Degree Resources for ADVS Graduate Students

Important Forms

Form 1
Form 2
Form 3
Form 4
Form 5

Degree Requirements

This list is only a summary of the most common requirements. All requirements are listed in the USU graduate catalog. You will still be responsible for all policy requirements listed in the general catalog. 

BS to MS Requirements

Total of 30 credits

  • At least 15 credits of 6000 level or above (includes thesis credits)
  • Need at least 1 credit of ADVS 6800 Seminar
  • 6-15 thesis credits
  • 24 credits of residency
  • No more than 12 credits taken from another institution
  • No grades below "C"
  • 6 years to complete

BS to PhD Requirements

  • At least 30 credits of 6000 level or above (includes dissertation credits)
  • Three separate semesters of ADVS 6800 Seminar (may substitute two of the three with ADVS 6810 Seminar in Toxicology)
  • 18 dissertation credits
  • 33 credits of residency
  • No more than 12 credits taken from another institution
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • No grades below "C"
  • 8 years to complete

MS to PhD Requirements

Total of 42 credits

  • At least 15 credits of 6000 level or above (includes dissertation credits)
  • Two separate semesters of ADVS 6800 Seminar (may substitute one of the two with ADVS 6810 Seminar in Toxicology)
  • 12 dissertation credits
  • 33 credits of residency
  • No more than 12 credits taken from another institution
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • No grades below "C"
  • 8 years to complete

MPH Online Requirements

Total of 42 required credits (View the course outline on the MPH site)

  • Plan A or practicum
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • No grades below "C"

Other Requirements to Remember

  • Coursework at 5000 level or below must be outside your department
  • Register for 3 credits during the semester you defend to be considered "full-time"
  • Research and Integrity Course or CITI training needs to be completed
  • "P" Pass grade can only be used for credits in seminars, thesis or dissertation, and continuing grad advisement courses

Preparing for Defense

Graduate students should submit their thesis/dissertation 30 days prior to defense, with a minimum of two weeks.

The format for your public defense is an introduction, presentation, followed by questions. Participants can ask questions during the presentation if needed and at the end. The public defense shows a rationale for your data and the critical assessment and interpretation of that data to show the depth of knowledge.

The non-public defense is open to all faculty members but is typically attended by the student's supervisory committee members. Additional questions and follow up take place during this period.

For more information about the defense, visit the School of Graduate Studies website.