Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Graduate Programs

How do I apply to become a graduate student?

See Admission Requirements Webpage

What are the application deadlines?

All paperwork/forms must be completed and signed into the Department of Health Promotion (for M.Ed. in Health Promotion):
Starting in Fall: by June 15.
Starting in Spring: by November 15.
Starting in Summer: by March 15.

Are there any other deadlines I should know about?

Graduate Assistantship and Fellowship/Scholarship Applications deadline is March 1 (for Fall). GA applications are accepted routinely after this date due to fluid availability of GA positions.

Graduation deadlines vary and are listed each semester in the Class Schedule.

NOTE: All deadlines are located in the Graduate College Handbook which is available in the Graduate College office or at Graduate Student Orientation in the Fall as well as on the Graduate College website.

If my undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, can I still be admitted?

Yes, in the Graduate College, "good standing" applies to students with GPAs of 2.75 or above. "Probationary standing" applies to students with GPAs of below 2.75 and acceptance by the sponsoring Department. If your GPA in the last 60 hours (or 90 quarter hours) of your undergraduate program is greater than or equal to 3.0, you can be admitted in "good standing." If your GPA in the last 60 hours of your undergraduate program is less than or equal to 2.99, you can be accepted on a provisional basis as long as your undergraduate average is greater than or equal to 2.75 NOTE: In order to be awarded a Graduate Assistantship, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or above.

How do I stay off probation?

Maintaining an overall GPA of greater than or equal to 3.00.

When do I file my Program of Study?

Before completing 16 hours of coursework.

How do I stay active in the program?

Take at least 6 credits during an academic year.

How many credits can I transfer into the program?

Up to 15 if they are UNLV graduate courses. No more than 12 if they come from other programs.

What is Special Student status?

A student who has not been formally admitted into a program of study with the graduate college.

How do I enroll as a Special (Non-Degree) Student?

Complete the Special Graduate Student form available from the Graduate College website.

How many credits can I take as a Special Student?

No more than 15 UNLV credits for any one program, 9 credits if bringing courses from off campus, or unlimited if they are not applied to any one degree program. However, not more than 6 credits may be taken any one semester.

When are the classes offered?

See the Health Promotion Department's Class Shedules web page for a year-long listing of course rotations.

How soon can I begin to take classes?

The first available semester as long as you do not exceed the Special Student credit limit.

How are advisors chosen?

In the Department of Health Promotion, all students will be assigned an initial advisor based upon professional interest areas of the student and faculty member. Students can request a change of advisor if mutually agreed upon by the student and the "new" faculty advisor.

What is a Program Committee?

This committee is made up of 1) the graduate student's committee chair, 2) a graduate college representative, and 3) two members of the Health Promotion department whose professional expertise supports the professional goals of the student. These four faculty members provide guidance to the student during the selection and completion of the graduate project or evaluate the comprehensive examination written by the student.

What if I have other questions?

Any other questions that you have can be answered by a) reviewing the Graduate Catalog of your matriculation, b) talking with the Health Promotion Graduate Coordinator or Department Chair, c) reviewing the information available on the Health Promotion graduate program web page, and/or d) contacting the Graduate College office directly at 702-895-4836 or 702-895-3320.

Additional information can be obtained from the following sources:

Department of Health Promotion : Office BHS 331
Phone: (702) 895-4030 : Fax: (702) 895-3979
Email: health.promotion@unlv.edu
School of Public Health : University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Copyright 2005 School of Public Health, UNLV