Academic Handbook & Degree Requirements

The administrative details of getting your degree are governed by policies and procedures at three levels: the department, the school, and the University. These Web pages contain all of the Pitt Public Health policies and procedures and contains links to the most important University policies. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the department-level information provided by your program.

Part I: Advising and mentoring

  • Academic advising
  • How to get the mentoring you need
  • How to build your professional skills
  • Getting ready to graduate

Part II: Course and credit requirements

  • School-level course requirements
  • Departmental and elective course requirements
  • Grades and academic standing
  • Enrollment requirements
  • Course scheduling preference for veteran students
  • Academic integrity and plagiarism
  • Transfer credit for prior graduate work
  • Adding a second degree, or a certificate, or changing departments or degrees
  • Credit sharing among two or more degrees and/or certificates earned simultaneously
  • Statutes of Limitations

Part III: Research, practice, and examination requirements

  • Practicum requirements
  • Research requirements
  • Examination requirements
  • Essays, thesis, and dissertations requirements

Part IV: Detailed policies and references

  • Pitt Public Health policies and documents   
    • School-level required (core) courses
    • Biostatistics core course policy
    • Milestone committee composition rules
    • Detailed essay, thesis, and dissertation rules
    • School-wide MPH essay/ thesis completion policy
    • Independent Development Plan (IDP) policy
    • Probation and dismissal guidelines
    • Pitt Public Health academic integrity procedures
    • TA and GSR policy
  • University policies 

Process or Policy Questions?

If you have questions about any of the processes or policies described in this handbook, or about how they interact with departmental or University policies, do not hesitate to consult with your advisor or with the director of your program.

Previous Handbooks

Find complete copies of previous handbook editions below:
2021-2022 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) | Last updated June 14, 2022
2020-2021 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) | Last updated June 23, 2021
2019-2020 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) | Last updated August 28, 2019 
2018-2019 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) |  Last updated May 13, 2019
2017-18 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) | Last updated: August 28, 2017
2016-17 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) | Last updated: January 11, 2017
2015-16 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) | Last updated: May 31, 2016
2014-15 Pitt Public Health Academic Handbook (PDF) | Last updated: April 19, 2015