Advising

MPH Advising

MPH students benefit from a network of support that ensures their academic, professional, and personal success. During their time at Bursky School of Public Health, students are assigned to three advisors who provide expertise, guidance, and support:

  1. A Faculty Advisor who is a faculty member or practitioner in the field;
  2. An Academic Advisor who is a staff member at Bursky School of Public Health; and
  3. An Applied Practice Advisor who is a faculty member at Bursky School of Public Health and within the Office of Student Applied Practice Experience.

Faculty Advisors

  • The Faculty Advisor will meet with students during their Capstone I semester.
  • Faculty Advisors are also available to do the following:
    • Guide the academic and professional development of students.
    • Work with students to develop career options.
    • Assist advisees with integrating fieldwork and classwork.
    • Make appropriate referrals to student support services and be available to discuss students' concerns.
    • Choose whether or not to host formal or informal group sessions with all students in a particular area of interest.

Academic Advisors

Academic Advisors will do the following:

  • Advise and approve students' course schedules prior to registration for every semester.
  • Communicate with students regarding curriculum policies and procedures.
  • Ensure students' plans of study are consistent with curriculum requirements, including but not limited to foundation courses, concentration requirements, and course sequencing.
  • Make appropriate referrals to student support services and be available to discuss students' concerns.
  • Assist with the academic and professional development of their advisees.

Applied Practice Faculty Advisors

Applied Practice Faculty Advisors will do the following:

  • Assist students with identifying, securing, preparing for, and evaluating practicum experiences.
  • Orient, guide, and assess student progress in all areas of the applied practice experience.
  • Maintain close collaboration and consultation with the practicum agency.
  • Conduct individual site visits at the midpoint of all practicum placement sites.
  • Teach Foundations of Applied Practice to all MPH degree-seeking students.

Outcomes of a Successful Advising Model

Students will do the following:

  • Feel supported and informed.
  • See a high level of collaboration between Faculty Advisors, Academic Advisors, Applied Practice Faculty Advisors, the Center for Career Engagement, and other student support services, which ensures a holistic approach to mentoring, coaching, and monitoring.
  • Engage with faculty and practitioners who focus on career, professional development, and networking.
  • See continuity and consistency in service and information delivery.
  • Find support in managing their academic, professional, and personal concerns.
  • Have access to advisors who can communicate the technicalities of the degree program.
  • Be referred to the appropriate student support services.

PhD Advising

Consult the PhD Faculty Advising page for more information.

Academic and Professional Integrity

As local, national, and international leaders in public health, the faculty, administration, and staff of Bursky School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis are strongly committed to both academic and professional integrity. Academic integrity combines five fundamental values — honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility — for all academic work. Professional integrity involves behaviors that are consistent with the professional and ethical expectations of Bursky School of Public Health. Bursky School of Public Health students must understand the unconditional imperative for honesty and ethical behavior in all scholastic and professional endeavors as well as in everyday conduct within and beyond the Bursky School of Public Health community.

Public Health is a practice profession involving the management of complex systems and interpersonal relationships with diverse people, many of whom are vulnerable in a variety of ways for a myriad of reasons. Bursky School of Public Health students entrusted with practicum responsibilities are expected to be cognizant and respectful of all agency personnel and clients with whom they become associated. We require that students entering the Public Health profession possess the skills to manage these relationships responsibly.

Bursky School of Public Health faculty have developed a statement of expectations and procedures that help them address issues of conduct that raise serious concerns about a student's capacity for responsible public health practice.

Academic Integrity

Master's students in Bursky School of Public Health follow the undergraduate student academic integrity policy.

Doctoral students in Bursky School of Public Health follow the academic and professional integrity policy for PhD students.

Academic Integrity Violations

Academic Integrity Violations are managed by the Office of Academic Integrity.

Professional Integrity

Bursky School of Public Health minimally expects that students will do the following inside and outside the classroom, including online, when engaged with colleagues, including faculty, staff, fellow students, practicum supervisors, clients, and other constituents in university-sponsored or related programs and/or activities:

  1. Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Public Health Code of Ethics adopted by the American Public Health Association.
  2. Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the University's Student Code of Conduct
  3. Demonstrate an ability to speak, listen, and engage in a manner that is respectful, professional, and not harmful.
  4. Demonstrate clarity of thinking, including an ability to process information, conceptualize, and integrate knowledge.
  5. Demonstrate honesty in interactions with students, staff, and faculty and at the practicum agency and an ability to be responsible, including such things as accurately recording and reporting practicum hours, keeping appointments, and attending class regularly and punctually in accordance with instructors' policies.
  6. Demonstrate an ability to suspend personal biases in professional interactions including not imposing personal, religious, or cultural values on others.
  7. Represent their backgrounds, experiences, and qualifications honestly.
  8. Seek and use help for medical and emotional problems that interfere with scholastic and professional performance, including engaging in treatment for substance abuse and mental disorders when needed.
  9. Respond to communication and outreach from Bursky School of Public Health and Washington University faculty and staff in a timely manner.
  10. Respect and maintain the appearance and functionality of all buildings, classrooms, and other facilities.

Evidence that a student is meeting or failing to meet these expectations may come from a variety of sources, including the observation of student behavior in the classroom, in the field practicum, and in interactions with fellow students, faculty, and staff; personal statements and self-assessments; recorded interview situations; and feedback from students, staff, community members, and other sources.

Professional Integrity Violations

Professional integrity violations consist of behavior that is inconsistent with professional or ethical standards in the professional roles for which the student is being trained that are not necessarily covered by policies governing academic integrity. Behaviors inconsistent with the above-listed expectations will be considered violations of professional integrity. Students with professional integrity violations may be referred to the MPH or PhD Education Subcommittees for corrective and/or disciplinary action.

Reporting Misconduct

Violations of academic or professional Integrity are taken seriously at Bursky School of Public Health, and such behaviors may result in disciplinary action against the offending student(s).

Faculty Responsibility

Faculty and instructors must report incidents of student misconduct through the Office of Academic Integrity and/or the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards in a timely manner so that the incident may be handled fairly and in a manner consistent with other cases. Assistants to the instructor are expected to report instances of student misconduct to their supervising instructors. If a student comes to a faculty member with information about an academic or professional integrity violation, faculty members are expected to follow up on the issue and report or consult with the program director and/or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, as needed.

Student Responsibility

If a student observes others violating these policies, they are encouraged to address their colleagues with their concerns to facilitate an opportunity to resolve the matter. If the issue is not resolved, students should report the misconduct to the instructor or seek advice from the program director and/or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, as needed.

Field Instructor Responsibility

Field Instructors who believe that a student is not meeting one or more of these basic expectations should notify their contact in the Office of Applied Practice.

Exam Proctor Responsibility

Exam proctors are expected to report incidents of suspected student misconduct to the course instructor and/or Disability Resources, if applicable.

Academic Progress

Students are expected to maintain a high level of scholarship and active engagement in their programs of study. Students in Bursky School of Public Health are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. For 3-2 and dual degree MPH students, the requirement is to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for their MPH program-level GPA. In addition, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Except for circumstances justifying immediate dismissal (consult Dismissal for Academic Reasons below), a student cannot be dismissed on the basis of academic performance without the opportunity to return to good standing during an identified period of probation. The purposes of probation are as follows: 1) to explicitly warn the student of their status; 2) to provide the student with clear guidelines regarding the performance that will be necessary to return to good standing; and 3) to provide the student with reasonable time to meet these expectations. To meet these objectives, Academic Concern or Academic Probation is designated for a semester (fall or spring) following the academic progress review.

Following the grading deadline each semester, all student records are examined by the MPH or PhD program. This review includes semester and cumulative grade point averages; credits earned; failing grades; withdrawals and incompletes; and progress toward foundation courses and milestones. After the review, the program may determine the appropriate academic action, which may include Academic Concern, Academic Probation, Academic Time Away, or Dismissal for Academic Reasons.

Academic Concern

Academic Concern is a proactive notification that additional support may be needed to maintain academic progress. This status is not noted on the official transcript or enrollment verifications. Academic Concern status may be applied when a student meets any of the criteria listed below.

MPH Academic Concern Criteria

  • Student received an unsatisfactory or failing grade (i.e., F or NP) in a course.
  • Student did not pass PHFN 5001 Biostatistics with a B– or better.
  • Student earned a semester GPA or has a cumulative GPA between 3.00 and 3.10 at the end of the semester.
  • Student has 7 credits or more with an unresolved grade of Incomplete (I).
  • Student completed fewer than 10 credits in the semester (without prior approval for reduced course load).

PhD Academic Concern Criteria

  • Student earned a semester GPA below 3.0 at the end of the semester.
  • Student has failed to satisfactorily pass the Area Statement and Qualifying Exam by August 1 following the third academic year. (This is for students who matriculated in academic year (AY) 2025-26 or earlier; students who matriculated in AY 2026-27 or later are not eligible for this format.)
  • Student has failed to satisfactorily pass the Oral Qualifying Exam by end of their fifth semester. (This is for students who matriculated in AY 2026-27 or later; students who matriculated in AY 2025-26 or earlier may opt in to this format with permission from the PhD program.)
  • Student has not made sufficient progress on mentored research.

Students who are assigned to Academic Concern status will receive a letter from the Program Director and will be required to meet with their advisors to address the issue(s) that led to that status.

Academic Probation

Students experiencing more significant academic difficulties may be placed on Academic Probation. Students on Academic Probation are not in good academic standing. This status is not noted on the official transcript, but it is included in enrollment verifications requesting academic standing. Academic Probation status may be applied when a student meets any of the criteria listed below.

MPH Academic Probation Criteria

  • Student earned a program GPA, earned a semester GPA, and/or has a cumulative GPA below 3.0 at the end of the semester.
  • Student received unsatisfactory or failing grades (i.e., F or NP) in more than one course at the end of the semester.
  • Student completed fewer than 10 credits in the semester (unless officially approved for reduced course load).
  • Student fails practicum.
  • While on Academic Concern or Probation, student did not address the issue(s) that led to that status in the previous semester.

PhD Academic Probation Criteria

  • Student has a cumulative GPA below 3.0 at the end of the semester.
  • Student has unresolved grades of Incomplete (I) in more than three courses at the end of the semester.
  • Student failed to secure at least one primary faculty advisor by the beginning of their second semester. (This is for students who matriculated in AY 2026-27 or later; students who matriculated in academic year (AY) 2025-26 or earlier may opt in to this format with permission from the PhD program.)
  • Student failed to secure at least one primary Faculty Advisor by the beginning of their second academic year. (This is for students who matriculated in AY 2025-26 or earlier; students who matriculated in AY 2026-27 or later are not eligible for this format.)
  • Student has failed to satisfactorily pass the Area Statement and Qualifying Exam by August 1 following the third academic year. (This is for students who matriculated in AY 2025-26 or earlier; students who matriculated in AY 2026-27 or later are not eligible for this format.)
  • Student has failed to satisfactorily pass the Oral Qualifying Exam by end of their fifth semester. (This is for students who matriculated in AY 2026-27 or later; students who matriculated in AY 2025-26 or earlier may opt in to this format with permission from the PhD program.)
  • Student has not made sufficient progress on mentored research.
  • Student has failed to identify three faculty members who are willing to serve on their Dissertation Committee after four years of full-time graduate study and failed to submit the Dissertation Committee Approval Form before August 1 following the end of the fourth year.
  • Student has failed to complete the PhD by August at the end of seven years of full-time graduate study.
    • A one-year enrollment extension is available if circumstances warrant (consult Enrollment Extension in the Bursky School of Public Health PhD Bulletin). Under rare circumstances, students may apply for degree candidacy extended status (consult Degree Candidacy Extended in this Bulletin). Extensions are obtained by application of the student to the degree program and approved by the Doctoral Education Subcommittee.
  • While on Academic Concern or Probation, student did not address the issue(s) that led to that status in the previous semester.

Students who are placed on Academic Probation will receive a letter from the program director stating the reasons and detailing the steps necessary for the student to return to good standing by the end of the probation period. These measures are designed to assist students to return to good academic standing.

Students who do not meet the criteria to be removed from Academic Probation and/or students on Academic Probation for more than one semester during their degree program (continuous or not) will have their case reviewed by the MPH or Doctoral Education Subcommittee. The subcommittees may recommend a remediation plan, continued Academic Probation, or Dismissal for Academic Reasons.

Dismissal for Academic Reasons

Academic Dismissal is distinct from withdrawal (initiated by the student), deactivation of a student's record by a failure to register, or dismissal or other sanctions associated with the University Academic and Professional Integrity Policy (doctoral students), the Academic Integrity Policy for Undergraduate and Master's Students, or the Student Conduct Code.

Dismissals are recommended by the MPH or Doctoral Education Subcommittee. Students may be dismissed immediately for extreme academic underperformance, including but not limited to failure to remediate Academic Probation or surpassing the maximum period to complete studies. Students who encounter personal situations that contribute to academic underperformance during a semester should be informed of the option to request a leave of absence rather than continuing enrollment with poor performance.

For Doctoral Students

The ability to complete mentored teaching responsibilities is not a sufficient basis for remaining enrolled.

Stipend support is discontinued at the time the student is notified of dismissal. The student is not eligible to receive stipend support during an appeal of dismissal; however, if the appeal is upheld, the student is eligible for stipend support covering the period of the dismissal appeal process. Students who have chosen to withdraw from their programs (as opposed to taking an authorized leave) cannot appeal or seek reconsideration of this decision.

Academic Progress Procedures

Students have the right to dispute their Academic Concern, Academic Probation, or Dismissal for Academic Reasons. Students considering appealing their Academic Progress decisions are welcome to consult with their advisors and/or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Neither the advisor nor the Associate Dean for Student Affairs make any decisions with regard to the appeal, but they can inform students about the appeal process.

Grounds for Appeal

Students may initiate an Academic Progress appeal for the following reasons:

  1. A procedural irregularity that materially affected the determination.
  2. New evidence that was not reasonably discoverable or available before the decision was made that could have affected the determination. 
  3. If a student believes that the sanction is the result of identity-based discrimination, they should make a report to the Office of Institutional Equity rather than file an appeal through this process.

Timing of Appeal

Academic Progress appeals must be initiated within 14 calendar days of the written decision by the MPH or Doctoral Education Subcommittee.

Appeals Process

  • The student must appeal to the Associate Dean for Education via email within 14 calendar days of the written decision by the MPH or Doctoral Education Subcommittee.
  • The appeal is limited to 400 words and should include the following:
    • Grounds for appeal, based on the criteria outlined above
    • Explanation of support for the appeal
    • Note: Copies of any new evidence referenced in the appeal that was not included in the original review are not included in the 400-word limit.
  • The Associate Dean for Education will review the appeal, render a final decision, and provide a written response via email within 21 calendar days.

Applying for Program Completion

In order to graduate, students must meet all degree requirements and have a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA, and all students must Apply for Program Completion in Workday prior to the anticipated degree date. Students may update their application for program completion if their anticipated degree date changes.

Deadlines for Applying for Program Completion in any given semester are set by the Office of the University Registrar.

Attendance and Preparation

Regular Class Attendance and Requirements

Graduate students are considered professionals in training. Active participation and preparation are expected of all students. Faculty members may (and often do) establish their own specific attendance, participation, and preparation requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the lowering of a grade or failure in the course. Repeated unexcused absences may result in referral to the program director and the Associate Dean for Education.

1-Credit Course Attendance Requirements

Due to the condensed nature of short courses and skill labs, students should not enroll unless they can attend all class sessions. Because of the intensive and participatory nature of short courses/skill labs, student absences are extremely disruptive to the learning process.

Attendance is required. If the student misses any part greater than half a day, they will receive an F for the course. With the exceptions of death in the immediate family, severe illness, or injury, any student who is absent for one full day of class or its equivalent will receive a failing grade.

  • Adding Deadline: Up until 5:00 pm the day before the first day of class
  • Drop Deadline: Up until 5:00 pm the day before the first day of class
  • Withdraw Deadline ("W" grade reflected on transcript): 11:59 pm on the first day of class

Auditing a Course

Bursky School of Public Health allows only authorized Visiting Scholars and Field Instructors to audit courses. Field Instructors may request to audit a course and must work with the professor to define expectations; they may not audit Intensive Trainings.

Cancellation of Classes

Whenever possible, professors will send students an e-mail or Canvas notification regarding class cancellation and make-up sessions. Especially in the event of severe weather, students are encouraged to check their e-mail and Canvas for updates on class cancellations.

Communication with Faculty, Staff, and Students

E-mail

Bursky School of Public Health relies heavily on e-mail communication. Students are expected to check their WashU E-mail daily; Bursky School of Public Health faculty and administration assume that students do so. Students who do not check their e-mail regularly run the risk of missing crucial information.

Alternate Forms of Communication

Depending on the individual faculty, staff, student, or Bursky School of Public Health office, alternate forms of communication may be used, including but not limited to WhatsApp, WeChat, GroupMe, and text messages. All forms of communication must fall under FERPA regulations and must be agreed to by all parties. This is also an opt-in process for all parties and is not required to be used by any individual member of Bursky School of Public Health.

Communicating With Faculty and Staff

Some faculty and staff members observe an "open (office) door" policy; others have posted office hours. Likewise, some make their own appointments, while others rely on an assistant. Faculty and staff can also be reached by phone or e-mail, and a complete listing is available via the WashU online directory.

Note: Some faculty and staff observe hybrid work schedules that incorporate remote work and in-office work. This may vary based on the individual, and it is highly encouraged that students reach out to the individual faculty or staff member to identify the best method of communication.

Communicating With Other Students

Student e-mail addresses are available on the WashU online directory.

Students are required to provide a local and home address, phone number, and e-mail address in Workday for administrative use, but these do not have to be displayed to the public directories. If a student wishes to restrict any information from being listed in the directories, they may adjust their settings in Workday from their student profile by clicking on “Personal” and editing information from that window. For more instructions, students can refer to the Update Personal and Contact Information in Workday Student tutorial on the Workday@WashU website.

Course Conflicts and Overlaps

Students are not permitted to take courses whose class meeting times conflict or overlap. It is the student's responsibility to make sure courses do not conflict.

Course Registration

Students register for classes on an assigned date and time via Workday after they meet with their academic advisor. For all matters pertaining to registration, timing is critical. Students should pay close attention to the pre-registration deadline for certain courses and to the online registration dates noted on the Registration Schedule of the Office of the University Registrar website.

Elective Credit for Work in Other Schools, Departments, Programs, or Institutions (MPH students only)

With pre-approval, students may take up to 9 credits of coursework outside of Bursky School of Public Health at another Washington University school or college and/or at another institution for elective credit. Students will not receive course credit if the course is not pre-approved.

Students should consult their advisor when choosing electives in order to make sure the set of electives meets the student's long-term career objectives and that courses are consistent with achieving competencies.

Work completed at another school or institution can be considered if all of the following conditions are met:

  • Some courses are on an approved elective list; students should check with Bursky School of Public Health Academic Operations.
  • Courses not on the approved elective list require the completion of the Elective Credit Request Form.
  • The form and documentation must be submitted prior to enrolling in the course and by the semester deadline to ensure that coursework will be accepted.
    • Required documentation includes the course syllabi, which must include a detailed course description, a course bibliography, and an outline.
    • Pre-approval transfer requests must be submitted by the following deadlines to be considered:
      • Fall semester: Six weeks prior to the first day of the fall semester
      • Summer semester: Four weeks prior to the first day of the summer semester
      • Spring semester: Six weeks prior to the first day of the spring semester
  • A grade of B or better is earned.
  • Grades earned at other institutions will not be included in the student's WashU GPA.
  • The course is offered at the graduate level and covers content and competencies that are appropriate for graduate-level public health study.
  • Any course that is lower than the 5000 level needs the approval of the instructor as well as agreement on additional work required of the student to elevate the course to graduate status.
  • Courses must be campus-based or taken online directly through a school or program; online courses through online educational platforms in collaboration with schools or programs are not eligible.

MPH Transfer Credits Prior to Bursky School of Public Health Enrollment

Applicants interested in receiving graduate transfer credit must notify the Bursky School of Public Health Office of Admissions & Recruitment to initiate the transfer credit evaluation process. Instructions for completing the MPH Transfer Credit Request Form will be provided.

It is the applicant's responsibility to request transfer credit evaluation by submitting the MPH Transfer Credit Request Form and all supporting documents as early as possible in their admissions process. Requests for credit evaluation will not be accepted after September 1 of the first term in which a student matriculates.

Incomplete submissions will not be evaluated.

Courses are evaluated in conjunction with the MPH Program Office. Applicants will be notified of evaluation results via e-mail from the Bursky School of Public Health Academic Operations Office within two or three weeks of submission.

Courses completed in a CEPH-accredited program may be evaluated for credit toward foundation-level coursework or elective requirements (maximum of 9 credit units). Practicum hours are not eligible for transfer. Courses will only be approved if content and competencies are adequately covered in the coursework completed.

Transfer credits will be reflected on the student's Bursky School of Public Health academic transcript.

Current Student Requesting Elective Credit

Before Enrolling

Students wishing to apply credit from other schools within WashU or to transfer credit taken at other institutions should be aware that credit may be granted only for graduate-level courses for which a grade of B or better has been received. Courses must have substantial content relevant to public health and competencies directly relevant to the student's concentration.

Courses must be campus-based or taken online directly through a school or program; online courses through online educational platforms in collaboration with schools or programs are not eligible for transfer credit.

Bursky School of Public Health does not grant academic credit for life or work experience.

After Completing the Course

For courses at SLU or UMSL: An official transcript for the coursework must be placed on file with the Office of the University Registrar. An official transcript is defined as one sent directly from the registrar or student records office of the university where the course was taken to the Office of the University Registrar. If the transcript does not indicate that the course was a graduate course, a statement to that effect is required from the registrar of the school offering the course.

Should a student be taking a course at another university during their final semester in their respective program and that course is required to fulfill graduation requirements, a transcript indicating a grade of B or better must be received prior to the published grade deadline for the student to be approved for graduation. Grade deadlines can be located on the Academic Calendar page of the Office of the University Registrar website.

Should an official transcript not be available until after that date, a letter on university letterhead sent directly to Bursky School of Public Health Academic Operations prior to the deadline indicating the successful completion of the course with a grade of B or better will be accepted to clear the student for graduation. This must be followed with an official transcript in order for the transfer of credit to be completed and for the credit to appear on the student's record.

Courses Taken at Other Schools Within WashU

Should a student be taking a course at another school during their final semester of their respective program, a final grade of B or better must be posted to the student's record prior to the published grade deadline for the student to be approved for graduation. Grade deadlines can be located on the Academic Calendar page of the Office of the University Registrar website.

Degree Candidates

Students may enroll in a course at another university during their final semester in the program. If that course is required to fulfill graduation requirements, then the Office of the University Registrar must receive a transcript indicating the successful completion of the course prior to the grade deadline. Adherence to this deadline allows the student to be approved for graduation. Should an official transcript not be available until after that date, a letter on university letterhead must be sent directly to the Director of Academic & Student Records indicating the successful completion of the course and received prior to the grade deadline. Once final grades are made available, an official transcript must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar. If the student does not end up enrolling or completing the approved course, the school's registrar should be notified.

Taking Classes at Other Schools

Students at Bursky School of Public Health are assessed tuition based on enrollment caps and their prime division every semester. If a student wishes to take a course at Washington University but outside of Bursky School of Public Health and they are within their credit cap for the semester, they may do so. If they are prime to Bursky School of Public Health, they will be assessed Bursky School of Public Health tuition, and any financial aid, including scholarships, will be applied with the following stipulations.

Graduate Course Counting Toward Graduation Requirements

Students must request that the course count toward graduation credit by submitting an Elective Credit Request through the SPH Office of Education Student Resources Hub; this request must be approved by the MPH Program.

Note: 4000-level courses in the undergraduate school may be counted as elective credit as long as the student works with the instructor to incorporate and differentiate course requirements to meet the standards of a graduate-level course.

Graduate and Undergraduate Courses Not Counting Toward Graduation Requirements

Students may take courses in other schools.

Any graduate and/or undergraduate courses taken that do not count toward degree requirements will still be included in a student's credit cap for the given semester.

Courses Not Eligible

The programs within Washington University that are not eligible under this policy are the Executive MBA and Professional MBA programs in Olin Business School; those offered by the Sever Institute in the McKelvey School of Engineering; and courses and programs that are part of WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS).

Tuition and Registration for WashU Courses

For graduate courses outside of Bursky School of Public Health but within Washington University in St. Louis, a student must complete the Elective Credit Form and the Inter-University Exchange Form located on the SPH Office of Education Student Resources Hub. Information about graduate courses offered at each school within Washington University can be found on the Class Schedule Search page of the Office of the University Registrar website.

Tuition for a course taken outside of Bursky School of Public Health but within Washington University is included in Bursky School of Public Health semester tuition calculations.

WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS)* and/or WashU undergraduate courses** do not count toward a student's degree requirements.

*

Students will be charged additional per-credit-unit tuition for any CAPS course credits. In addition, any credits take at CAPS will not be counted toward the Bursky School of Public Health semester cap or toward full-time enrollment.

**

4000-level courses can be accepted for MPH electives if the course is brought to graduate-level status with approval from the MPH Program in consultation with and with permission of the course instructor.

Inter-University Exchange Program

The following provisions apply to all coursework taken by Washington University students at Saint Louis University (SLU) or the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) through the Inter-University Exchange (IUE) program:

  • Such courses can be used for the fulfillment of degree requirements or for elective credit only.
  • Such courses are not regularly offered at Washington University.
  • Registration for such courses requires preliminary approval of the program director, the Associate Dean for Education, and the academic department of the host university.
  • Students at the host university have first priority on course enrollment (i.e., a desired course at SLU or UMSL may be fully enrolled and unable to accept Washington University students).
  • Academic credit earned in such courses will be considered as resident credit, not transfer credit.
  • Tuition for such courses will be paid to Washington University at the prevailing Washington University rates; this is no additional tuition cost to the student who enrolls in IUE coursework on another campus. However, students are responsible for any and all fees charged by the other school.
  • Library privileges attendant on enrolling in a course on a host campus will be made available in the manner prescribed by the host campus.

Enrollment Instructions

WashU students must be enrolled full-time in order to participate in the IUE program and have no holds, financial or otherwise, on their academic record at WashU or at the host institution.

  1. The student must complete the Inter-University Exchange Application Form, which is located on the Office of the University Registrar website.
  2. The student must provide all information requested in the top portion of the form and indicate the course in which they wish to enroll.
  3. The student must complete an elective credit request form.
  4. The student must obtain the approval signature of the professor teaching the class (or the department chair) at SLU or UMSL, preferably in person, but it can be done via e-mail and attached with the form.
  5. The student must also obtain the approval signatures from their Washington University academic advisor and their program director.
  6. Completed forms must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar in the Women's Building a minimum of one week before the start of the term.

Course enrollment is handled administratively by the university registrar's office of both the home and host institutions. Washington University students registered for IUE coursework will see these courses on their class schedule and academic record under departments SLU and UMSL.

Final grades are recorded when they are received from the host institutions. The student does not need to obtain an official transcript from SLU or UMSL to receive academic credit for IUE coursework at Washington University.

Work/Life Experience

Bursky School of Public Health does not grant academic credit for life or work experience.

Other Institutions

Once a course is approved prior to enrollment, an official transcript must be sent to the Office of the University Registrar for final credit/course satisfaction from any outside institution. A grade of B or better is required for transfer credit.

Taking coursework outside of WashU during the student's final semester is not recommended, as an official transcript may not be received by the grade deadline for graduation.

Should a student be taking a course at another university during their final semester and that course is required to fulfill graduation requirements, a transcript indicating a grade of B or better must be received prior to the published grade deadline for the student to be approved for graduation. Grade deadlines can be located on the Academic Calendar page of the Office of the University Registrar website.

Should an official transcript not be available until after that date, a letter on university letterhead sent directly to Bursky School of Public Health Records & Registration prior to the deadline indicating the successful completion of the course with a grade of B or better will be accepted to clear the student for graduation. This must be followed with an official transcript in order for the transfer of credit to be completed and for the credit to appear on the student's record.

Electronic Devices in the Classroom

Computers or other electronic devices, including “smart pens” (i.e., devices with embedded computers and digital audio recorders that record the classroom lecture/discussion and link that recording to the notes taken by the student), may be used by students at the discretion of the faculty member to support the learning activities in the classroom. These activities include taking notes and accessing course readings under discussion. If a student wishes to use a smart pen or another electronic device to audio record lectures or class discussions, they must notify the instructor in advance of doing so. Permission to use recording devices is at the discretion of the instructor, unless this use is an accommodation approved by Disability Resources.

The nonacademic use of laptops and other devices and the use of laptops or other devices for other coursework is distracting and seriously disrupts the learning process for other people in the classroom. Neither computers nor other electronic devices are to be used in the classroom during class for nonacademic reasons or for work on other coursework. Nonacademic use includes emailing, texting, social networking, playing games, instant messaging, and using the internet. Work on other coursework may include (but is not limited to) use of the internet, writing papers, using statistical software, analyzing data, and working on quizzes or exams. The nonacademic use of cell phones during class time is prohibited, and phones should be set on silent before class begins. In the case of an emergency, the student should step out of the room to take the call. The instructor has the right to hold students accountable for meeting these expectations, and failure to do so may result in the loss of participation or attendance points, the loss of the privilege of device use in the classroom, or being asked to leave the classroom.

Enrollment Status

MPH Enrollment Status

Prime to Bursky School of Public Health

Once a student has been admitted to Bursky School of Public Health, they are considered “prime” to Bursky School of Public Health in the degree program to which they are admitted. Every admitted student is required to follow the enrollment policies as set by Bursky School of Public Health.

Students who are seeking degrees in more than one program with one program outside of Bursky School of Public Health are classified as dual degree students. Dual degree students are designated prime to a school or program depending on enrollment and the agreement of each school. Students may contact the student records office of either school for clarification.

Incoming first-year students are required to be prime to Bursky School of Public Health for their first fall and spring semesters, only taking Bursky School of Public Health courses as outlined in the degree requirements for their respective program.

Student IDs are coded to the student's prime program. Being prime to Bursky School of Public Health affords a student evening and weekend access to Bursky School of Public Health buildings. Dual degree students who are prime to another WashU program in any given semester will have their IDs coded to allow access to Bursky School of Public Health buildings.

Tuition and Scholarship Assessment

A student's prime semester designation determines how tuition and fees are assessed, as well as scholarship eligibility. Tuition and scholarship policies vary between Bursky School of Public Health and other graduate and professional schools at Washington University.

When dual degree students are prime to the MPH program at Bursky School of Public Health, they are assessed tuition and fees according to the SPH tuition structure. They are also eligible to receive MPH scholarships.

During semesters that dual degree students are prime to their Bursky School of Public Health program, they are assessed tuition according to Bursky School of Public Health's tuition and fee structure. They are also eligible to receive their scholarships from Bursky School of Public Health. During the semester(s) that dual degree students are prime to another Washington University school or to a partner university, they are assessed tuition according to the program's tuition and fee structure and are eligible to receive scholarships from the partner program. A dual degree student cannot receive scholarships from both programs in a single semester.

Academic Load Status for Financial Aid, Immigration, and Enrollment Verification

All policies as described in Washington University's Graduate Policies for Academic Load Status for Financial Aid, Immigration, and Enrollment Verification supersede any policies or information contained below. In summary:

Full-Time Status

Students who meet the following criteria are considered full time:

Fall and Spring Semesters
  • Enrolled in 9 or more credit units of coursework, which may include practicum credits; or
  • Enrolled in 3 or more credit units of practicum.
Summer Semesters
  • Enrolled in 3 credit units of practicum.

International students must maintain full-time status in any semester.

Students adding another degree after matriculation will adhere to the credit enrollment caps for the new degree for the year in which they start the new degree program.

Full-time status at Bursky School of Public Health allows students to enroll in the university health insurance plan and to obtain a Metro U-Pass.

Part-Time Status

All students enrolled in the full-time program may be considered to have part-time status if they meet the following enrollment criteria:

Fall and Spring Semesters
  • Enrolled in 4.5 or more but fewer than 9 credit units of coursework; or
  • Enrolled in 2 or fewer credit units of practicum.
Summer Semesters
  • Enrolled in 3 or more but fewer than 5.99 credit units of coursework; or
  • Enrolled in 2 or fewer credit units of practicum.

If a student drops below full-time status in the fall or spring semester, the student will be ineligible for their Bursky School of Public Health scholarship until they are once again enrolled full-time.

Part-time status at Bursky School of Public Health does not allow students to enroll in university health insurance nor to obtain a Metro U-Pass and may affect financial aid and/or scholarships. Note: These conditions apply for any student enrolled in the full-time program who meets the part-time status requirements stated previously.

Employee and Student Status

Bursky School of Public Health defers to Washington University policy regarding employee/student status.

It is the responsibility of the employee/student to refer to their department of employment and consult with their appropriate Human Resources representatives regarding university benefits, the Employee Tuition Assistance program, and any information related to earnings and employee/student taxation, such as student FICA exemptions. Individuals should seek the counsel of an informed tax preparer or adviser regarding potential employee/student tax implications.

PhD Enrollment Status

Full-Time Enrollment

Students admitted to a PhD program in Bursky School of Public Health must maintain full-time continuous enrollment throughout the approved length of their programs. Bursky School of Public Health PhD programs are to be completed within five years under normal conditions. During those years, students will be considered full-time with one or a combination of the following enrollments:

  • Registered for 9 or more course units; or
  • Registered in BSDC 9900 Doctoral Research (consult the In-Absentia Enrollment information below).
    • This course indicates that the student's full-time engagement in research or academic writing and should be used once a student has completed the total credit requirement for the program.

PhD students who are not registered as above may find themselves in a part-time status and could be in jeopardy of the loss of certain benefits or be in violation of their visa status. Part-time enrollments will be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances. BSDC 9900 Doctoral Research should be used for enrollment in circumstances requiring an eighth year.

Note: Doctoral students typically maintain full-time student status over the summer, and additional registration is not required for this session. Students may enroll in courses and required practicums over the summer, if desired.

Residence Requirement

Bursky School of Public Health PhD students are required to remain in residence until they have successfully completed the area statement and qualifying exam. Bursky School of Public Health students are strongly encouraged to remain in residence through their entire time in the program, except for those students doing fieldwork to collect dissertation data. In all cases, a student receiving a fellowship must maintain full-time student status or forfeit the fellowship. Fellowship students may not accept other employment unless it has been specifically pre-approved by the program and Bursky School of Public Health.

Program Length Limit

The maximum number of semesters of continuous enrollment in a Bursky School of Public Health PhD program is 14 semesters (seven years). Students in the PhD program who have not completed their terminal degrees and who have not withdrawn will be dismissed at the end of 14 semesters. An exception may be granted by the Bursky School of Public Health Dean on request of the program director if the student is expected to complete their degree during an eighth year of enrollment. Enrollment for a ninth continuous year will not be allowed. Semesters during which the student is on an approved Leave of Absence are not included on the enrollment clock.

Enrollment Extension

Students may be permitted to register for one additional year beyond their seven-year program length, when approved by their program. The advisor must submit a letter to the program director explaining the rationale for the extension and specifying a timeline for completing the dissertation. The program director presents the request to the Doctoral Education Sub-Committee; a majority vote is needed for final approval of the extension. Students approved for extension must enroll in BSDC 9900 Doctoral Research, which confers full-time enrollment status. Students registered for BSDC 9900 Doctoral Research may or may not receive financial support, but they are eligible to receive other benefits available to full-time PhD students, including health insurance and wellness fee subsidies.

Degree Candidacy Extended

In very rare circumstances, Degree Candidacy Extended allows PhD candidates who have not completed degree requirements within the program length to leave the full-time program but remain degree candidates. Extended degree candidates are not registered for any courses, have no enrollment status, and receive none of the benefits available to registered Washington University students, including student loan deferment. Advisors must submit to the program director the rationale for leaving the full-time program; the Doctoral Education Sub-Committee must approve the request by a majority vote. If approved, the student may remain a doctoral candidate for up to five years. If the PhD requirements are not completed within that timeline, the candidate is immediately dismissed from the program.

In-Absentia Enrollment

During a student's period of regular registration, they may have a need or opportunity to study away from Washington University. Students, with their advisors, should submit a request for in-absentia enrollment to the program director. Directors consider requests on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the student will be registered for BSDC 9900 Doctoral Research for up to four consecutive or nonconsecutive fall and spring semesters. Semesters in which a student is registered in absentia are counted as part of the student's program length.

Grades

Letter Grades

Academic achievement at Bursky School of Public Health is measured by letter grades. Bursky School of Public Health utilizes a 4.0 GPA scale. Students pursuing a degree are graded in accordance with the following classification and point scale. A plus (+) or minus (-) sign after a grade indicates a greater or lesser degree of the assigned grade based on the merit of the work. Bursky School of Public Health does not grant letter grades of A+ or D.

Grade Meaning Points per Unit
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D Bursky School of Public Health does not assign this letter grade for any course.
F Failing work merits no credit and will not count toward the fulfilment of the degree requirement. 0.0
R Course has been retaken and student has earned a different grade. Holds no GPA value.
HP#, HP High Passing grade for Practicum and Capstone II.
P#, P Passing Grade for Practicum and Capstone II.
LP#, LP Low Pass, designated only for Practicum.
N No grade; interim placeholder. Must be replaced with a grade in order to receive credit.
I Incomplete; interim placeholder. Must be replaced with a grade. Consult the Incomplete Grade Policy.
W Withdraw. Holds no GPA value.

Grading Scale

MPH Grading Scale

The MPH Program does not have a standard grading scale. Each instructor has the ability to determine the grading scale that is deemed appropriate for each course they teach. It is the instructor's responsibility to publish the grading scale for each course in the course syllabus. It is students' responsibility to refer to the grading scale published in the syllabus of each course.

PhD Grading Scale

Credit-conferring grades for PhD students are as follows: A, Outstanding; B, Good; and C, Conditional (an A, B, or C grade may be modified by a plus or minus). Other grades are F, Failing; P, Pass; I, Incomplete; W, Withdrawal; R, Repeat; and N, No grade submitted. The mark of I reverts to an F grade after the lapse of one calendar year.

Minimum GPA Requirement

All degree programs at Bursky School of Public Health require that students maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The first semester that a student fails to meet the minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, they will automatically be placed on Academic Probation for the next semester. If the student is only enrolled in practicum credit (Pass/No Pass) for the next semester, then the student's grades will be reviewed the following semester, when grades are earned. Students will be notified by a representative of the MPH program regarding Academic Probation. 

There may be financial aid implications for a student placed on Academic Probation. Students should discuss their options with the manager of Student Financial Services. 

A student on Academic Probation for more than one semester will have their case reviewed by the MPH program. Consult the Academic Progress section for more information.

GPA Requirements to Maintain Scholarships/Financial Aid 

Bursky School of Public Health Scholarships 

If a student drops below full-time status in the fall or spring semester, the student will be ineligible for their Bursky School of Public Health scholarship until they are once again enrolled full-time.

Students who have been given scholarships must maintain a GPA of 3.0 each semester, fulfill any additional eligibility requirements, and enroll full time in the fall and spring semesters. Failure to meet a 3.0 GPA requirement after each semester places the scholarship at risk. 

If a student fails to meet the GPA requirement, they will receive a one-semester probation period. During the semester of probation, the student will continue to receive scholarship funds. If the student fails to meet the GPA requirement at the end of the probation semester, the scholarship may be rescinded. The program director will do a holistic review of the student's progress and, in consultation with the manager of Student Financial Services, may approve the continuation of scholarships after a second semester below a 3.0 cumulative GPA based on demonstrated academic improvement. 

Once a student attains the required 3.0 cumulative GPA, their scholarship will be reinstated. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal Financial Aid Eligibility

Consult the Bursky School of Public Health Financial Information page for details on Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal Financial Aid eligibility.

Grade Appeals

Students have the right to dispute course grades (not individual assignments) if they believe such grades do not accurately reflect the quality of their work. Students considering appealing their grades are welcome to consult with their advisors and/or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Neither the advisor nor the Associate Dean for Student Affairs makes any decisions with regard to the appeal, but they can inform students about the appeals process.

Grounds for Appeal

Students may initiate grade change requests for the following reasons:

  • Clerical or mathematical errors;
  • Inequitable use of the syllabus' grading rubric or policies; or
  • Grading impacted by issues beyond the course content.

Students should be aware that an appeal may include a complete review of a student's work in the course as a whole, which may result in a grade being either raised or lowered.

Students may not appeal to raise their grades by completing additional assignments (i.e., “extra credit”) or by submitting late work, except in the case of an official Incomplete.

If a student believes that the grade is the result of identity-based discrimination, they should make a report to the Office of Institutional Equity rather than file a grade appeal through this process. In addition, grades that are a result of sanctions for a violation of academic integrity are not eligible for appeal through this process.

Timing of Appeal

Grade appeals must be initiated within 30 calendar days of the grade being posted.

Grade appeals in the semester prior to the student's graduation must be raised immediately and addressed on an expedited timeline so that the appeal may be resolved prior to the conferral of a degree and the sealing of the student's transcript. A grade appeal submitted after a student graduates will not be reviewed, as grade changes cannot be made following degree conferral.

Appeals Process

  • The student must first appeal the grade with the instructor within 30 calendar days of the grade being posted. The appeal must be emailed to the instructor, reference the grade appeal policy, and outline the reasons for the appeal.
  • The instructor must reply to the student via email within 14 calendar days of the student's request, providing detailed justification for retaining the assigned grade or confirming that the grade will be changed in light of the student's appeal.
  • If the student's written concerns have not been met by the instructor's justifications, the student may raise the grade appeal to the program director within 14 calendar days of receiving the instructor's written justification. The student will email a written appeal to the program director, describing the student's wish to appeal the failing grade.
  • The appeal is limited to 400 words and should include the following:
    • Grounds for appeal, based on the criteria outlined above;
    • Explanation of support for the appeal; and
    • Copies of any new evidence referenced in the appeal that was not included in the original review (this is not included in the 400-word limit).

The program director will review the appeal, render a final decision, and provide a written response via email within 21 calendar days. If a conflict of interest exists between the student and the program director (e.g., the program director is the instructor of record), the case will be referred to another program director in Bursky School of Public Health.

Grade Assignment for Withdrawals

If a student withdraws from any program or course after a semester's Add/Drop deadline, a Withdraw (W) is recorded on their transcript.

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete Course Grade Policy

An interim placeholder of I, for Incomplete, is used by an instructor when a student experiences an extenuating circumstance preventing completion of the course requirements by the conclusion of the semester.

Incomplete Request Procedure

Students must first discuss an Incomplete grade with the relevant faculty member.

  • If an Incomplete grade is agreed-upon, the faculty member will submit an I grade for that semester.
Timeline for Satisfying Course Requirements

Students have 60 days from when semester grades are due or until the date the instructor sets (whichever comes first) to complete any outstanding work and submit it to the instructor.

At the 60-day (or instructor-set) deadline, whatever work is completed will be graded, and any work not submitted will receive a 0. Based on this, an appropriate grade will be assigned with full acknowledgment that the final grade may be an F.

  • Example: A student does not turn in a homework assignment worth 5% of the grade but does turn in a missing paper worth 50% of the grade. The student will receive a 0 grade for the homework assignment, an appropriate grade for the paper, and a final grade that reflects these assignments, other course assignments, and other course requirements overall.
Incompletes and Restricted Registration/Enrollment

Students cannot enroll in a class if the prerequisite is incomplete.

Students with two or more Incomplete grades and who are enrolled in practicum are required to be on a Practicum Support Plan in collaboration with their Field Faculty Advisor. In addition, students are only allowed to be enrolled in 1 credit of practicum until at least one of the Incomplete grades is satisfied.

Students cannot start a new semester with 7 credits or more of Incomplete grades. The deadline to clear and be below 7 credits of Incompletes is 11:59 p.m. on the Friday of the first week of the new semester.

  • If the number of Incompletes does not fall below 7 credits by the deadline, the Office of the University Registrar will withdraw the student from all semester courses.

Students with Incompletes who are scheduled to go on personal or medical Leaves of Absence (LOAs) must have their grades posted prior to the first date of leave. Whatever work is completed will be graded, and any work not submitted will receive a 0. Based on this, an appropriate grade will be assigned with full acknowledgment that the final grade may be an F.

  • Students are encouraged to have their LOAs officially start on the first day of the subsequent semester so that they can take the time in between the two terms to complete as much outstanding work as possible, prior to losing access to WashU systems.

Note: Barring any extenuating circumstances, students who take LOAs prior to the completion of the semester will be withdrawn from all classes and will need to retake said classes upon return to the university.

Incomplete Practicum Grade Policy

An interim placeholder of No Grade (N) is assigned by the system for a semester in which a student has not completed all practicum requirements and/or the following practicum-related documentation:

  • Student Self-Evaluation of Competencies and Performance (accessible in Canvas)
  • Student Assessment of Practicum Experience (accessible in Canvas)
  • Field Instructor Evaluation of Practicum (to be sent to the Field Instructor upon completion of the Student Self-Evaluation)
  • Practicum Timesheet (accessible in Canvas; this document requires student and Field Instructor signatures)
  • Portfolio Product Cover Page (accessible in Canvas; this document requires student and Field Instructor signatures)

If a student is completing practicum credits at the same organization for more than one semester, the N grade will stand until the end of that experience and until all documentation is completed. A grade will then be assigned for all semesters.

If an interim placeholder of N has been assigned, it is the student's responsibility to ensure the completion of all registered practicum hours and the submission of all practicum-related documentation to the Office of Student Applied Practice Experience by the following deadlines:

  • Practicum credits registered for fall semester: May 1 of the current academic year
  • Practicum credits registered for spring semester: August 1 of the current year
  • Practicum credits registered for summer semester: December 1 of the subsequent academic year

If a student has not met the required semester deadlines to replace the N, the Bursky School of Public Health Registrar's Office will assign an F for the registered practicum credits. Final practicum grades are HP# (High Pass), P# (Pass), or F# (Fail).

If the grade is F#, the student must re-register and pay for the required practicum credits. No credit for previously accrued practicum hours will be counted. Students cannot graduate with an incomplete on their record.

Pass/No Pass Option

Few courses offered in Bursky School of Public Health are strictly Pass/No Pass or Credit/No Credit, and students are not permitted to choose whether to take a course Pass/No Pass. The only courses offered as Pass/No Pass are Practicum and Capstone II.

Courses taken outside of Bursky School of Public Health that are approved to count toward a degree must be taken for credit/a letter grade.

Repeating a Course

MPH Course Retake Policy

Students who have failed a course have the opportunity to repeat it, in accordance with these stipulations:

  • There must be space in the course.
  • Courses taken at Bursky School of Public Health may only be repeated at Bursky School of Public Health.
  • This option may only be applied a maximum of one time for the same course. If the student takes a course and receives a failing grade, the student will be withdrawn from the program.
  • Students must register for the same course number, although the instructor for the course may be different. If a course is no longer offered, students may not substitute an alternative course.
  • Tuition will be assessed for the repeat course.
  • The original course will remain on the transcript and be designated with an R next to the original grade, indicating that the course was repeated.
  • All courses designated with an R (repeat note) will not be included in grade point average calculations and are not applicable toward graduation requirements.
  • The letter grade earned in the most recent attempt will be included in the cumulative credit total, and a new grade point average will be calculated.
  • A course taken for undergraduate credit may not later be changed to graduate credit. (Washington University undergraduate students only)
  • Courses taken for credit toward an undergraduate degree may not be retaken for graduate credit. (Washington University undergraduate students only)
  • If a student repeats a course after their degree has been awarded, the original course grade will not be excluded from the degree GPA.
  • Students who have been dropped from a degree program may not use the course repeat process to gain readmission to that degree program.

Students who would like to repeat a course for a reason other than receiving a failing grade may do so, under the following circumstances:

  • There must be space in the course.
  • The course will not count toward credits earned for degree completion.
  • Tuition will be assessed for the course. The course will incur a per-credit-unit tuition charge in addition to the per-semester tuition charge.
  • The course grade for the repeat course will not replace the first attempt course grade in the student's GPA. Both course attempts will appear on the student's transcript.

PhD Course Retake Policy

Bursky School of Public Health doctoral students may choose to retake a course with the permission of their advisor. If a course is repeated, only the second grade is included in the calculation of the GPA. Both enrollments and grades are shown on the student's official transcript. The symbol R next to the first enrollment's grade indicates that the course was later retaken. Credit toward the degree is allowed for the latest enrollment only. No student may use the retake option to replace a grade received as a sanction for violation of the Academic Integrity Policy. The R option may be invoked only once per course, and the original grade option must be retained.

Grievance Procedures

From time to time, students may have concerns regarding a peer, faculty, or staff member's conduct within or beyond the classroom. It is important that students, faculty, and staff have a common understanding of how such concerns may be expressed.

Addressing Concerns to an Individual

Some concerns students have regarding interactions with peers or faculty, classroom conduct, or meetings with staff result from poor communication or misperceptions of interactions. Many such problems can best be resolved through discussion between the involved individuals. If a student has a concern and they feel comfortable, they should contact the involved student, faculty member, or staff member as quickly as possible to request a meeting to respectfully discuss the matter. Everyone should be willing to listen to legitimate concerns and to rectify the problems.

Students may choose to consult with another faculty or staff member for advice prior to any conversation.

Addressing Concerns to Administration

Some concerns may not be appropriate for discussion or may not be resolved with the individual student, faculty member, or staff member; they may be related to larger, systemic issues. When a student would like to report a concern or file a complaint within Bursky School of Public Health, every attempt should be made to adhere to the following order of communication to resolve the issue. Only after unsatisfactory progress has been made should a student move to the next level of communication.

  1. Program director or Associate Dean for Student Affairs
  2. MPH or PhD Education Subcommittee
  3. Associate Dean of Education

Students may also report concerns through the following processes:

  • Midterm and Final Course Evaluations
  • Exit Survey given at the time of graduation
  • Town Halls
  • Annual School Survey

In addition, students may consult WashU Reporting Options for various concerns, including the Student Feedback & Complain Form (with the option to submit anonymously), the Student Conduct Incident Report Form, the Bias Report & Support System, Gender Equity and Title IX resources, and many more.

Graduate students may also seek assistance from the Offices of the Ombuds. Ombuds serve as confidential, independent, and impartial resources offering assistance with the informal resolution of university-related conflicts and advocating for fair treatment and processes.

Washington University policies state that members of the university community can expect to be free from discrimination and harassment. Students, faculty, staff, and outside organizations working on campus are required to abide by specific policies prohibiting harassment. An allegation of discrimination or harassment may be appealed to the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, who will determine whether to convene the Title IX Grievance Committee to hear the case. Visit the Discrimination and Harassment page of the WashU Policies website for more information.

Student concerns are taken seriously by the administration. In no circumstances will retaliatory actions against a student for submitting such a concern be tolerated. Once a concern is received, an administrator will review it and determine whether it should be referred to another administrator or department. If the student submitting the concerns has identified themselves and indicates a wish to meet to discuss further, an administrator will contact the student to discuss the matter further, discuss the student's formal and informal options to address the concern, and, if appropriate, refer the student to additional resources.

Holds

Washington University and Bursky School of Public Health can place a hold on a student's record for various reasons. If a student has a hold on their record, they will not be allowed to register for classes in the following semester, order a transcript, or use Bear Bucks. Holds should be cleared with the department that placed it (e.g., Student Financial Services will remove a hold they placed for a late payment that has been received).

The Office of the University Registrar places holds on the records of students who do not enter their current address (both home and local) and telephone information.

Bursky School of Public Health Academic Operations places holds on the records of students for neglecting and/or being delinquent in completing the following requirements:

  • Having more than 6 credits units marked with Incomplete (I) grades;
  • Declaring a concentration; and
  • Completing the human biology prerequisite.

Other university holds may include past due balances, parking tickets, student conduct, not completing required university processes (e.g., immunizations, Title IX training), and other issues.

Students can find specific details about any holds on their account within Workday.

Independent Study

Bursky School of Public Health allows for independent study credits to be earned in accordance with the following policies.

The purpose of an independent study is to enable a student to gain in-depth knowledge of an area germane to that student's course of study but that is not offered in a course in Bursky School of Public Health. The need for and value of an independent study will be evaluated very carefully to determine whether an independent study is justified. The student and their supervising full-time Bursky School of Public Health faculty member will arrange objectives for the content of each independent study. All independent studies should result in a tangible output as a basis for evaluation (e.g., a notebook, a paper, an online or media presentation).

  • Independent study can only be applied toward the fulfillment of elective credit requirements.
  • Independent study must be taken for a letter grade.
  • Only full-time faculty are eligible to serve as the faculty of record/independent study supervisor/liaison for an independent study.
  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their graduate program and must have completed a minimum of five courses in Bursky School of Public Health to undertake an independent study.
  • No more than 6 independent study credits may be applied toward satisfying elective credit degree requirements in Bursky School of Public Health.
  • No more than 3 credits of independent study may be taken in a single semester.
  • 1 credit unit is equal to 15 hours of contact between the student and the faculty member.
  • No more than two students may work on the same independent study simultaneously, and there must be a clear delineation of tasks.
  • The content of an independent study course and the reason for requesting it must be detailed in an independent study proposal developed by the student and the instructor, who must be a full-time graduate faculty member.
  • The instructor who will direct the independent study must pre-approve the proposal before the the proposal is submitted to the Director of Academic & Student Records for approval by the program director via the SPH Office of Education Student Resources Hub. 
  • The scope, rigor, and intellectual demands of an independent study proposal must equal or exceed those of regular graduate courses offered by Bursky School of Public Health.
  • A student may not audit or sit in on a course to receive independent study credit.
  • Independent studies may not be completed retroactively. In other words, the agreement for an independent study is to be completed, signed, and approved by all parties prior to the initiation of the project and no later than the semester's Add/Drop deadline.
  • Independent studies adhere to the Add/Drop deadline of full semester courses. Students may not add or drop an independent study course after these posted deadlines.

Prerequisite Policies

MPH students must demonstrate the completion of a college-level human biology course with a grade of B or higher. This requirement may be satisfied by coursework completed prior to admission to WashU; this needs to be confirmed by the Bursky School of Public Health Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

If the human biology course is not completed prior to matriculation, MPH students must fulfill this prerequisite by the end of their first spring semester as follows:

  • Enroll in and complete a campus-based or approved online human biology course prior to the end of the first spring semester. The Bursky School of Public Health Office of Admissions & Recruitment keeps a listing of approved courses (available upon request). Students must earn a grade of B or better in the course and have the official transcript sent to the Bursky School of Public Health Office of Academic Operations to remove the deficiency.

Until this requirement is met, an academic hold will be placed on the student's account by the Director of Academic & Student Records. Students should contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment and/or their Academic Advisor about this prerequisite.

Time Away: Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, and Reinstatement Process

Consult the Time Away: Leave of Absence, Withdrawal and Reinstatement Process page of the Office of the University Registrar website for more information.

Personal Leave of Absence

Personal leave* is used for any nonmedical emergency (e.g., pregnancy, death in the family).

Students must submit the leave of absence request prior to the final day of the semester in which they are requesting the Leave of Absence (LOA). Bursky School of Public Health does not approve LOA paperwork submitted after the last day of classes of the semester.

A personal LOA can be approved for up to one academic year.

A student who anticipates being on leave in any semester should discuss their situation with their academic advisor to consider all options and assess the potential consequences to their academic record. The timing of an LOA may impact both academic credits and tuition charges. Before taking an LOA, students should meet with the Director of Student Financial Services to discuss how taking a leave may affect their record.

A student who takes a personal LOA after the twelfth week of classes may have to take the subsequent semester off, which can include the summer semester.

Depending on the length of leave and the structure of the current curriculum, previous credits may not count toward the degree. If, due to an extended LOA, a student cannot complete their degree within four years of the initial matriculation date of their program, the student must reapply for admission and may be required to retake courses and/or practicum hours.

Students should contact their Academic Advisor for guidance and support.

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International students requesting a personal LOA must leave the country within 15 days after submitting their request and are responsible for their visas. They must also meet with a staff member in the Office for International Students and Scholars.

Medical Leave of Absence

Review the Medical Leave of Absence page of the WashU Cares website for more information. Please contact WashU Cares for guidance and support.

Military Leave of Absence

Review the Policy on Military Absences, Refunds and Readmissions for more information. Please contact the Office of Military & Veteran Services for guidance and support.

Involuntary Leave Policy

The Washington University Involuntary Leave Policy applies to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Voluntary Withdrawal

A student may request a voluntary withdrawal if they no longer wish to pursue their degree at Bursky School of Public Health. Dual degree students may also voluntarily withdraw from one or both of their Bursky School of Public Health programs if they no longer wish to pursue their degree.

Before consideration of a voluntary withdrawal from Bursky School of Public Health, a student should consult with their academic or faculty advisor to consider all options and assess consequences to their academic record. The timing of the withdrawal may impact both academic credits and tuition charges.

Administrative Withdrawal

In any semester, a student who has not enrolled for fall or spring courses or who has not attended classes by the Add/Drop deadline for which they are enrolled and who has not initiated an LOA or a voluntary withdrawal will be administratively withdrawn from Bursky School of Public Health at the end of the fourth week of the current semester.

Termination

A student may be terminated from Bursky School of Public Health for the following reasons:

  • Failing to meet or maintain satisfactory academic progress;
  • Exhibiting behavior in violation of the current Public Health Code of Ethics; or
  • Violating university and/or school policies and procedures, including but not limited to standards of professionalism, academic integrity, and student conduct.

The MPH or PhD Education Subcommittees may be convened to address issues of concern regarding a student's capacity or appropriateness for public health study or practice.

Readmission and Reinstatement

Students requesting a return to Bursky School of Public Health must first contact Bursky School of Public Health Academic Operations for an audit of their academic record. Academic Operations will inform the student whether they must complete an application for Readmission or Reinstatement, as defined below:

Readmission: Student Must Reapply Through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment

  • Academic dismissal: Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons by Bursky School of Public Health
  • Inability to complete program within required time frame: Students who completed some Bursky School of Public Health coursework but left the program for a period of time and cannot complete their degree within four years from their initial date of matriculation into the program

Reinstatement: Student Must Complete a Request for Reinstatement With the Office of the University Registrar

  • Administrative financial withdrawal: Students who have been administratively withdrawn from Bursky School of Public Health due to failure to pay tuition and/or fees or who have another outstanding balance on their account
  • Administrative withdrawal (nonfinancial): Students who miss one semester of registration (excluding summer; these students will be discontinued and administratively withdrawn from their programs)
  • Personal LOA: Students who elect to temporarily interrupt their progress toward their degree for a personal, nonmedical reason
  • Medical LOA (requires additional approval from WashU Cares): Students who, voluntarily or involuntarily, must temporarily interrupt their progress toward their degree due to a physical or mental health need

Decisions regarding reinstatement or readmission may be based on the applicant's academic status when last enrolled, activities while away from campus, length of absence, the potential for successful completion of the program as determined by Bursky School of Public Health, the ability of the department to support the applicant both academically and financially, as well as other relevant factors or considerations. 

Voluntary Withdrawal

This information applies to students who elect to voluntarily withdraw from Bursky School of Public Health and discontinue their program of study. Students with accounting holds must clear their balance with Student Accounting before any application for readmission or reinstatement is considered. Credits for previous Bursky School of Public Health coursework taken prior to a student's return are not automatically counted and must be reviewed by the Office of Admissions and the Bursky School of Public Health Registrar. Bursky School of Public Health coursework completed more than 6 years prior to reinstatement or readmission will not be considered for credit toward the degree.

Decisions regarding reinstatement or readmission may be based on the applicant's academic status when last enrolled, activities while away from campus, length of absence, the potential for successful completion of the program as determined by Bursky School of Public Health, the ability of the department to support the applicant both academically and financially, as well as other relevant factors or considerations. Due to enrollment limitations, there is no guarantee of approval for reinstatement or readmission.

Doctoral students who do not register in one of the scenarios as described under the Full-Time Enrollment Policy may have to apply for reinstatement if they wish to re-enroll at a future time.

Application Deadlines for Readmission or Reinstatement

Readmission

Students must adhere to the dates and deadlines that are set by the Office of Admissions & Recruitment.

Reinstatement

A completed Application for Reinstatement must be received by the Bursky School of Public Health Office of the Registrar 6 weeks prior to the first day of the term in which enrollment is requested. After this date, the application will be reviewed for reinstatement in the subsequent term. Once the application has been reviewed and a decision has been made, the student will receive a notification via e-mail.

Reinstatement After a Medical LOA

Review the Preparing for Return From MLOA page of the WashU Cares website for more information. Please contact WashU Cares for guidance and support.

Degree Requirements for Students Approved to Return to Bursky School of Public Health

Students Approved for Readmission

  • The student is responsible for completing the Bursky School of Public Health degree requirements that are in effect at the time of their new matriculation semester.

Students Approved for Reinstatement

  • Within the first 2 weeks of the semester in which the student returns from an LOA, the student is required to meet with their Academic Advisor to create an academic success plan for the remainder of their program.
  • The student must be able to complete their degree requirements within four years of the original date of matriculation.
  • The student must complete the degree requirements outlined in the Bursky School of Public Health Handbook from their original matriculation semester.
  • At the discretion of the program, if course offerings have changed as a result of revised degree requirements, finishing the degree program may require the completion of additional courses, exams, and/or prerequisites or corequisites.

Scholarships/Tuition

Scholarships/Tuition for Readmission

  • Students approved for readmission are no longer eligible to receive scholarships previously awarded by Bursky School of Public Health.
  • Students will be reconsidered for merit-based scholarship by the Office of Admissions & Recruitment in the same manner as students applying to Bursky School of Public Health for the first time.
  • Students should contact the Director of Student Financial Services regarding reapplying for federal student aid.
  • Students will be assessed tuition and fees according to the current tuition rate/structure in effect for the academic year in which they return to Bursky School of Public Health.

Scholarships/Tuition for Reinstatement

  • Students approved for reinstatement will receive any remaining funds from the scholarship awards offered when they were first admitted to their programs.
  • Students will be assessed tuition and fees according to the current tuition rate/structure in effect for the academic year in which they return to Bursky School of Public Health.

Transfer Credit

MPH Transfer Credit Policy

With preapproval, students may take up to 9 credits of coursework outside of Bursky School of Public Health at another Washington University school or college and/or at another institution for elective credit. Students will not receive course credit if the course is not preapproved. Consult the Elective Credit for Work in Other Schools, Departments, Programs, or Institutions (MPH students only) section for more information.

PhD Transfer Credit Policy

A maximum of 21 credits earned at institutions other than Washington University may be applied toward the PhD degree. Transfer credit must be recommended by the program director and approved by the registrar with receipt of an official transcript. No graduate courses carrying grades lower than B can be accepted for transfer toward any graduate degree.

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