College of Science and Health

The College of Science and Health (CSH) provides students with innovative, science-based curricula with a strong liberal arts foundation. Our academic units represent the natural sciences, mathematics, psychology, nursing, health sciences, speech language pathology and occupational therapy, each of which is committed to providing our students with the highest quality education coupled with our strong Vincentian commitment to social justice and civic engagement. In addition to its own students, the college provides mathematical and scientific education and literacy for all undergraduate students within the university, and it participates in all aspects of DePaul’s distinctive Liberal Studies Program.

The College of Science and Health is dedicated to helping members of DePaul’s diverse student body reach their full academic and professional potential. The innovative curricula supported by the college encourages active participation in research, internships and other opportunities that further prepare students for successful careers and as life long learners. Faculty in the college embody the commitment to student academic and professional development through their quality instruction and by conducting meaningful, student accessible research.

Office of the Dean

1110 West Belden Avenue
McGowan South - Suite 403
Chicago, IL 60614
773-325-8300

Office of Advising and Student Services

1110 West Belden Avenue
McGowan South - Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60614
773-325-8490

Certificates

The College of Science and Health offers several certificate programs through several of its academic programs.  Please visit the college's Certificate Programs page for a complete, up-to-date listing of the certificate programs we are currently offering.

The college also participates in an interdisciplinary program offered through the School of Public Service in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

Student Resources

The College of Science and Health (CSH) provides a broad range of advising and student services to help undergraduate and graduate CSH students reach their academic and co-curricular goals and enhance their personal, intellectual and professional development. The CSH also provides specialized advising to students interested in pre-health and exploring research opportunities.

Depending upon the extent of the student need, the CSH is well equipped to refer students to the expert department within the University to best address it.

Administration

Stephanie T. Dance-Barnes, PhD
Dean

Richard F. Niedziela, PhD
Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Operations

Joanna Buscemi, PhD
Associate Dean for Clinical Education and Health Initiatives

Susan D. McMahon, PhD
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs

Mark J. Potosnak, PhD
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs

Michael D. Roberts, PhD
Senior Assistant Dean for Student Success

Suzanne Pritikin, MBA
Director of Finance and Administration

Kurtis Todd, MS
Executive Assistant

Undergraduate Academics

Focusing on the disciplines of actuarial science, astrophysics, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, data science, environmental science, health sciences, mathematics, neuroscience, nursing, physics, and psychology, the College of Science and Health’s undergraduate programs prepare students to meet the demands of the growing fields of science and health.

The College of Science and Health offers undergraduate majors from nine departments. Courses are offered during the day, evenings and on weekends, primarily on our Lincoln Park Campus.  Courses may also be offered in one of several online modalities

Honors Program

​Most students follow the Liberal Studies Program to meet their general education requirements. However, students accepted into the Honors Program fulfill general education requirements through an alternative set of courses. A student in the Honors Program pursuing a primary major in The College of Science and Health follows the requirements below:

The number of hours required for the Honors Program varies according to major, and is equal to the Liberal Studies Program required hours for that major. Honors requirements include core courses, a science requirement, a math requirement, an art requirement, a language sequence, a multiculturalism seminar, a junior seminar, and a senior thesis or senior seminar. Some AP and IB credit will apply toward Honors core courses. Credit can also be applied toward the math, science, or language requirements. Depending on the college and major, some Honors requirements may be waived. Specific requirements can be found within the student's college in the Colleges and Schools section.

Honors Core

*

Advanced placement credit will fulfill Honors Core requirements as listed:

• AP Literature credit for ENG 101 (previously ENG 120) will fulfill HON 101
• AP credit for HST 111 or HST 171 fulfills HON 102

¹

HON 180 is not required for students with a Calculus, Statistics, Business Analytics, or Discrete Mathematics requirement for the major. 

The courses (including AP, IB and transfer credit) that can replace HON 180 are as follows: MAT 242, MAT 135, MAT 137, MAT 150, PSY 240, SOC 279.

²

HON 201 is not required for students in the Theatre School or the College of Education

³

HON 205 is not required for students in School of Music, The Theatre School, or the BFA Animation major in CDM.

Honors Senior Requirements

Note: Honors students in the Pathways Honors Program accepted into a 3+ program for admission to RFUMS will be waived from the Honors Senior Requirements.

Honors Senior Thesis Option

Students who choose to complete an Honors Senior Thesis must have their project approved at least one term prior to executing the project. To gain approval for a senior thesis, students must complete an online application, including a project proposal, signed by two faculty advisors. In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the thesis should attempt to move outside the boundaries normally associated with one particular discipline and should be supervised by two faculty members from different academic fields. While the final product must be a substantial piece of work building on the student’s accumulated knowledge and new research, specific requirements for each thesis will depend on the nature of the project. See the Honors director or associate director for further information. Students may opt to enroll in HON 300 (a two-credit elective) to receive dedicated guidance as they prepare the thesis project.

Science Requirement 

• Honors students who do not have a lab science requirement for the major will fulfill the science requirement with HON 225 (Honors Lab Science Topics) OR a course selected from the university’s Scientific Inquiry Lab courses. 
• Honors students in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and College of Communication, students with a BA major in Psychology, and BA students in the School of Music will complete one additional science course chosen from the university’s offerings of Scientific Inquiry (non-lab) or Mathematics and Computing courses.
• BA students in Mathematical Sciences will complete one additional science course chosen from the university's offerings of Scientific Inquiry (non-math.)
• BS students in Mathematical Sciences will complete one Scientific Inquiry Lab course.
• Honors students in the College of Education will complete one Scientific Inquiry Lab (non-Biology) course and one Scientific Inquiry Biology course. HON 225 is not an option for COE students to fulfill the lab science requirement.
• Students in the School of Music (non BA) and the Theatre School will fulfill the science requirement with one course selected from the university’s offerings of Scientific Inquiry (non-lab) courses.

Math Requirement 

• Honors students who do not have a Calculus, Statistics, Business Analytics or Discrete Math requirement for the major are required to take HON 180 or one of the following courses: MAT 135, MAT 137, MAT 242, MAT 150, PSY 240, or SOC 279.
• Honors students in the PAM major in the School of Music will fulfill the Honors math requirement with MAT 130. 

Language Requirement 

• Three courses of intermediate or advanced language study are required for all Honors students except those in the School of Music and The Theatre School, and those with BFA or BSN majors.
• Students whose placement test results are below the intermediate (104) level of their language or who choose to begin a new language must complete at least 16 credit hours of language study; one language course will count as an Honors Approved Elective.  After completion of 16 credit hours of language study, students may apply to waive the remainder of their Honors language requirement.
• Students who place at the advanced level of a language may fulfill the Honors language requirement with either one year of advanced study of that language or one year of a language the student has not previously studied.
• Language majors may fulfill the language requirement with one year of language study, at any level, outside of their major OR three additional Honors Approved Electives.
• Honors students in the College of Education have a one-year (three-course) language requirement. This requirement can be fulfilled through either completion of one year of study of the student's high school language or one year of a new language the student has not yet studied. Students opting to continue their high school language are required to complete a placement test and must begin language study according to their placement.
• NOTE: Language courses numbered 101-103 may initially appear on the DPR in Open Electives, Additional Courses, or Extra Credit courses. Please see an Honors Program advisor for adjustments to the DPR.  

Fine Arts Elective

• BS students in Game Design will fulfill the Fine Arts Elective with SCWR 100.
• Additionally, BS students in Game Design will fulfill the Ethics requirement with FILM 228 or IT 228.

Honors Approved Electives

Approved Electives are chosen in consultation with an Honors advisor to achieve specific academic or professional goals. Courses completed for Study Abroad, 200-300 level courses taken for a minor or second major, or 200-300 level courses taken to pursue a specific area of interest outside of the major can count as Honors Approved Electives. The number of Honors Approved Electives depends on the college and major. Students in the College of Education, the School of Music (except BA students), and the Theatre School do not have Honors Approved Electives.

AP/IB credit for WRD 103 will fulfill an Honors Approved Elective requirement. 

BS students in Game Design will fulfill one Honors Approved Elective with ANI 101.

Experiential Learning

Honors students will fulfill the university’s Experiential Learning (EL) requirement by completing an EL-designated course in the major, as an open elective, as an Honors Approved Elective, or as an Honors core requirement (HON 351). Students in the College of Education, the School of Music, and the Theatre School whose programs meet the university requirement in Experiential Learning will be considered to have met the Honors Program requirement as well.

AP or IB or Transfer Credit will fulfill Honors Core requirements as listed:

• AP/IB Literature credit for ENG 101 or ENG 120 fulfills HON 101
• AP/IB credit for HST 111 or HST 112 or HST 171 fulfills HON 102
• AP/IB credit for BIO 191 or CHE 130 or PHY 150 or ENV 102 fulfills HON 225 and/or the Scientific Inquiry requirement.
• AP/IB credit for CHE 102 or GEO 101 or ENV 202 or MAT 150 or MAT 135 fulfills the Scientific Inquiry requirement.
• AP/IB credit for MAT 242 or MAT 150 or MAT 135 fulfills the HON 180 requirement.
• AP/IB credit for ART 104 or ART 105 fulfills the Fine Arts Elective requirement.
• AP/IB credit for a 104, 105, or 106 language course counts toward the language requirement.
• IB credit for PHL 100 fulfills HON 105
• Transfer credit for WRD 104 fulfills HON 100
• Credit earned in a dual (high school-college) enrollment program will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or higher in HON 100 and HON 110 or HON 111 is required to remain in the Honors Program. A grade of C- or higher is required to pass the following:

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is particularly appropriate for students in the Honors Program and, though not required, is strongly recommended. Honors students interested in Study Abroad should plan to participate during  their sophomore or junior year and should make certain that they have fulfilled appropriate modern language requirements before that point in their undergraduate careers. They should meet with the Honors associate director prior to their departure for pre-approval of course substitutions. Coursework completed abroad may substitute for Honors Approved Electives or selected Honors core courses that are equivalent to the study abroad course.

Honors Advising

All Honors students will work with an Honors advisor for academic planning and to schedule Honors courses in conjunction with their major requirements. As a general rule, Honors students take one or two Honors courses each quarter during their first and second years of study and one or two Honors courses a year in the junior and senior years.

Transfer Honors

Transfer Honors offers students the full benefits of the Honors Program​ with the opportunity to fulfill requirements using courses taken at previous institutions.  For students admitted to Transfer Honors, the Honors curriculum replaces Liberal Studies requirements.  Evaluation of transfer credit toward Honors requirements is done on an individual basis, and specific Honors requirements vary according to a student’s college and major.  

Please note that Transfer Honors is a residential program with most classes offered during the day on the Lincoln Park Campus.  Students in the School of Music, the Theatre School, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are not eligible for Transfer Honors.

Transfer Honors Requirements

Students who enter Transfer Honors will consult with an Honors Program advisor to determine how transfer credit can apply to the following Honors requirements:

Transfer Honors and the Illinois Articulation Initiative

DePaul participates in the General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI.) Students who have earned an Associate's of Arts or Sciences degree at a participating IAI college or university will complete Experiential Learning and five courses that replace requirements in the Liberal Studies Program:

All Transfer Honors students must complete these five courses regardless of the credit hours transferred in.

WRD 103 Replacement for Students Leaving the Honors Program

For students who withdraw from the Honors Program having completed HON 100, and who do not have AP credit for WRD 103, either WRD 103 or one of the following courses must be taken to fulfill the requirement for WRD 103: 

Exceptions for CSH Honors Students

Math and Science Requirement

• BA students in Math and Psychology complete a two course science requirement: HON 225 and one course chosen from the university's Scientific Inquiry list
• All other CSH students replace the Honors Science requirement with Approved Electives.
• B.A. students in Environmental Studies are required to complete HON 180. All other CSH students follow the Calculus or Statistics requirement for the major and are waived from the HON 180 requirement.

Arts Requirement

• HON 205
• ​One applied, performance, or studio arts course from approved list. Pathways Honors students in a 3-year program are waived from the Fine Arts Elective requirement.
• BSN students and Pathways students in a 3-year program do not have a Fine Arts Elective.

Language Requirement

• Three courses of intermediate or advanced language study. 
• Students who meet the proficiency requirement by placing at the 200-level of a language may consult with an Honors advisor for alternative options for a 3-course sequence to replace the language requirement.
• BSN students do not have a language requirement.

Junior Seminar

• HON 302

Honors Capstone Exception

• Pathways students in a 3-year program are waived from the Honors Capstone Requirement.

Honors Approved Electives

Approved Electives are chosen in consultation with an Honors advisor to achieve specific academic or professional goals. Courses completed for Study Abroad, 200-300 level courses taken to achieve a minor or a second major, or 200-300 level courses chosen to pursue an area of interest outside of the major can count as Honors Approved Electives.

• Students in Mathematics, B.A. students in Psychology, and B.A. students in Environmental Science have three Honors Approved Electives.
• B.S. students in Health Sciences have three or four Approved Electives depending on concentration, and may count the Ethics requirement in place of one of the  Approved Electives. 
• Neuroscience majors have one Approved Elective.
• Environmental Science majors will take ENV 350 in place of one Honors Approved Elective. 
• All other B.S. students have four Honors Approved Electives.
• Honors Approved Electives for Pathway students in a 3-year program will be utilized to fulfill the requirements for Psychology, Sociology, and Ethics.  
• BSN students fulfill their Honors approved electives with PSY 105, PSY 303 and HLTH 229

Graduate Academics

Focusing on the disciplines of biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, nursing, occupational therapy, physics, psychology, public health, science education, and speech language pathology; the College of Science and Health’s graduate programs prepare students to meet the demands of the growing fields of science and health.

The graduate division of the College of Science and Health offers an exciting array of scholarly and professional programs. Many of the master’s programs have earned distinguished reputations both nationally and in the Chicago area for the unique niches that they fill.

The College offers master's and doctoral study through seven departments, two programs and one school. These programs provide students with opportunities for advanced scholarly study and research, preparation for a specific career or professional program, and personal enrichment. Graduate students in CSH have the opportunity to develop a broad and deep knowledge of their chosen discipline, practice the research methodology of the discipline, and acquire those competencies necessary for their personal advancement in scholarly, professional, or industry careers. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to visit individual academic unit sites for more information on specific graduate programs.

CSH Graduate Academic Student Handbook

In addition to the DePaul University Graduate Student Handbook, the College of Science and Health (CSH) Graduate Academic Student Handbook includes requirements, policy and regulations for CSH graduate programs. Additional academic information and regulations applicable to a specific graduate program can be found in the individual Program's Graduate Academic Student Handbook.

Upon admission to a graduate program, a student is to follow the University Catalog requirements in effect at the time of entrance. A student who is readmitted or who changes his or her program or enrollment status is subject to the terms of the University Catalog in effect at the time of readmission or status change.

As a graduate student you assume the responsibility to know and meet the regulations, procedures, policies, and deadlines set forth in the University Catalog, CSH Graduate Academic Student Handbook, and your Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook. None of these resources constitutes a contract between the student and the University. Every effort has been made to provide accurate and firm information. The University reserves the right:

• to revise the content of its catalogs, handbooks, and schedules, and to change policies, programs, requirements, regulations, procedures, calendars and schedule of tuition and fees;
• to establish and modify admission and registration criteria;
• to cancel or change courses or programs and their content and prerequisites;
• to limit and restrict enrollment;
• to cancel, divide or change time or location or staffing of classes; and
• to make any other necessary changes.

Additionally, all students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Responsibility found in the DePaul University Graduate Student Handbook.

The following programs have their own specific Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook policies:

• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Statistics
• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Clinical Psychology
• Community Psychology
• Generalist Nursing
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Mathematics Education
• Mathematics for Teaching
• Nursing Practice
• Nursing RN to MS
• Occupational Therapy
• Physics
• Psychological Science
• Psychology
• Pure Mathematics
• Science Education
• Speech Language Pathology

If a conflict exists between a particular Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook and the CSH Graduate Academic Student Handbook, then defer to the particular Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook. If a particular program does not address a particular topic in its Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook but the topic is addressed in the  CSH Graduate Academic Student Handbook, then defer to the CSH Graduate Academic Student Handbook.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is an essential component of student success. Faculty work with graduate students not only on course selection and to monitor progress toward their degree, but, more importantly, to serve as mentors and advocates through students' programs of study and research.

Degree-seeking students can find the name of their advisor in Campus Connect. Non-degree seeking students should contact the College's Office of Advising and Student Services

Graduate students, who are interested in pre-health advising, should contact the Office of Advising and Student Services. A dedicated pre-health staff advisor is available to guide them along the path of preparing for and applying to professional health programs.

Registration Procedures

Enrollment

Continuing students enrolled in the College at any time during the previous calendar year are eligible to register for courses. Continuing students register via Campus Connect.

Registration in Courses in Other Colleges or Schools

Graduate students may be permitted to register for courses offered in other Colleges or Schools at the University. Contact the College's Office of Advising and Student Services for more information.

Residence Registration

Whether in residence or not, all admitted graduate students, at either the master’s level or doctoral level who will use the facilities of the University (library, laboratory, etc.) or who will consult with faculty members regarding final projects, theses, scholarly leadership projects, or dissertations must be registered for coursework each quarter.

Doctoral students must spend at least three consecutive quarters beyond the master's level in full-time study at DePaul University. Full-time study is defined as registration of eight quarter hours in a quarter. With prior approval of the department, the student may satisfy residence by coursework, by participation in seminars, or by research performed off-campus. To reflect the diversity of graduate study for the PhD degree at stages other than the residency stage, doctoral candidates are full-time students who are registered for Independent Study (four hours); for Dissertation Research (four hours); or for Candidacy Continuation or Candidacy Maintenance (non-credit bearing).

Candidacy Continuation

Students who have completed their coursework but who must take extra time to complete the requirements for their final project, master's thesis, DNP project, or dissertation; must enroll in candidacy continuation courses each quarter of the academic year until the final project, master's thesis, DNP project, or dissertation requirement has been completed. This course carries part-time student status and is non-credit bearing.

Candidacy Maintenance

Placeholder course for students not actively working on their final project, master's thesis, DNP project, or dissertation. This course is meant only to maintain university student status and to avoid being discontinued. It is non-credit bearing, and it will not give the student full- or part-time student status. It will not permit deferment of student loans.

Courses and Credit

​No one is permitted to attend a class for which he or she has not been properly registered. Credit is accumulated on the basis of quarter hours. The unit of credit is one quarter hour granted for 45 minutes of classroom work a week. Students must be registered in order to attend and receive credit for courses. The normal class extends over a ten-week period (or an accelerated five-week period in the summer). All courses carry four quarter hours of credit (2 2/3 semester hours), unless otherwise noted. For students fully employed, registration for no more than eight credit hours in a term is the suggested maximum.

Graduate courses are numbered 400 and above. Courses numbered 300 through 399 are advanced undergraduate courses. If listed in this Catalog, they may be accepted for graduate credit within the limitations stipulated by the specific departmental chair or program director. Graduate students who want to enroll in undergraduate courses for personal enrichment while pursuing a graduate degree must submit an online application for non-degree seeking undergraduate admission to the Office of Admission.

For the master's degree most programs require 48 quarter hours of coursework. When the program includes a thesis, no more than eight quarter hours of registration in Thesis Research will be counted toward the degree. Specific requirements are listed in the departmental and program sections of this Catalog.

Combined Bachelor's/Master's degree programs allow students to complete a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours as three courses while still an undergraduate student. These three graduate level courses will count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students must formally apply to a combined program in the spring of their junior year; interested students should meet with the Graduate Program Director of the program. Students formally accepted into this program take a maximum of twelve graduate credit hours as three courses in their senior year. Students must formally apply for undergraduate degree conferral via Campus Connect and be awarded their bachelor's degree in anticipation of continuing with their master's level coursework. Please note that except for students participating in an approved combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program at DePaul, graduate courses taken while an undergraduate will not apply toward a graduate degree at DePaul.

Graduation

Meeting Degree Requirements

You must successfully complete all of the degree requirements as listed in the college and departmental or program sections of the University Catalog under which you were admitted. All requirements must be completed by the grading deadline of the degree conferral quarter.

Earning Degrees with Distinction

Requirements for earning a master's degree with distinction vary by program. Unless otherwise indicated, the minimum cumulative grade point average for distinction for coursework applied toward a particular College graduate program is 3.75. Additional or other criteria might need to be met in many programs, such as passing a comprehensive examination or writing a thesis with distinction. Refer to your Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook for any differing or specific requirements on minimum cumulative grade point average or additional criteria.

Degree Conferral

Applying for degree conferral requires the anticipated completion by the stated degree conferral deadline of all program requirements including:

1. successfully completing all coursework,
2. possible field experiences,
3. final project, thesis, DNP project, or dissertation requirements - the College's associate director of graduate student services will arrange for the electronic archival of students' theses, DNP projects, and dissertations with the DePaul University Libraries,
4. passing comprehensive or final exams,
5. minimum number of credit hours to graduate,
6. earning minimum cumulative GPA, and
7. DePaul's receipt of undergraduate external transcript showing awarded degree. 

Degree conferral candidates must apply for degree conferral online via Campus Connect. Submitting the online degree conferral application does not guarantee the conferral (granting) of a degree from DePaul University. Degree requirements are audited at the end of the expected completion term indicated.

In order to have your degree conferred, you cannot have any outstanding incomplete or research grades, transfer credit, grade changes, or substitutions or waivers. All exams must be completed and graded; and final projects, theses, DNP projects, or dissertations must be graded and submitted. Failure to have these items complete by the end of the degree conferral term will prompt the College's Office of Advising and Student Services to revoke degree conferral candidacy. If you wish to postpone your degree conferral or are ineligible to graduate, you must reapply in Campus Connect for a subsequent term.

If you meet all requirements, your degree will be conferred within 30 days of the end of the term. Diplomas are mailed to graduates without financial holds, by the Office of the University Registrar, generally within 45-60 days after the end of the term.

DePaul reports degree information to the National Student Clearinghouse on a monthly basis. Many companies, universities and colleges, and agencies use this service to verify awarded degrees. Your degree will only be verified by the Clearinghouse if your Privacy Settings in Campus Connection indicate this as releasable information at the time your degree is conferred. Please verify your Privacy Settings before the end of your completion term.

Deadlines for Degree Conferral 

The University confers graduate degrees four times per academic year, after the autumn, winter, spring, and summer terms. The deadlines for applying for quarterly degree conferral are as follows:

• Autumn degree conferral - October 1
• Winter degree conferral - January 15
• Spring degree conferral - February 1
• Summer degree conferral (August) - July 15

Survey of Earned Doctorates

Doctoral students are expected to complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED). The SED is a federal agency survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago for the National Science Foundation and five other federal agencies (National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education, National Endowment for the Humanities, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration). The SED gathers information annually from approximately 48,000 new U.S. research doctorate graduates about their educational histories, funding sources, and post-doctoral plans. Each year the SED data are added to a larger historical record of doctorate-degree graduates, the Doctorate Records File (DRF). Begun in 1920, the DRF contains annual information used to track the number of graduates in various fields; the educational paths of scientists, engineers, and humanists; movement of graduates into the labor market; and similar information. 

The associate director of graduate student services in the Office of Advising and Student Services will email the SED link to graduating doctoral students for them to complete the survey.

Commencement

Commencement is a symbolic celebration of your achievement. One ceremony is held in June of each year. June and August degree conferral audits occur after the ceremony. Due to the timing of your final cumulative GPA calculation, graduation with distinction for June and August candidates may not be announced at the ceremony, but it might appear on the official transcript and diploma or vice versa. The deadline for applying (RSVPing) for June Commencement is February 1st.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of two semester-based courses or three quarter-based courses to not exceed the equivalent of twelve quarter hours may be accepted as transfer credit toward degree requirements upon approval of the Program Director and Associate Dean for Administration. Credit will only be transferred for courses that have equivalents in the DePaul curriculum as determined by the Program Director. 

Transfer credit can only be awarded for graduate level coursework which has not counted toward the completion of a degree at DePaul or any other institution.

Satisfactory Progress

Satisfactory progress toward degree completion includes, but is not limited to, earning satisfactory grades in coursework, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA, and progressing in a timely fashion.

Grades, Minimum Requirements

​A student must earn a grade of B– or higher to receive graduate credit for any upper-level undergraduate course (300 level only) that has been approved for graduate credit by the program director. A student must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.500 to graduate. Some programs may have a higher minimum cumulative graduation grade point average. A grade of D+ or D is unacceptable for graduate credit (400 level and above), and if earned in a required course, the course must be repeated or substituted as directed by the chair of the area of the student's program. All grades remain on the academic record for graduate students and are calculated into the cumulative grade point average. The School of Nursing requires higher minimum grades to earn graduate credit. Refer to the School of Nursing's Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook for details.

Prohibition and Dismissal

Each program in the College may have its own probation and dismissal policies. Please consult your Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook.

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Mathematical Sciences
• School of Nursing
• Physics
• Psychology
• Science Education
• Speech language pathology

If it does not contain a probation and dismissal policy, then the following College policy applies.

Master's Programs

A master's student is subject to academic probation as soon as his/her cumulative GPA falls below 2.500. The student remains on academic probation until up to four more courses are taken, at which time another evaluation is made. If - after the completion of up to four more courses - the student has failed to raise his/her cumulative GPA to at least 2.500, the student may be dismissed for poor scholarship. A master's student will be advised to withdraw from the master's program when the department judges that the student is not maintaining satisfactory progress toward degree. The determination of satisfactory progress is not limited to minimum grades and minimum cumulative grade point average, but it could include both academic and non-academic factors related to the student's performance. If a master's student is dismissed for poor scholarship, then a dismissal notation will be added to the student's official DePaul transcript and the dismissed student is prohibited from registering for additional coursework.

A student who has been dismissed may, after a period of time, petition for reinstatement. The petition, addressed to the dean of the College, would provide information that would demonstrate a change in the student’s circumstances to an extent that would support successful completion of the student’s degree program. The dean’s decision, based upon the merits of the petition and the recommendation of the faculty of the student’s department, may, if it's a favorable decision, stipulate conditions of reinstatement. The dean may also decide to deny the petition for reinstatement.

Doctoral Programs

A doctoral student will be advised to withdraw from the doctoral program when the department judges that the student is not maintaining satisfactory progress toward degree. The determination of satisfactory progress is not limited to minimum grades and minimum cumulative grade point average, but it could include both academic and non-academic factors related to the student's performance. If a doctoral student is dismissed for poor scholarship, then a dismissal notation will be added to the student's official DePaul transcript and the dismissed student is prohibited from registering for additional coursework.

A student who has been dismissed may, after a period of time, petition for reinstatement. The petition, addressed to the dean of the College, would provide information that would demonstrate a change in the student’s circumstances to an extent that would support successful completion of the student’s degree program. The dean’s decision, based upon the merits of the petition and the recommendation of the faculty of the student’s department, may, if it's a favorable decision, stipulate conditions of reinstatement. The dean may also decide to deny the petition for reinstatement.

For more information about probation and dismissal, please contact the College's Office of Advising and Student Services.

Time Limitations

​Master's Programs

Graduate students in master's programs are expected to complete their program's degree requirements within a six-year period of time from the date of the first day of the term for the students' first term of enrollment in the program. When a graduate student fails to finish before the end of the sixth year from this date, the student may be placed on academic probation. However, the department or program director may recommend to the dean, on receipt of the student's petition, in writing, an extension of time with or without additional courses, examinations, or other conditions.

Doctoral Programs

For graduate students in a doctoral program, the time limitation to complete the requirements for the Ph.D. are

1. between admission to the doctoral program and admission to candidacy: not more than four years; and
2. between admission to candidacy and the final examination: not less than eight months, and not more than five years. 

When a graduate student fails to finish before the end of the student's fourth year prior to candidacy or his or her fifth year post-candidacy, the student may be placed on academic probation. However, the department or program director may recommend to the dean, on receipt of the student's petition, in writing, an extension of time with or without additional courses, examinations, or other conditions.

Admission & Aid

Candidates interested in admission to the College of Science and Health should direct all inquiries to the:

Office of Admission
DePaul University
1 E. Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, Illinois, 60604
admission@depaul.edu, or
(312) 362-8300.

For general information on the types of admission and possibility of financial aid, see University Information, Admission.

Financial Aid

Applicants interested in financial aid options should direct all inquires to the Office of Financial Aid. They are located in DePaul Central in the Schmitt Academic Center, Suite 101 on the Lincoln Park Campus. You may phone them at their Loop location at 312-362-8610.

Graduate Admission

Applicants are admitted to the College of Science and Health on the basis of their ability to complete programs of study and research prescribed for the master’s and doctoral degrees. Specifically, admission qualifications are measured by academic criteria. In accord with these criteria, applicants are admitted in one of three major categories: degree-seeking, non-degree-seeking, and student-at-large. 

Degree Seeking Students

Applicants are admitted as degree-seeking students in either of two ways: full or conditional. 

Full Degree-Seeking Status

The minimum requirements for this status are: 

• Bachelor’s degree conferred by a regionally accredited institution.
• Scholastic achievement in undergraduate studies satisfying all requirements for entering a specific graduate program.
• Submission of all required supporting credentials. 
• Unconditional approval by the department or program director of the applicant’s proposed course of graduate study. 

Please note these are minimum requirements for full admission. The departmental and program sections of this Catalog provide additional, more specific and selective, criteria for admission to specific programs. 

Conditional Degree-Seeking Status

The minimum requirements for this status are: 

• Bachelor’s degree conferred by a regionally accredited institution. 
• Scholastic achievement in undergraduate studies indicating a capacity to pursue successfully a specific program of graduate study. 
• Submission of all required supporting credentials. 
• Conditional approval by the department or program director of the applicant’s proposed course of graduate study. 

A conditionally admitted applicant is eligible for reclassification to full, degree-seeking status when the conditions of his or her admission have been satisfied. 

Non Degree-Seeking Students

The dean may admit as students those applicants who do not wish to pursue an advanced degree. Non-degree-seeking students may, at some future date, make application to a graduate program, but they are not accorded special consideration for admission. Students should consult the intended degree program's website for information about application requirements. Non degree-seeking student status includes students who are pursuing graduate certificates at DePaul.  

Non-Degree Seeking Status

The minimum requirements for this status are: 

• Bachelor’s degree conferred by a regionally accredited institution
• Academic achievement in undergraduate studies indicating a capacity to succeed in graduate course work (minimum of 2.50/4.00, but some programs might be higher)
• Submission of official transcript from bachelor's degree granting college or university
• Approval by the director of graduate admission. 

Students admitted as non-degree graduate students are eligible to enroll in graduate-level courses only.

When such students apply to a graduate program, the departmental or program director of their specific graduate course of study may recommend, in writing, to the dean that a maximum of three courses (12 quarter hours) completed by the student under the non-degree-seeking status be counted toward fulfillment of the advanced degree requirements. The application of any or all recommended credit is at the discretion of the dean.

DePaul Students and Combined Programs

The combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program allows students to complete a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours as three courses while still an undergraduate student. These three graduate level courses will count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Students must formally apply to a combined program in spring of their junior year; interested students should meet with the Graduate Program Director of the program. Students formally accepted into this program take a maximum of twelve graduate credit hours as three courses in their senior year. Students must formally apply for undergraduate degree conferral via Campus Connection and be awarded their bachelor's degree in anticipation of continuing with their master's level coursework.

Please note that except for a student participating in an approved Bachelor's/Master's program at DePaul, graduate courses taken while an undergraduate will not apply toward a graduate degree at DePaul.

Scholarship Opportunities

​Double Demon Scholarship

The Double Demon Scholarship is awarded to DePaul alumni and covers 25 percent of tuition for degree, non-degree or select certificate coursework taken at the graduate level.¹ Both full-time and part-time students are eligible and no application is necessary. To learn more, contact the admission office for your college of interest​ (see listing below).

¹

The Double Demon Scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with other DePaul scholarships, waivers or awards. University employees are eligible for other tuition benefits and are not eligible. The scholarship does not cover coursework from the Center for Professional Education (CPE), the Institute for Professional Development (IPD), coursework in a doctoral program or a master of fine arts (MFA), School of Music, the Theatre School, College of Law and a few other select programs.

Special Programs

The College of Science and Health offers a number of special programs to meet the unique needs of its students.

Accelerated Programs

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS)

Accelerated 3+ Programs offers qualified Pathways Honors students in certain majors in the college an opportunity to apply to one of the following selective programs at RFUMS:

• Accelerated 3+4 pre-professional program in medicine,
• Accelerated 3+4 pre-professional program in pharmacy,
• Accelerated 3+2 pre-professional program in physician assistant studies,
• Accelerated 3+2 pre-professional program in pathologists' assistant studies,
• Accelerated 3+3 pre-professional program in physical therapy, or
• Accelerated 3+4 pre-professional program in podiatric medicine.

If any of the opportunities listed above are available in a particular major, they will appear under the Accelerated Programs tab for that program.

DePaul University's School of Nursing

The Accelerated 3+ Bioscience/Generalist Nursing Program offers qualified Pathways Honors students with a major in health sciences an opportunity to apply to the School of Nursing Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program.

DePaul University's Occupational Therapy Program

Accelerated 3+ programs to the Occupational Therapy program are available to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in health sciences, neuroscience, and psychology.

Combined Programs

​​Traditional combined Bachelor's/Master's degree programs allow students to complete a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours as three courses while still an undergraduate student. These three graduate level courses will count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Students must formally apply to a combined program in spring of their junior year; interested students should meet with the Graduate Program Director of the program. Students formally accepted into this program take a maximum of twelve graduate credit hours as three courses in their senior year. Students must formally apply for undergraduate degree conferral via Campus Connection and be awarded their bachelor's degree in anticipation of continuing with their master's level coursework.

Please note that except for the 12 graduate credit hour limit as three courses for students participating in an approved Bachelor's/Master's program at DePaul, graduate courses taken while an undergraduate will not apply toward a graduate degree at DePaul.

TEACH Program

​This combined degree program of the College of Science and Health and the College of Education was collaboratively developed, and is governed and taught by faculty from these units. A full description of the Program can be found on the College of Education website in the graduate course catalog.

Modern Language Option Program

The Modern Language Option is available to all BA students who wish to study a modern language beyond the level necessary to meet the college’s modern language requirement and to BS students who wish to study a Modern Language at any level. Students selecting the option may substitute a three-course language sequence for two domain courses and one open elective. Students may use the Modern Language Option by applying two of the modern language courses toward two different learning domain combinations. Here are the available combinations: Philosophical Inquiry or Religious Dimensions; Historical Inquiry or Self, Society, and the Modern World; or Arts and Literature or Scientific Inquiry (cannot substitute for the lab science or science as a way of knowing requirement.). Students majoring in one modern language may use the Modern Language Option for study of a second language at the intermediate level or above. Please see your advisor for additional information about Modern Language Option course placement.​

Please note: Modern Languages courses with an E-designation are taught in English and may not be applied to the Modern Language Requirement or Modern Language Option.

Online Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

The BA in Psychology can be completed online, by transfer students, if certain prerequisites and additional degree requirements are met. This online degree program is available for two concentrations within the psychology major: the Standard BA Concentration and the Human Development BA Concentration.

Admission Criteria for Online Programs

In order to be eligible for the BA in Psychology online format, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a transfer student with a minimum of 45 quarter hours/30 semester hours of transfer credit
• Have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA
• Be in good standing at the last school attended

Prerequisites 

Transfer students are encouraged to complete writing courses equivalent to DePaul’s WRD 103 and WRD 104 (i.e. English Composition 101, and 102) requirements prior to beginning the online courses. Additionally, students will need to complete college algebra equivalent to DePaul’s MAT 100 or MAT 101 (or a higher math course) before enrolling in the online program. Students who have successfully completed Statistics and/or Calculus will not need to take the math placement test.

Students should plan to complete all, or almost all, of their psychology courses at DePaul. Some elective and liberal studies courses may be completed with transfer credits. Consult the Transfer Course List for transferrable courses that may apply to Liberal Studies Program (LSP) and elective course requirements.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

The following degree requirements will need to be fulfilled in addition to the online course offerings:

• Complete the lab science course requirement through transfer course work, or credit by exam (CLEP/AP/IB). (Students may earn college level credit through taking College Level Equivalency Exams (CLEP) to validate knowledge previously acquired.)
• Complete the Modern Language requirement through transfer course work, proficiency, or credit by exam. (Proficiency may be documented by a satisfactory rating in a language proficiency examination administered, or accepted, by DePaul University.)

Graduation requirements for the BA in Psychology online degree program are identical to those for all psychology majors in the Standard Psychology or Human Development concentrations (see the Degree Requirements). DePaul bachelor’s degrees require 192 quarter hours.

To complete the degree requirements online in a timely fashion, students will need to follow the recommended online degree plan. Degree plans are available through the Psychology department.

Transfer students should select the Psychology Online Degree Program as their major when submitting a transfer application for admission to DePaul.

Nursing RN to MS

The RN to MS curriculum provides for seamless progression for the Registered Nurse (RN) with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to the master’s degree (MS) in nursing, whether or not the student also holds either a BSN or a BA/BS in another field. Along the way, ADN-only students will earn the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nursing. Students who hold a BSN may proceed directly to pursuing the MS. Students who hold a BA/BS in a different field and an RN will be required to complete a number of prerequisite courses before pursuing the MS. The focus of the program is on the attainment of the MS degree.

The RN to MS program will be offered online except for the clinical requirements. Students will be required to complete clinical nursing experiences, which will be undertaken in their home communities with appropriate local preceptor agreements.  

Pathways Honors Program

The Pathways Honors Program is designed for highly qualified and motivated College of Science and Health pre-professional students interested in pursuing a health career. Students who are part of the Pathways Honors Program will enter as a cohort during their first-year at DePaul. One of the primary features of the Pathways Honors Program is the Early Opportunity Program.

Early Opportunity Program

The Early Opportunity Program offers eligible Pathways Honors students the opportunity for an early admission decision into one of six professional programs at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS): medicine, pharmacy, podiatry, physician assistant, pathologists' assistant, and physical therapy. The Early Opportunity Program will result in early acceptance for qualified Pathways Honors applicants into one of these previously mentioned RFUMS professional programs. Students may apply at the end of their freshman, sophomore or junior year at DePaul. Students may matriculate at RFUMS as early as at the end of either their third year (Accelerate 3+ Program) or fourth year (Traditional 4+ Program) at DePaul.

Pathways Honors students with a major in health sciences also have an opportunity to apply to an Accelerated 3+ School of Nursing 3+2 Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) nursing program.

Pathways Honors students will receive the same benefits as any other Pre-Health Program​ students at DePaul, but they will also have an opportunity to:

• enroll in special sections of some science courses
• meet regularly with faculty advisors and staff at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) – a rare benefit for undergraduates in pre-professional programs
• network with RFU students
• participate in onsite research opportunities at RFU
• pursue the Early Opportunity Program
• pursue one of the 3+ Accelerated Degree Programs​
• be part of a smaller learning community or living and learning community
• take courses at DePaul co-taught or taught by RFU faculty
• participate in exclusive events only for Pathways Honors students
• have a special notation on official transcript denoting participation in the Pathways Honors Program
• enroll early with priority course registration

To remain in the Pathways Honors Program, students must meet the following two criteria. Students, who do not meet both criteria, will be dismissed from the program.

• Retain a primary major in the College of Science and Health.
• Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Completing and logging at least 10 activity hours each quarter for a total of at least 30 hours per year.
  • Activity hours include volunteering, shadowing, attending events or workshops, etc.
  • Activity hours do not include hours for which you are paid or earn academic credit.

Students who are not in the Pathways Honors Program as new first-year students may apply to Pathways Honors via the mid-year application. The mid-year application will open early May and close and be due in early June of the same year.

Mid-Year Applicant for Transfer Students

Transfer students are NOT eligible to pursue Accelerated 3+ programs. To be eligible for acceptance into Pathways Honors as a transfer student, the applicant must meet the following requirements at the time of submitting the application.

1. Earned at least 48 quarter hours in residence by the end of spring quarter at DePaul University with a maximum of 90 total earned quarter hours between DePaul and the transfer institution(s), including other external credit (i.e. AP).
2. Completed 1 year of general biology with laboratory and 1 year of general chemistry with laboratory by the end of spring quarter.
3. Completed a minimum of 3 science courses with labs at DePaul. Eligible courses include: general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, general or university physics, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, or any 300-level biology, chemistry, or physics course.
4. Earned at least a DePaul cumulative GPA of 3.2 after spring quarter grades post.
5. Earned at least a 3.2 cumulative transfer GPA.
6. Earned at least a B- in all science courses (see #2 and #3) at both DePaul and at the transfer institution(s).
7. Demonstrated a standard of professional and ethical behavior suitable for a future health professional.
8. ​Submitted a 500 word statement on why the applicant is interested in Pathways Honors and what intraprofessional healthcare means to them.​

Mid-Year Applicant for Current DePaul Students Who Did Not Transfer

A current DePaul student in the first year may apply as a mid-year Pathways Honors Program participant. Students who apply mid-year will receive the same benefits as incoming first-year students who were selected as Pathways Honors students. Competitive mid-year applicants must:

• Have fewer than 60 quarters hours earned at the end of spring quarter.
• Have entered DePaul as a traditional first-year student (cannot be a transfer, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program, or non-degree seeking student).
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 after spring quarter grades post.
• Earn at least a B- in each general biology and general chemistry course including labs.
• Be on track to complete the general biology and general chemistry sequence by the end of the following autumn quarter.
• Demonstrated a standard of professional and ethical behavior suitable for a future health professional.

The Pathways Honors Program is separate from the University Honors Program​, but some students might be part of both programs.​​

Pre-Health Program

At DePaul University any enrolled student from any major (any college or school) who is considering a professional graduate degree leading to a career in health care can register for the College of Science and Health's Pre-Health Program. The Pre-Health Program is a pre-professional program designed to help students explore their interests and identify which health career might be the best fit for them.

Currently enrolled DePaul students may register​ to become part of the Pre-Health Program regardless of major, minor, or concentration.

The College of Science and Health’s (CSH’s) Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program (“post-bac program”) at DePaul is a pre-professional program designed for career changers who aspire to pursue a graduate health professions program’s prerequisite coursework leading to a career in one of the following nine fields: dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant practice, podiatry, speech language pathology, or veterinary medicine. The post-bac program is flexible and allows students who might be working full-time or part-time to complete the courses (offered during the day, Monday through Friday) on a part-time basis at their own pace. The post-bac program does not bear a certificate, nor will it carry any other type of credential.

In order to be eligible for the post-bac program, applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Have earned at least a bachelor’s degree with a non-natural science major from an accredited college or university; if an applicant already completed one or two graduate health professions prerequisites, depending on when the courses were completed – and the grades achieved – students may be advised to either repeat them or take one or two advanced-level science courses
• Have earned at least a 3.00/4.00 undergraduate cumulative GPA
• Be in good academic standing at previous institution(s) and be able to return
• Be career changers with little to no lab science background

Benefits of the post-bac program:

• Rolling admission (on a quarterly basis)
• ​Completion of courses at one’s own pace on a part-time basis
• Customized pre-health advising from faculty and staff advisors
• Opportunity to have a committee letter of recommendation written (depending on professional school program of pursuit)
• Guidance on identifying and pursuing volunteering, shadowing, research, and leadership-building experiences
• Free tutoring at DePaul’s Learning Commons​
• Automatic registration for the CSH’s Pre-Health Program: receive invitations to pre-professional workshops (i.e. personal statement writing, practice interviews, etc.), speaker engagements, student group events, and possible shadowing and volunteering opportunities
• Registration for classes before the general non-degree seeking population

College of Science and Health Certificate Guidelines

In lieu of an overriding policy governing certificates at the university level, the College of Science and Health uses the following guidelines to govern certificates it offers.

Definition of a Certificate

An approved, credit-bearing selection of at least two courses that students may complete, either on its own or as part of their undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree program, for recognition of learning in a defined area of interest.

Some certificates might be eligible for financial aid. Before pursuing a certificate, students should inquire about financial implications at the Office of Financial Aid.

If a conflict exists between these guidelines and those of a department, program, or school, then deference is given to the particular department, program or school guidelines. If a particular department, program or school does not address a particular certificate topic in its guidelines, but the topic is addressed here, then deference is given to these guidelines.

Residency

• Undergraduate students must complete at least 50% of a certificate's coursework at DePaul, unless the certificate is comprised of two or fewer courses. If it is two or fewer courses, 100% of the courses must be completed at DePaul.  
• Graduate students must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some units might allow a limited number of transfer credits to apply to a graduate certificate, unless the certificate is comprised of two or fewer courses. If it is two or fewer courses, 100% of the courses must be completed at DePaul.

Course Sharing

• For undergraduate students, courses may be shared with major, minor, or the Liberal Studies Program. Some combinations of certificates, majors, minors, and degree programs may be prohibited as noted in the University Catalog. Contact the unit offering the certificate for course sharing guidelines.
• For graduate students, the first certificate courses may be shared 1:1 with a graduate or doctoral degree; for two or more certificates, at least 50% of coursework must be unique to each additional certificate. Some combinations of certificates and degree programs may be prohibited as noted in the University Catalog. Contact the unit offering the certificate, and if applicable offering the degree, for course sharing guidelines.

Declaration

Some certificates sought by current degree-seeking students may be declared via the online intercollege transfer and major change tool. Non-degree seeking students must apply for the certificate through the Office of Admission.

Conferral

Students are responsible for applying for conferral of the certificate. Students who are simultaneously pursuing a DePaul degree and a certificate must apply for conferral of both credentials during the same conferral cycle. Commencement is reserved for students who earned degrees only. Therefore, only students who simultaneously earned a degree with their certificate will be invited to Commencement.

Time Limitation

Time limitations to complete certificates may be set by the units offering them.

Minimum Grades

Minimum grade is C-, but some units may have stricter guidelines. Contact the unit offering the certificate for minimum grade guidelines.    

Minimum GPA

• For undergraduate students, the minimum cumulative GPA for certificate coursework is 2.0, but some units may have stricter guidelines. Contact the unit offering the certificate for minimum GPA guidelines.
• For graduate students, a bachelor’s degree must already be attained. The minimum cumulative GPA for certificate coursework is 2.5, but some units may have stricter guidelines. Contact the unit offering the certificate for minimum GPA guidelines.     

Academic Probation and Academic Dismissal

Not meeting minimum grades or minimum cumulative GPA requirements for a certificate may lead to academic probation or academic dismissal from the certificate program.  

Course Substitutions

Course substitutions may be considered at the discretion of the unit offering the certificate. Contact the unit offering the certificate for minimum GPA guidelines.