School of Public Health

History & Mission

Pitt’s School of Public Health was founded in 1948 with a $13.6 million grant from the A. W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust. When the school opened its doors two years later in 1950, it was the 13th public health school in the nation. With an initial focus on occupational health and hygiene, the school was naturally influenced to address local public health needs within the industrialized City of Pittsburgh. Later, as Pittsburgh transformed into an economy driven by education and research, so did Pitt Public Health.

Mission

Through excellence in research, education and practice, the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health generates knowledge, trains public health professions and partners with communities locally and globally to promote health, prevent disease and achieve health equity.

Looking Forward

The school now focuses its research on global health, health equity and premature mortality. Research also continues in such traditional Pitt Public Health study areas as infectious diseases, workplace and environmental health, strokes and heart disease, and radiation safety. Learn more about how emerging challenges have shaped our current priorities.

Contact Information

https://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/

There are certain limitations on credits, other than those earned as part of regular undergraduate courses taken at the University, that may be applied toward a degree. Those limitations are detailed in the following resources.

Advanced Standing Credits

This regulation establishes the criteria for the acceptance of advanced standing credits, which are credits toward a University of Pittsburgh degree or credential through mechanisms other than credits earned through course registration at the University. Any exceptions to this regulation must be approved by the Office of the Provost and posted in the University Catalog.

Please visit Advanced Standing Credits for full policy.

Test Credit and Course Equivalencies

The University of Pittsburgh encourages students who are applying to college to challenge themselves while in high school through opportunities like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or A-Level courses. We reward student motivation in the case of AP, IB, and A-Level courses by granting University credit for high achievement on these exams. Students, however, must check with their professional school to verify AP, IB, and A-Level credit acceptance. Students should send the results of their IB examinations directly to PHundergrad@pitt.edu. No credit will be given for Subsidiary-Level Examinations.

All AP, IB, and A-Level exam score reports and related questions should be directed to the Office of Admissions or Financial Aid.

Course Repeat

This document establishes regulations on course repeats. All schools and regional campuses are required to adhere to this regulation. Any exceptions to this regulation must be approved by the Office of the Provost and posted in the University Catalog.

Please visit Course Repeat for full policy.

Credential Overlap

This regulation establishes guidelines for credit overlaps occurring between multiple degrees or credentials being pursued at the University of Pittsburgh. All schools and regional campuses are required to adhere to this regulation. Any exceptions to this regulation must be approved by the Office of the Provost and posted in the University Catalog.

Please visit Credential Overlap for full policy.

Registration and Enrollment

Registration Status

This policy establishes the criteria used to determine registration status, including full-time/part-time and active/inactive status.

Please visit Registration Status for pull policy.

Registration Add/Drop

This policy establishes the responsibilities and regulations regarding the Registration and Add/Drop processes and applies to all campuses of the University.

Please visit Registration Add/Drop for the full policy.

Fees and Tuition

This policy establishes that tuition and mandatory fees are approved by the Board of Trustees and other fees and deposits are approved by the Office of the Provost. Some mandatory fees may not be applicable to all campuses; however, if assessed, the rate must be consistent with the current approved rates established at all campuses.

Please visit Fees and Tuition for full policy.

Tuition rates and mandatory fee rates are available on the Undergraduate Tuition & Mandatory Fees page on the University website.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

This policy establishes Satisfactory Academic Progress for students used in determining financial aid eligibility. It applies to most aid programs at the University of Pittsburgh. If a financial aid program has eligibility criteria that differ from this policy, then refer to the specific requirements of that program. The Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for individual academic programs are separate from this policy.

Please visit Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress for full policy.

Termination of Registration

This policy establishes Termination of Registration, a process that allows students to drop all their courses during the Add/Drop period, after which time a student resignation is required. It includes the resulting grade assignments, and academic and nonacademic financial adjustments associated with a Termination of Registration by the resignation process. This policy also documents administrative termination of registration resulting from disciplinary sanctions. 

Please visit Termination of Registration for full policy.

Cross Registration from Regional Campuses to the Oakland Campus

This policy establishes the conditions under which students from University of Pittsburgh regional campuses may cross register for courses at the Oakland campus.

Please visit Cross Registration from Regional Campuses to the Oakland Campus for full policy.

Cross Registration via the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE)

Cross registration is a program through the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) that provides an opportunity for enriched educational programs by permitting students to attend courses at any of ten participating colleges and universities: Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, LaRoche University, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Please visit PCHE Cross Registration for more information.

Undergraduate Extended Drop Period

In the fall and spring semesters, the add/drop period is defined as the first two weeks of the semester. Under special circumstances defined in these guidelines, undergraduate students may be eligible to drop a course in the third week of the fall or spring semester. This third week will be designated as an extended drop period. There are no changes to the add period.

Please visit Guidelines for the Undergraduate Extended Drop Period for full guidelines.

Online Courses

Students may count a maximum of 24 credits of online coursework completed at Pitt toward their degree.

Statute of Limitations

All of the credits required for a degree, whether earned in residence or transferred from another institution, must have been earned within 12 years prior to the date on which the degree is awarded. However, when given evidence that the previous courses still provide adequate preparation for courses yet to be taken and still represent a reasonable part of the total academic program, this limitation may be waived. In such cases, the waiver is for a specific period during which the program must be completed.

Specific resources related to registration and enrollment deadlines and processes include:

• The Office of the University Registrar maintains an Enrollment Resources website with information and tutorials related to registration, add/drop, withdrawal, and resignation. 
• The Enrollment Calendar is made up of important dates surrounding enrollment/registration into classes at the University of Pittsburgh.

For additional registration information, visit the Office of the University Registrar website.

Grading and Records

Student grades are processed by Dean’s Offices in conjunction with the Office of the University Registrar.  Policies and Regulations governing grading and student records include the following:

Advanced Standing Credits

This regulation establishes the criteria for the acceptance of advanced standing credits, which are credits toward a University of Pittsburgh degree or credential through mechanisms other than credits earned through course registration at the University. Any exceptions to this regulation must be approved by the Office of the Provost and posted in the University Catalog.

Please visit Advanced Standing Credits for full policy.

Quality and Grade Point Averages

This policy establishes the University Cumulative Quality Point Average (QPA) and Grade Point Average (GPA).

Please visit University Cumulative Quality Point Average (QPA) and Grade Point Average (GPA) for full policy.

University Grading

This establishes the official University grades and symbols, including any corresponding grade points and definitions.

Please visit University Grading for more information.

Course Repeat

This document establishes regulations on course repeats. All schools and regional campuses are required to adhere to this regulation. Any exceptions to this regulation must be approved by the Office of the Provost and posted in the University Catalog.

Please visit Course Repeat for full policy.

Grade Changes

This policy establishes the responsibilities and regulations regarding the grade change process.

Please visit Grade Changes for full policy.

Grade Options

H/S/U Grade Option

Certain courses are offered on the H/S/U (Honors/Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) grade option. Under this option, students earn an H if they do exceptional work (equivalent to an A- or higher under the letter grade system), an S if they do satisfactory work (equivalent to grades from a C up to a B+), or a U if they do unsatisfactory work (equivalent to a C- or lower). The H and S grades received under this option are counted toward graduation but are not computed in the student’s GPA. The U grade is counted toward neither graduation nor the GPA.

S/NC Grade Option

Certain courses are offered on the S/NC (Satisfactory/No-Credit) grade option. This option was designed to encourage students to explore new and potentially difficult subjects without fear of the risks of failure. Under this option, a student who does satisfactory work (a grade of C or better) in a course receives the grade of S. If the student’s work is not satisfactory (a grade of C- or lower), the grade of NC (No Credit) is given. Courses for which an S is received are counted toward graduation but are not computed in the GPA. Courses in which an NC is received are counted toward neither graduation nor the GPA.

Note: There are some formal limitations to a student’s choice of grading systems; students should check with an academic advisor before deciding to take a course S/NC.

Specific resources related to grading and records deadlines and processes include:

• The Office of the University Registrar maintains a Grades Resource page and a Grades Calendar.
• An academic transcript serves as the official external record of a student’s academic history.  The transcript is a cumulative record of the student’s GPA, as well as a record of the subject, title, and grade for each course in which the student has enrolled and a summary of advanced standing information.  Information on requesting transcripts can be found on the Office of the University Registrar Transcripts & Verification page.
• The academic record is not an official University transcript, but a document containing a student’s more detailed University of Pittsburgh academic history. In addition to the information provided on the transcript, the academic record may display additional course details, certain academic events and detailed advanced standing/placement/transfer credit information.  Students can view a copy of their academic record in the Student Center at my.pitt.edu.

Dean’s List

Outstanding undergraduate students in the School of Public Health are recognized for their academic achievement. After grades are posted for the fall and spring term, School of Public Health undergraduate students whose academic performance indicates outstanding achievement are recognized on the Dean’s List. To be placed on the Dean’s List, a student must have earned at least 12 letter grade credits (not including courses taken on the Satisfactory/No-Credit option) with a term GPA of at least 3.50 and no grade lower than a C.  Seniors with a term GPA of at least 3.50 and no grade lower than a C in the last term prior to graduation are recognized on dean’s list if they have earned at least 9 letter grade credits AND Capstone course (3 credit S/NC course) or at least 11 letter grade credits AND Capstone seminar (1 credit S/NC course).

If a letter grade is changed after the Dean’s list is generated, it is the student’s responsibility to contact PHUndergrad@pitt.edu to reassess Dean’s list eligibility.

Academic Integrity

Students are responsible for being honest and behaving ethically while pursuing academic studies. All individuals (students, faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and staff) at Pitt Public Health abide by the University’s policy on academic integrity as well as the Pitt Public Health academic integrity procedures.

Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress

While enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, students are expected to meet certain cumulative GPA standards and maintain progress toward their degree.  The University of Pittsburgh makes use of multiple levels of academic standing to identify students at risk of jeopardizing successful completion of their degree and to provide multiple opportunities for intervention and coaching towards successful completion. 

Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students

This regulation establishes the criteria for determining academic standing for undergraduate students, and includes Academic Review, Academic Notice, Academic Leave, Academic Program Change, and Academic Dismissal.  Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Office of the Provost and posted in the University Catalog.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the success of its students and has guidelines in place to connect students with the appropriate resources at the earliest sign of academic difficulty. Students’ academic standing is maintained and monitored each term by the school or regional campus where the student is enrolled.

Note: While different from academic standing, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) may impact the financial aid eligibility of students.

Please visit Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students for full policy.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

This policy establishes Satisfactory Academic Progress for students used in determining financial aid eligibility. It applies to most aid programs at the University of Pittsburgh. If a financial aid program has eligibility criteria that differ from this policy, then refer to the specific requirements of that program. The Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for individual academic programs are separate from this policy.

Questions about the effect of unsatisfactory academic standing on financial aid should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Please visit Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress for full policy.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements for a bachelor’s degree from Pitt Public Health are as follows:

• Completion of a minimum of 120 credits of coursework
• Completion of 120 service learning hours
• Be in Good Academic Standing with a minimum 2.00 GPA
• Satisfy all general education requirements and BSPH requirements
• No outstanding D, F, G or I grades in a required course
• Student must be considered an active student at time of graduation; they must have been registered for at least one credit at the University of Pittsburgh within the last three terms or sessions
• Students may not enroll in courses outside the University of Pittsburgh in the semester they are graduating
• An application for graduation must be filed in the BSPH Office, based on the deadlines determined for that term. Email notification of these deadlines will be sent to students in the prior term and will be posted on the Pitt Public Health Undergraduate Graduation website and the BSPH student communication Canvas page.

A student with outstanding financial obligations to the University is not eligible to receive the diploma, official academic transcripts, or any certification of completion of the academic program.

Graduation with Honors

A BSPH student attaining an outstanding scholastic record will graduate with University honors if a minimum of 60 letter-graded credits have been earned at the University of Pittsburgh. The GPA used for the awarding of honors at graduation will be calculated as a composite of courses taken at the University of Pittsburgh and counting toward completion of the degree. The following recognition of academic standing with honors applies: 

Cum Laude	3.250 - 3.490
Magna Cum Laude	3.500 - 3.740
Summa Cum Laude	3.750 - 4.000

Honors Cords

In most cases, grades for the term you are graduating in will not be due until after the graduation ceremony is held. Therefore, whether you qualify for an honor cord will be based on your cumulative GPA from the semester prior to graduation.

Special Academic Programs/Opportunities

• Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program  
• Bioethics Certificate  
• Concurrent Pathways - Double Degrees  

Career Services

Pitt Public Health Career Services is dedicated to providing informative programs, individualized career counseling services, and networking opportunities to help undergraduate students effectively prepare for, develop and manage a career related to their field of study. We offer a broad range of resources to achieve these goals including participation in Handshake, Pitt’s comprehensive career services platform and job board. A career counselor is available to meet with students and alumni on a daily basis. Appointments can be scheduled via Handshake.

Ombudsperson

The ombudsperson assists SPH students with resolving conflicts and issues that arise in the course of their education and training that they believe have not or cannot be addressed within their academic department or program. The ombudsperson can help mediate conflicts and provides information about institutional policies related to the student’s issues, including the University’s grievance procedures. The ombudsperson directs students to further resources on campus as appropriate. The SPH ombudsperson is a neutral contact person for students with whom they can engage in informal discussions.

The Pitt Public Health ombudsperson is Mike Dolinger, Director of Student Services. He can be reached at mikedolinger@pitt.edu to make an appointment.

Faculty

 School of Public Health Primary Faculty