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.

Have completed graduate-level coursework outside your MPH concentration department

(includes transfer of credits from other accredited colleges and universities)

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 an MS or 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 MS or PhD degree. The courses must:

  • Have been taken within five years, but no more than 9, 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.

Wish to switch from a departmental MS program to the departmental MPH program

(includes current students in the MS program or former students who did not receive a degree in the department)

You must first apply to the MPH program. This requires:

  • A letter requesting the change in degree program; include a statement that you do not intend to complete the MS degree concurrently with the MPH.
  • Providing information not already on file with the department that is otherwise required in applications to the MPH program.

At the time of application, you may request the transfer of credits for courses already 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.

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

The MPH culminating project requirement cannot be satisfied by credits from other coursework.

The MPH core courses requirement can only be satisfied by courses specifically designated as required courses.

Credit Waivers

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