, only courses earning a B or better are eligible to be transferred. 

Provisional Admission

Graduate program applicants who are shy of numerical standards for admission, but who nonetheless show promise of successful graduate work, are occasionally granted provisional admission by the Milken Institute SPH Admissions Committee. While on provisional admission status, students are required to confer with their assigned advisor each term prior to registration. Provisionally admitted graduate students must demonstrate their ability to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the first 9 credits of coursework attempted, and during this time are not allowed to receive an Incomplete or a grade lower than a B. Provisionally admitted students who do not meet these requirements are subject to suspension and cannot apply for readmission for at least one calendar year.

Semester Warning

Graduate students whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 after attempting a minimum of 1 credit and a maximum of 8 credits are issued a warning notice at the end of the semester/term and are required to take corrective measures, such as meeting with their academic advisor to outline steps to raise the GPA. After receipt of the warning notice, incomplete grades and grades of B- or lower are not permitted during the remainder of the first 8 credits and are grounds for automatic suspension, probation, or continued warning status.

Probation

Graduate students whose GPA falls below 3.0 at any point after completing 9 credits are placed on probation. This probation extends through the period in which the student next attempts up to 12 credits of coursework, including required courses. A student’s program may be restricted by the program director if deemed necessary. During this period, the student’s performance is monitored to determine suitability for continued study. A student who fails to raise the cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above during the period of probation is subject to suspension. Incomplete grades and grades of B- or below are not permitted during the probationary period and are grounds for automatic suspension or continued probation. Students on academic probation are not eligible to apply for graduation. The Milken Institute SPH Dean's Office, in consultation with the student's academic advisor, may continue a student on probation (in lieu of suspension) if satisfactory progress is demonstrated during the probationary period as determined by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Grades of F

Graduate students who receive a grade of F are subject to suspension. If such students wish to remain enrolled, they must present cause, for consideration by the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the director of their degree program, as to why continued study should be permitted. Once a grade of F is earned, it remains a part of the student’s permanent record and is calculated into the GPA. A graduate student who earns a grade of F in a core or other required course and is permitted to continue in graduate studies, must repeat the course and achieve a minimum grade of B. The repetition does not, however, expunge the grade of F, which remains part of the student’s record. 

Suspension

A graduate student who receives an F or does not meet the conditions of probation (see above) is subject to suspension. Suspended students may not register for or complete any courses at GW. An outstanding Incomplete (I) grade at the time of suspension will become an F. Suspended students may reapply to a program, using SOPHAS Express, after one full calendar year from the time of suspension. To be readmitted, the student must submit evidence that suggests the probability of academic success. A student who is readmitted will continue on academic probation and must achieve a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in the next 12 credit hours of graduate study. Should the student fail to achieve this grade-point average, the student will again be suspended and will not be readmitted.

Timely Progress Toward the Degree

A graduate student who fails to make adequate and timely progress toward the degree, through repeated leaves or repeated failure to complete an appropriate number of credits per module/semester, may be suspended. Students suspended on these grounds may apply for readmission after supplying sufficient evidence of academic promise through SOPHAS Express. 

Summary of Academic Standing Policies for Graduate Students

  • Provisional Admission—A student who receives a grade of I or a grade lower than a B while on provisional admission status is subject to suspension.
  • Semester Warning—A student with a cumulativeGPA below 3.0 (after attempting 1-1 credits) must take corrective action.
  • Academic Probation—A student with a GPA below 3.0 (with 9 or more credits completed) is placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation who receives an incomplete grade or grade of B- or lower, is subject to suspension or continued probation.
  • Grade of F—A student who receives a grade of F is subject to suspension. If a student wishes to remain enrolled they must present cause, for consideration by the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the director of the degree program, as to why continued study should be permitted. If permitted to continue in graduate studies, the student must repeat the course (if core or required) and achieve a minimum grade of B. 
  • Suspension—A student who is suspended may not register for or complete any courses at GW. Suspended students may reapply to a program, using SOPHAS Express, after one full calendar year from the time of suspension.

Incompletes

Conditions under which an Incomplete (I), may be assigned are described under University Regulations. In the Milken Institute SPH, the conditions for granting a notation of I must be documented in the Incomplete Course Grade Contract. The completed contract must be approved by the instructor and the student. Incomplete work must be completed by a date agreed upon by the student and the instructor, but no more than one calendar year from the end of the term in which the student registered for the course. The final grade earned will replace the symbol of I on the official transcript. An incomplete that is not changed by the deadline noted in the contract will convert to an F and the GPA and academic standing recalculated accordingly.

In Progress (IPG)

The notation In Progress (IPG) is assigned for all thesis, residency, advanced reading, independent study, internship/practicum, and dissertation research courses until the course requirements are completely fulfilled. Upon satisfactory completion, the grade is entered by the instructor and IPG no longer remains on the transcript. IPG cannot be given for regular, semester-length courses. 

Applying for Readmission to a Program

The deadline for readmission petitions is no later than 3 weeks prior to the first day of class. Earlier submissions will ensure processing before registration to avoid complications. It is advised that students seeking readmission identify when course registration begins each term to plan accordingly. Students should not apply until all account holds have been rectified. If accepted for readmission, students will be subject to the regulations and program requirements in effect of the time of re-enrollment. 

Students Who Have Fallen Out of Status

Students who did not register during the immediate preceding semester/module (excluding summer sessions) or have not taken courses at GW in over a year are out of status and must apply for readmission by completing an admissions petition.

Students Who Have Been Suspended

Students who were suspended from Milken Institute SPH must apply for readmission through SOPHAS Express. Students may only apply for readmission after at least one academic year has passed.

International Students

International students on F-1 or J-1 Visas are responsible for enrolling as full-time students (minimum 9 credits for graduate students) for the spring and fall semesters according to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization rules governing registration requirements for international students. In certain situations, a reduced workload may be allowed. To request approval for this, students should submit the F-1/J-1 Request for Reduced Course Load Form to the International Services Office (ISO). More information is available from the ISO on their website or by contacting the office at iso@gwu.edu or (202) 994-4477.

Independent Study Course Requirements

Graduate students may choose to complete up to 6 credits of independent study coursework during the student's degree program. Before registering for an independent study, the student must first complete an independent study project plan and submit it to the Student Records department with an Independent Study Form. The form must be approved by the student, the project faculty supervisor, and the student’s academic Program Director. Independent studies must be approved prior to registration for the course. Students submit the completed forms and a Registration Transaction Form (RTF) to the student advisor during open registration for the semester that the independent study is taking place. All forms and a detailed description can be found on the website. Independent study projects may not be used as a substitute for an available required course and may not substantially cover the same subject matter that is available in a required or elective course.

Graduation

Degrees are awarded 3 times per year at the end of spring, summer and fall semesters. The formal commencement ceremonies occur annually in May. Students are eligible to graduate after they have completed all degree requirements, have no financial obligations to the University and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The degree designation (BS, MS, MPH, MHA, DrPH, or PhD) may be used after the student's name when all degree requirements are completed.

Other Regulations

Other regulations applicable to graduate students of the University can be found under University Regulations.

Departments

Bachelor's programs

Combined programs

Minors

Master's programs

Master of Public Health

Master of Science

Master of Health Administration

Specialist program

Combined programs

Doctoral programs

Graduate certificate programs

Combined programs

Explanation of Course Numbers

  • Courses in the 1000s are primarily introductory undergraduate courses
  • Those in the 2000s to 4000s are upper-level undergraduate courses that also may be taken for graduate credit with permission and additional work assigned
  • Those in the 6000s and 8000s are for master’s, doctoral, and professional-level students
  • The 6000s are open to advanced undergraduate students with approval of the instructor and the dean or advising office

While Public Health (PUBH) courses make up the bulk of Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) program curricula, the GWSPH offers courses in all of the following designations:

Graduate-level PUBH courses are organized by number ranges assigned to GWSPH departments, as follows:

  • PUBH 6000–6099: MPH Core and MPH@GW Program-Specific
  • PUBH 6100–6199: Environmental and Occupational Health
  • PUBH 6200–6299: Epidemiology
  • PUBH 6300–6399: Health Policy
  • PUBH 6400–6499: Global Health
  • PUBH 6500–6599: Prevention and Community Health
  • PUBH 6600–6699: Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
  • PUBH 6850–6899: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
  • PUBH 8000–8999: Doctoral-level