Transferring Credits

You may request transfer of up to 9 credits from previous coursework. Transfer credit requests are reviewed by the department’s director of graduate studies and in accordance with UB Graduate School policies. In all cases, the UB Graduate School makes the final decisions. Instructions for specific situations are outlined below.

You have completed graduate-level coursework outside your MPH concentration department

Transferring Credits

Transfer of credits from other accredited colleges and universities may be accepted.

At the time of application or while a student in the MPH program, you may request the transfer of up to 9 credits for courses not taken in your current department. The courses must:

  • Have been taken within five years, but no more than 9, from the anticipated graduation date from the MPH program.
  • Have earned grades of “B” or equivalent. Courses with grades of “S” or “P” are not transferable unless the transcript specifically states they are equivalent to a “B” or better.
  • Be relevant and appropriate to the MPH curriculum. Provide information about previous courses such as copies of course syllabi and the names and contact information of course instructors in your request. 

If you wish to transfer credits for required courses, you may be required to pass an exam in the course subject matter before any transfer of credits can be approved.

Thesis or dissertation credits cannot be transferred to the MPH degree program.

The MPH culminating project requirements cannot be satisfied by credits from other courses. The MPH culminating project must differ substantively in content from any previous thesis or dissertation.

Have previously earned a PhD degree in the same department

At the time of application, you may request the transfer of up to 9 credits for courses already taken in your current department for an earned PhD degree. The courses must:

  • Have been taken within five years, but no more than 10, from the anticipated graduation date from the MPH program.

Required courses can only be satisfied by courses specifically designated as required courses.

Thesis and dissertation credit cannot be transferred to the MPH degree program.

The MPH culminating project requirement cannot be satisfied by credits from other coursework. The MPH culminating project must differ substantively in content from any previous thesis or dissertation.

Credit Waivers

It is also possible to waive credits—learn more about waiver requirements.