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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Gillings School of Global Public Health
135 Dauer Dr. CB #7400
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-966-3215
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Residential Master's FAQs

Residential Master's Quick Links

Residential Master's Programs (MPH, MHA, MSPH) Frequently Asked Questions


How many credits can I register for each semester?

A minimum of 9 hours is required for a full-time student and the maximum is 16 hours. Overload requests must be approved by Dr. Fried, Residential Master's Program Director.

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How soon do I have to decide with degree I want?

The department expects its two-year degree students to have confirmed their intended degree path by the end of their first semester.

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How much of my coursework am I required to complete in residence?

The School of Public Health requires a minimum residency requirement of no less than two full-time semesters. However, most students will need more time to satisfy the course requirements in specific programs.

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Can I get more than one degree from this department?

Not during the same time period or by double-counting courses. However, if you complete the requirements for both degrees, it may be possible to receive one degree and also receive a letter stating that you have fulfilled the requirements for the other degree.

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Can I take courses for credit at other universities?

Yes, under certain circumstances. Students registered for at least three credit hours at UNC-Chapel Hill may take a maximum of two graduate-level courses (during a fall or spring term) or a maximum of one graduate-level course during a summer term at the following schools:
  • UNC-Greensboro
  • Duke University
  • UNC-Charlotte
  • North Carolina Central University

A student must complete a "Request for Inter-Institutional Registration" form, which is available at the University's Registrar's Office. A student's advisor must sign the form certifying certain qualifications.

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Can credits or grades transfer from other institutions?

Yes. Graduate students can transfer 20% of the credits required for the degree, subject to approval of the program.

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What grades are assigned for graduate courses?

The University uses a non-traditional grading scheme for graduate programs.

  • H = High Pass
  • P = Pass
  • L = Low Pass
  • F = Fail
  • F• = Fail, administratively assigned
  • S = Satisfactory progress on research course, field training, theses, and master's paper
  • IN = Work incomplete (automatically becomes an F• within 12 months)
  • AB = Absent from final examination (automatically becomes an F• within 12 months)
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Can I calculate a grade point average?

No official grade point average is calculated. However, an "internal" grade point average and class ranking is determined by the department solely for nominations to Delta Omega, the Public Health Honorary Society.

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What grade do I need to maintain eligibility?

To pass a course, a student must receive at least a low pass (L) grade. No grade falling below an L is counted for graduate credit. A student who receives an F or nine semester hours of L is ineligible to continue graduate study.

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Do withdrawals show up on my transcript?

Not if you drop the class prior to the "last day for drops," as established by the Graduate School - which is generally prior to the last two weeks of the semester. If you withdraw after the drop date, a W is displayed on your transcript. NOTE: Single course withdrawal (drop) differs from withdrawing from the University, which is required when ALL classes are dropped.

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What is it like to live in Chapel Hill (including the cost of living)?

Try one of these links for more information:

The UNC Visitor's Center

• Town of Carrboro

Town of Chapel Hill

GoTriangle.org - information on transportation in the region.

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How can I learn about affordable housing?

Try one of these links for housing information:

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How can I get around Chapel Hill?

The bus system in Chapel Hill and Carrboro is convenient and free. For its schedule, as well as the schedule for the Triangle Transit Authority (e.g., bus to the airport), please check the following web site:

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Why should I establish North Carolina residency and how should I do that?

If you attend UNC, it is important that United States citizens (and those green-card holding permanent residents) establish North Carolina residency for tuition purposes as soon as possible. Becoming a North Carolina citizen will significantly reduce your cost of tuition. To do so, you will need to:

  • Obtain a North Carolina driver's license
  • Register your car in North Carolina
  • Register to vote in North Carolina

PLEASE NOTE: All of the above actions need to be done immediately upon arrival in Chapel Hill. Detailed information is available at the University Registrar website.

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How do I obtain a North Carolina driver's license and license plates?

Go to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

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What is it like for international students to live in Chapel Hill?

Students are required to check in at the University's International Center before classes begin. The Center provides resources and support for international students and their families.

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Don't see an answer to your question here? Contact:

Lynnette Jones
HPM Student Services Manager/Registrar
919-966-7391
ljones3@email.unc.edu

Jackie Siler-Coleman
Assistant Registrar
919-966-4609
jsiler@email.unc.edu

Mailing Address
Department of Health Policy and Management
School of Public Health
CB# 7411, 120 Rosenau Hall
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7411

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Content for this page provided by the Department of Health Policy and Management. Please contact the webmaster with any questions or comments. 
Last updated October 01, 2008
 
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