Graduate Student Handbook

Table of Contents.

Chapter 1 - General Information.

Public health office are located in White Hall – suite 444, and the 4^th floor office corridor.

Visit the Public Health Faculty and Staff Directory to learn more about the faculty and staff in the Department of Public Health.

Department Office Hours.

Fall and Spring Semesters: 8:30am - 5:00pm.
Summer Semester: 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Chapter 2 - Vision, Mission, and Goals.

The Syracuse University public health programs’ vision is to advance population health through education, research, and community engagement.

The program’s mission is to prepare leaders to advance health equity in Central New York communities and beyond.

The program’s goals to accomplish our mission:

• Create opportunities for faculty and students to advance health equity through public health

• Provide a high-quality curriculum grounded in social justice and excellence in teaching

• Advance the science and practice of public health through scholarly pursuits

• Support community well-being through public health practice

Our program values:

• Community - We recognize that we are a part of multiple communities, and have a responsibility to be engaged in a respectful and positive way with our civic partners

• Diversity and Inclusion – We welcome, encourage, and respect diverse voices, experiences, perspectives, and approaches in our work together

• Integrity - We aspire to high standards of excellence, professional ethics, and personal integrity in all that we do

• Health Equity - We strive to eliminate health inequities through the work we do in our research, teaching, community engagement, and advocacy

• Shared and Equitable Responsibility - We recognize our individual responsibilities to the mission of our public health program and to the values that sustain it. We will each strive to contribute our fair share to the activities of the program

Chapter 3 - Public Health Graduate Degree General Requirements.

Satisfactory Progress

Certification for a graduate degree at Syracuse University requires a minimum average of 3.0 for work comprising the program for the degree and a 2.8 average for all credits earned. 

Non-Credit Bearing Requirement, all students.

Public Health Foundations Training:

By the end of their first semester, students entering a Public Health graduate program must successfully complete “Public Health Foundations Training,” an online course found on Blackboard. The zero-credit course is composed of 4 modules that provide an introduction to foundational public health concepts. Completion of the course occurs when the student has successfully reviewed all modules and passed each corresponding quiz. 

This requirement is waived for those having earned an undergraduate public health degree from a C.E.P.H. accredited program.

MPH Requirements.

MPH Credit Bearing Requirements:

Applied Practice Experience (A.P.E.): MPH Graduate Practicum (PHP 667).

MPH students compete in a 200-hour applied practice experience.  Options include U.S.-based and international settings.  This experience provides an opportunity for students to apply public health knowledge and skills in a community setting and to demonstrate proficiency in at least five (5) MPH competencies, of which three (3) must be foundational competencies.  This course is completed after year 1 or year 2 of the program, during summer session. Registration is by permission of instructor only. Pre-requisite: Completed Applied Practice Experience Pre-Planning program milestone; completed 18 credits of MPH coursework. See PHP 667 Graduate Practicum in Public Health Student Handbook for additional information.

Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) (PHP 707).

All MPH students complete an integrative learning experience. In partial fulfillment of this 2-credit course, students submit a final integrative paper demonstrating the ability to utilize the learned MPH competencies in real-life public health issues. 

MPH Milestones

These non-credit bearing experiences are required.

• Foundational Public Health Training: By midpoint of their first semester, students entering the MPH degree program must successfully complete the Public Health Foundations Training requirement. Holds will be placed on the following semester’s class registration preventing registration for classes until the requirement is completed.  Exception: Students who have graduated from a CEPH accredited BSPH program are exempt from this requirement.

• Applied Practice Experience Pre-Planning: Completion of this program milestone is required to register for PHP 667 Graduate Practicum in Public Health. Students participate in 1 group orientation session, followed by individual meetings with the PHP 667 instructor to plan for the internship. Before meeting with the PHP Instructor, students complete the Applied Practice Experience Application form. At the individual meetings, student interests are discussed, potential sites identified, program competencies to be met, and potential products (deliverables) for the PHP 667 portfolio requirement. Students are required to meet with the PHP instructor and the potential site supervisor before completing the APE proposal.  At the completion of this milestone, students must submit the PHP667 planning proposal. The proposal is reviewed and approved by the Applied Practice Experience Review Committee. The committee must approve the proposal before the student is granted permission to register for PHP 667.

• Interprofessional Education: Students enrolled in the MPH program participate in an Interprofessional Practice (IPP) event. Students must successfully complete all required assessments and interactive experiences associated with this event. This experience includes: 

• Completion of a pre- and post-assessment that evaluates students’ confidence in their ability to effectively participate in interprofessional teams. 

• A two-page report to include: 

1. A description of the public health problem (affected population and significance); 

2. roles and responsibilities of represented professions; 

3. determination if other professions or parties are needed to reach an optimal outcome; 

4. how interprofessional collaboration potentially produced a better outcome than if one discipline alone worked on the resolution of the problem; 

5. the importance of attitudes, values, perceptions of, and approaches to others when working on an interprofessional team to address a public health concern.

MSPH Credit Bearing Requirements.

Graduate Thesis (PHP 997):

All MSPH Public Health Graduate Students complete a thesis. The thesis is an empirical study of some aspect of public health that demonstrates a student’s ability to conceptualize and theorize a specific topic, formulate research questions, conduct appropriate analysis, and present the results in a clear, accurate, and logical manner. 

Thesis Advisor and Committee:

The thesis advisor and committee assist the student in developing an independent research project pertinent to public health.  The advisor and committee members provide ideas and opportunities to shape the research project.  The committee is formed at the outset of the proposal development process and consists of:  the thesis advisor and two public health faculty.  The thesis advisor is a tenure-track or tenured faculty member.   Committee members are full-time public health faculty. 

Thesis Proposal:

A thesis proposal is developed in consultation with the faculty advisor and includes the following: Introduction, Importance of the Study, Literature Review, Research Questions or Hypothesis, and Proposed Methodology and Analysis. The proposal is approved by the thesis committee. Committee members are given at least two weeks to read the proposal prior to the proposal defense date. At the thesis proposal defense, the student presents the proposal and answers questions posed by the thesis committee. The committee may offer suggestions to further guide the development of the project.  Upon the committee’s approval of the proposal, the student, in consultation with the advisor, determines if the study requires Institutional Review Board (O.I.R.B.) approval. If required, the student must gain O.I.R.B. approval prior to the start of the study. Guidelines can be obtained from OIRB Approval.

Defense of Thesis:

Once the study is completed and after the faculty advisor has given approval, the thesis is submitted to the thesis committee members for feedback and suggestions.

 Committee members are given at least two weeks to provide feedback. After review, committee members may suggest changes be made prior to the thesis defense. Only after all committee members have given their approval should a thesis defense date be scheduled. Guidelines can be obtained at: Thesis Defense Checklist. Writing and formatting guidelines may be found at:  Preparing Your Thesis

Request for Examination:

Students complete a request for examination found at: Request for Examination.  A fourth committee member is added at this time.  This member serves as the committee chair and representative of the Graduate School.  The chair is a full-time Syracuse University faculty member from a department other than public health and is selected in consultation with the thesis advisor and department chair.  Public health thesis defenses are scheduled during the fall and spring semesters. The thesis defense is open to the public. 

Thesis Completion Timeline:

Chapter 4 - Public Health Graduate Programs.

MPH Program Information.

The MPH is a 42-credit hour graduate program designed to provide students with core knowledge and skills necessary for the development, implementation, and advancement of evidence-based public health initiatives. Students have the option of adding the 12 credit CAS Addictions to the MPH; no additional credit is required. See MPH/CAS Addictions plan. Learn more about program outcomes, required courses, and more in the Syracuse University Graduate Catalog.

Below is the Recommended Course Plan:

MPH, Fall Entry

¹ GH elective, GH social justice course, PH directed elective. Note: students cannot receive graduate level credit if the undergraduate level course version was completed in a prior earned bachelor's degree

² to be completed semester before PHP 667

³ course option 3 can be completed any semester

⁴ completed over a 6-8 period, summer 1 or summer 2

MPH, Spring Entry

¹ GH elective, GH social justice course, PH directed elective. Note: students cannot receive graduate level credit if the undergraduate level course version was completed in a prior earned bachelor's degree

MPH/CAS Addictions, Fall Entry

¹ PH directed elective (or PHP 605 if PHP 409 completed in UG degree)

² completed the semester prior to PHP 667

³ completed over a 6-8 week period, summer 1 or 2

⁴ GH social justice course option

⁵ GH elective course option

MPH/CAS Addictions, Spring Entry

¹ PH directed elective (or PHP 605 if PHP 409 completed in UG degree)

² completed over a 6-8 week period, summer 1 or 2

³ GH social justice course option

⁴ GH elective course option

BSPH/MPH; graduate study year

¹ GH elective, GH social justice course, PH directed elective. Note: students cannot receive graduate level credit if the undergraduate level course version was completed in a prior earned bachelor’s degree

BSPH/MPH-CAS Addictions, graduate study year

PHP 624 completed in BSPH

¹GH social justice course option

²GH elective (or PHP 607 if PHP 318 completed in BSPH)

³PH directed elective (or PHP 605 if PHP 409 completed in BS

⁴completed over a 6-8 week period

Chapter 5 - Certificates of Advanced Study (CAS)

Global Health, CAS

The CAS in Global Health is a 15-credit hour graduate program providing students advanced knowledge in global health concepts, policy, and practice. The CAS in Global Health is not an option for MPH or M.P.S.H. majors but is offered in combination with any other graduate degree or pursued as a stand-alone Certificate. It is particularly useful in providing students in technical or terminal degrees with global health credentials to help them pursue their careers in a global setting. 

The Certificate of Advanced Study, Global Health is pursued on a part-time basis and can be completed within 2 semesters 

Learn more about program outcomes, required courses, and more in the Syracuse University Graduate Catalog.

Addiction Studies; CAS

The 12-credit Addiction Studies, Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) examines the intersectionality of substance use and addictive behaviors with emphasis on prevention, policy, and sustainable recovery. All Addiction Studies courses are approved by New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and can be applied toward the educational training contact hour requirements for the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), , Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP), or Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS).   

The Addiction Studies, Certificate of Addiction Study may be completed as a stand-alone certificate or concurrently with another Syracuse University graduate degree.  MPH students interested in completing both programs concurrently may do so within the usual 42 credits required for the MPH. See MPH/CAS Addiction Studies program in the previous section. Courses, semester of offer: fall semester - PHP 609, PHP 618, and PHP 642; spring semester - PHP 642 and PHP 609; summer - PHP 609.

Visit the following link for more information: Addiction Studies CAS

Chapter 6 - Additional Opportunities.

Community Service/Volunteer Hours.

We highly encourage Public Health graduate students to participate in community service at least once per academic year. Involvement in community service serves as a means for students to learn and experience community engagement, become an active member of a community, and create a positive impact on a community in need. Syracuse University provides several opportunities for community service. Opportunities can be found through the Syracuse University Shaw Center and Hendrick’s Chapel Office of Engagement. Additional opportunities for community service may also be sought outside of the university.

Extracurricular Activities.

Graduate Student Organizations:

Graduate Student Organization (GSO). All graduate students are members of the Graduate Student Organization (G.S.O.). This organization offers many social opportunities, as well as connections to on-campus services.

Graduate Student Association for Public Health

GRSAPH promotes service and engagement, among Syracuse University graduate students, related to the discipline and profession of public health. Through engagement the mission is to promote community service, good citizenship, and ethical conduct

Student Association of Public Health Education (SAPHE).

SAPHE is dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and advocacy for public health among students at the university and in the local community. SAPHE serves as a platform for students passionate about enhancing community health and well-being.

Graduate Assistantships.

When applying to the MPH or MSPH or between year 1 and 2, students have the opportunity to request consideration for a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistants are paid student employees that either work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or a Research Assistant (RA) Graduate assistants work closely with their assigned faculty supervisor assisting in teaching or research activities. The information below highlights the main responsibilities of the positions.

Teaching Assistants (TA):

Teaching Assistants work predominantly in instruction. The responsibilities of a TA may vary, however generally include the following:

1. Assisting in the instruction of courses led by Public Health faculty.

2. Administering exams.

3. Assisting with the grading of exams or assignments.

4. Assisting software users in computer laboratories.

5. Meeting with students to support their learning.

Research Assistant (RA):

Research Assistants work predominantly on assisting with academic research. RAs are not independent researchers and are not directly responsible for the research. They are responsible to, and report to, a research supervisor or principal investigator (P.I.) RA responsibilities may vary depending on the faculty supervisor’s needs, and may include:

1. Assisting in conducting literature reviews and library research.

2. Assisting in collecting, coding, cleaning, and analyzing data.

3. Assisting with the preparing of materials to funding agencies.

4. Assisting with the preparation of materials for the I.R.B.

5. Assisting with writing manuscripts for publication or designing conference presentations.

Rights and Responsibilities of Graduate Assistants (GA):

The public health program graduate assistantships are 50% positions in which students provide 10 hours weekly of teaching or research-related work during the fall and spring semesters. Graduate assistants are awarded 12 credits of tuition scholarship per academic year (fall, spring, and/or summer) and a stipend.

While Graduate Assistants work for the public health department, their priority is that of a student and they must sustain satisfactory progress in their academic program. Students should only accept a graduate assistantship position if such can be maintained. GAs are highly encouraged to collaborate with their faculty advisor and supervisor to ensure all academic and GA responsibilities are maintained satisfactorily. Additionally, if a GA feels their duties cannot be met and/or has concerns regarding any aspects of the GA position, the GA should speak with their immediate supervisor, Graduate Program Director, Department Chair, or appeals committee via the University as needed.

Reappointment of GA positions are not guaranteed. GAs may not be reappointed in cases where the GA cannot meet the obligations of their academic and GA responsibilities or the needs and resources of the department have changed. In cases of appointment, reappointment, or loss of appointment, the student will be notified in advance. In cases of non-renewal of an appointment, the reason for non-renewal will be provided. In cases the assistantship has specific terms or conditions, the student will be notified of such.

Professional and Career Development Opportunities.

The Syracuse University Graduate School offers a variety of professional and career development opportunities. Opportunities include workshops, labs, and one-on-one appointments on topics such as: career exploration, research, job preparation, TA support, and a variety of others. Learn more at Professional and Career Development.

Research Opportunities.

All graduate students have the opportunity to engage in research with Public Health and other related faculty. This research is a core component to the MSPH; however, interested students in other graduate programs are encouraged to consider these opportunities as well, as time permits. For information on Falk faculty research, see here: Falk College Research.

Chapter 7 - Academic Policies & Procedures.

 Syracuse University Academic Rules.

Academic Record:

19.0 Advanced Credit Examinations

20.0 Transfer Credit

21.0 Graduate Students Taking Undergraduate Level Courses

22.0 Restricted Graduate Credit

23.0 Conversion to Graduate Credit

24.0 Retaking Courses

25.0 Flagging Courses

26.0 Grades

Academic Status:

27.0 Minimum G.P.A. to Continue Graduate Work

28.0 Student Status

Academic Actions:

29.0 Internal Transfer

Degree and Certificate Programs:

30.0 Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs

31.0 Master’s Degrees

3.2. Doctoral Degrees

33.0 Certificate Programs

34.0 Counting Credits toward Multiple Degrees and/or Programs

35.0 Diplomas and Certificates

Changes to Registration.

Adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a class: Strict guidelines are established by the University registrar. See the academic calendars for specific dates.

Independent Study Courses.

Public Health offers graduate-level independent study courses. However, they are only offered when students have special circumstances or a specific research need. Independent study courses are not offered as a means to fix scheduling needs. 

Make-up Exams.

Make-up exams are to be taken 9:00 am – Noon and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday, scheduled through the course instructor. All make-up exams are at the discretion of the course faculty. Policies regarding make-up exams are described in the syllabus.

Registration Holds.

Students with registration holds will be prevented from registering for classes. In order to register, students must obtain clearance from the holding office(s). Detailed information about holds is listed on the Syracuse University Registrar’s web site. Use the information provided in MySlice to resolve the hold. 

Retaking Courses.

Graduate students may retake a course in which they earned a grade of C+, C, C-, or F, with the approval of their department/college and the Graduate School. Graduate courses may be retaken only once. A repeated course replaces the original course on the student's degree program of study, but both the original course and the repeated course will appear on the student's transcript and both courses will calculate unless the original course is flagged.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of nine transfer credits are accepted by the program. To be accepted, the credits must have been earned at another regionally accredited graduate school in the United States or at an institutional equivalency recognized in another country; earned in a course in which the grade earned was at least a B. Coursework completed on a pass/fail basis is not eligible for transfer unless approved by the academic unit chair and dean of the Graduate School; is in integral part of the degree program; and is approved by the Public Health department.

Chapter 8 - Academic Advising & Forms.

Advising Statement.

Academic Advising is an essential component of a Syracuse University education. The University is committed to providing the individual advice and assistance that students need at every step throughout their degree programs. A successful system of academic advising is highly dependent upon a shared commitment of students, faculty, and staff to the process and the availability of timely, accurate information.  

Academic Advising: Student Responsibilities.

Students are responsible for scheduling, preparing for, and keep advising appointments; for seeking out contacts and information; and for knowing the basic requirements for their degree programs. Students bear the final responsibility for making their own decisions based on the best information and advice available and, ultimately, on their own judgment.

Academic Advising: Advisor Responsibilities.

Advisors are responsible for developing a thorough knowledge of the degree requirements within the students’ program of study and a working knowledge of academic options and resources throughout the University. Advisors are expected to involve students by encouraging them to ask questions, gather information and explore options so that they may develop a meaningful academic plan. Advisors will be available to students on a regular basis, monitor their advisees’ progress, assist in considering career options, and make appropriate referrals to other campus offices.

Academic Advising: Assignment of Advisor.

Advisors are assigned at the time of admission to the program. The assigned advisor and their contact information can be found on MySlice > View My Advisor.

Students may change academic advisors if they wish. To do so, the student formally requests a change of advisor and meets with the program director or the department chair to determine the best fit for the student and new advisor.

Advising Reports.

All Falk College students have an Advising Report online in MySlice under “DegreeWorks”. This report is an advising tool to be used in collaboration with your academic advisor. Students review this report before the advising session to determine which courses have been used to satisfy degree requirements and to develop a plan for future courses to discuss with your academic advisor.

Forms.

Graduate school forms may be downloaded from the Syracuse University Graduate School. The Graduate Program of Study form is to be completed and filed within the first semester of study.

Professional and Career advising is provided by public health faculty and is further supported by the Falk College Career Services and Syracuse University Graduate School.

Helpful Advising Links for Public Health Graduate Students.

SU Course Catalog

Falk Student Services

Additional information and advising resources can be found on the Department of Public Health website: Forms & Information.  

Chapter 9 - Communication.

Electronic Mail (Email).

The Department of Public Health uses email and BlackBoard to communicate with students and student groups in a timely fashion. All emails will be sent to the student’s SU Email address. It is the responsibility of the student to check their SU email in a timely fashion.

Students are asked to understand that faculty receive large volumes of email and are not available via email at all times. Students should expect a reasonable lag in response time to their emails. 

Students are expected to:

1. Address all faculty as Dr., Professor, Mr., Ms., Mx., unless given permission to address the faculty member by another name. This includes any oral or written communication.

2. Speak directly with involved faculty concerning a perceived need or conflict in a timely fashion, rather than waiting until the end of the course.

Blackboard.

Blackboard is a web-based system that allows students and faculty to participate in class components online. Students and faculty access Blackboard using a standard internet browser. Blackboard allows an instructor to provide students with course materials, discussion boards, virtual chat, online quizzes, and more. The degree to which Blackboard is used in a course varies. All Public Health courses utilize the Blackboard system for posting of course syllabi and other documents related to the course.

For additional information regarding the Blackboard system, please refer to the Syracuse University Blackboard Student Support webpages.

Chapter 10 - Student Services.

Syracuse University Academic Support Resources.

Subject-area Librarians: SU Libraries are staffed with subject specialist knowledgeable in various field of study. Subject Librarians may be found at: Subject Librarians.

Writing Center: The writing center offers free, one-to-one support for students seeking help with the planning phases of a written assignment (topic identification, organization of ideas, finding sources) and/or the quality of the final draft.

Center for Disability Services(CDS): Syracuse University values diversity and seeks to promote equal access to educational opportunities for all students. Students who believe that an accommodation for a disability is needed should contact the Office of Disability Services.

Information and Technology Services: I.T.S. provides services, training, applications, and infrastructure to support technology needs.

Chapter 11 - Awards and Scholarships.

A range of opportunities and awards are available to students in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, providing students with the means to enhance personal, academic, and career growth.

Falk College Award.

Graduate School Master’s Student Research Award:

This award recognizes an outstanding Master’s student within Falk College. Evaluation is based on academic achievement with particular emphasis given to achievement in research.

Public Health Departmental Awards.

Excellence in a Public Health Graduate Program:

This award recognizes an outstanding student in a public health graduate program. Evaluation is based on G.P.A., quality of internship outcomes, and impact at the campus or larger community level.

Graduate Student Marshall:

This award is given to a Falk College student based on their achievement in scholarship, student organization involvement, leadership, and collegiality, as well as campus and community engagement and service.

Syracuse University Scholarship Opportunities.

Syracuse University awards merit-based scholarships to graduate students based on recommendations from the students’ academic department. Learn more about graduate scholarships and other funding opportunities at SU Scholarships and Funding Opportunities.

External Scholarship Opportunities.

A.A.U.W. Career Development Grant.

A.A.U.W. International Fellowships Application.

American Indian Graduate Center Higher Education Program.

Veterans United Foundation Scholarship.

Army Women’s Foundation Scholarships.

N.B.C. Student Veteran Scholarship.

Pride Foundation Scholarships.

Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship.

Trans Student Education Scholarships.

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans.

Prospanica Foundation Scholarships.

Chapter 12 - Safety and Emergency Information. 

Syracuse University Department of Public Safety.

Syracuse University is home to the SU Department of Public Safety, a department focusing on law enforcement, fire safety, emergency management, crime prevention, and additional services to keep the campus community safe. Learn more about the department at Syracuse Department of Public Safety.

Escort Services.

Syracuse University provides an array of safety escort services, including a walking service and a shuttle service. Learn more at Safety Escort Services.

Safety and Emergency Information Cell Phone System.

The Divisions of Campus Safety and Emergency Services and Enrollment and the Student Experience provides a download app that makes storing relevant campus safety information on your cell phone easier. With a simple download, you will be able to import contact cards that contain information for the following campus resources. Learn more about these resources at SU Safety and Emergency.

• Department of Public Safety.

• Safety Escorts.

• Syracuse University Ambulance.

• Counseling Center.

• Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team.

• Title IX Office.

• Student Assistance.