8.0 Graduation

Application to Graduate

Students must complete an application to graduate. Details are available in the Undergraduate Graduation section of the College of Public Health website.

The deadline to apply for graduation is the 3rd Friday of the semester or term prior to the semester the student plans to graduate.

Students are required to meet with an advisor to apply for graduation. Once an application has been received, the Office of Academic Programs and Student Services will process the application. Students then receive an email stating all graduation requirements have been met, or list problem areas that need to be satisfied for eligibility to graduate.

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Ohio State to be eligible to graduate. Students taking a course(s) they need to complete their BSPH degree at Columbus State Community College the term they plan to graduate should submit an Early Grade Release form. Any questions regarding graduation should be directed to the CPH Academic Advising Office 614-292-8350.

Graduation Distinctions

Graduation with Research Distinction in Public Health

Students are eligible for graduation with Research Distinction in Public Health if they meet the following criteria:

  • Complete at least 2 credits of the undergraduate research thesis course (PUBHLTH 4999) with a passing grade
  • Successfully defend their thesis during a one-hour oral exam
  • Meet all college-specific degree requirements
  • Complete the Application for Graduation at least two semesters before graduation

Graduation with Honors in Public Health

Students are eligible for graduation with Honors in Public Health if they meet the following criteria:

  • Have Honors status when they graduate
  • Cumulative GPA is at least 3.4 when they graduate (on at least 60 graded Ohio State credit hours)
  • Completed at least 18 credit hours of Honors or upper division (3000+) or graduate-level courses over the first 2-3 years of study
  • Complete PUBHLTH 3180E with a passing grade
  • Completed the Honors Capstone experience (non-thesis) with a passing grade
  • Successfully defend their honors capstone project during a one-hour oral exam
  • Meet all college-specific degree requirements
  • Complete the Application for Graduation at least two semesters before graduation

Graduation with Honors Research Distinction in Public Health

Students are eligible for graduation with Honors Research Distinction in Public Health if they meet the following criteria:

  • Have Honors status when they graduate
  • Cumulative GPA is at least 3.4 when they graduate (on at least 60 graded Ohio State credit hours)
  • Completed at least 18 credit hours or upper division (3000+) or graduate-level courses over the first 2-3 years of study
  • Complete PUBHLTH 3180E with a passing grade
  • Completed the Honors Capstone thesis course (PUBHLTH 4999.01H) with a passing grade
  • Successfully defend their honors thesis during a one-hour oral exam
  • Meet all college-specific degree requirements
  • Complete the Application for Graduation at least two semesters before graduation

Latin Honors

Eligibility for any graduation Latin honors requires an Ohio State University cumulative GPA based on completion of at least 60 graded hours (including courses graded “S/U”) while enrolled in course work at The Ohio State University. Latin Honors are awarded based on students’ cumulative GPA as of the term penultimate to their graduation semester. Should a student earn a higher designation in the last term of enrollment, the higher honor will be awarded.

No EM (credit by examination) credit hours or credit hours taken on a Pass/Non-Pass basis are counted as part of these 60 hours.

All courses taken at Ohio State will be used in calculating the cumulative GPA to determine graduation with honors.

Latin Honors, cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are awarded to those graduates of the College of Public Health who meet the following standards:

  • Cum laude: Cumulative GPA of 3.50 to 3.69
  • Magna cum laude: Cumulative GPA of 3.70 to 3.89
  • Summa cum laude: Cumulative GPA of 3.90 or higher

Latin honors are designated on the diploma and transcript.

There are no exceptions made to the above requirements. These are based on university rules.

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