This section covers the following program requirements:
Requirements to Graduate
Standards for Maintaining Satisfactory Progress
The program has a structured curriculum that can be completed in 12 months full time. To fulfill the requirements for the MS degree, students are expected to complete 34 credits with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0).
The MS in Epidemiology degree must be completed within 3 years of the student's first matriculation date, including the completion of the Thesis or Manuscript.
These time limits include any time for personal or medical leave of absence.
In the Graduate Program in Public Health, benchmarks of satisfactory progress must be completed as outlined in the specific program requirements. Students who are approaching the time limit for completion will be reviewed with enough notice so that a plan is in place to enable the student to complete the requirements by the end of the time limit.
If a student does not complete their degree within the Time to Complete Degree, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the Academic Program Office to discuss their plan to complete their degree. As students approach their maximum Time to Complete Degree they will be reminded of the Length of Time to Complete Degree policy. The student will be placed on a registration hold, and required to meet with the Academic Program Office to ensure that the degree is completed by the end of their maximum Time to Complete Degree. Students who do not complete their degree within the required time frame are administratively withdrawn from the program.
Under extenuating circumstances an extension of the Maximum Time to Complete Degree may be granted by the Academic Program Office and Program Director. If a student’s appeal for an extension is denied, the student may not reapply to the program.
Program Specific Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Master of Science in Epidemiology students maintain satisfactory progress by:
Making progress toward core and track courses - successfully completing required core courses within 2 attempts of taking the courses. Grades that are not considered a successful completion include: incomplete, missing grades, withdraws, and failing grades (F or below minimum).
Successfully completing at least 50% of course credits attempted each semester.
Resolving incomplete grades within the guidelines established by ISMMS.
Attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 is needed at the time of graduation to be eligible to earn the degree. Students who earn a GPA below 3.0 should raise their GPA within 3 consecutive terms to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Making progress toward degree requirements as outlined in the Culminating Experience Guide.
Demonstrating the ability to grow in professional skills.
Completing the degree program within the maximum time to earn degree prescribed for the degree, as outlined in the Graduate Program in Public Health Student Handbook
Students who do not meet the criteria for Good Standing may be placed on probation by the Program Director, Dean of the Graduate School, or their appointed representatives: including the Academic Advisory Committee and the Academic Program Office. Once a student is placed on academic probation, academic progress must be made within two terms. Dismissal is the likely consequence if performance continues to be unsatisfactory. Students on probation are considered enrolled.
Students are required to maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). Students who fall below a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Anytime a student’s GPA falls below 3.0, the Academic Program Office and the Academic Advisory Committee will be consulted and a plan for remediation developed. The student will meet with a member of the Academic Advisory Committee, develop an individual plan of remediation, and sign a statement of understanding that they are on academic probation.
The Academic Advisory Committee meets at the end of each term and reviews the progress of each student on probation. If the GPA has not improved in the subsequent term, the student will continue to meet the Academic Advisory Committee member revising the remediation plan, as needed. If the student’s GPA has not reached 3.0 within two terms having been placed on probation, the student may be dismissed from the program.