DSHH Scholastic & Graduation Requirements

Category: Dual Degree MS to DSC (DSHH)

Full-time students may complete the coursework in the Doctor of Science in Holistic Nutrition program in as little as thirty-six (36) months but no longer then ten (10) years. DSC students will have 15 weeks to complete a course and are encouraged to take more than one course at a time. A total of sixty (60) credits are needed to graduate. Additionally, a doctoral dissertation topic must be approved by the instructor and satisfactorily completed to fulfill the requirements of the program. Students who are unable to complete their dissertation in the allotted time frame (including one 21 day extension) are required to register for dissertation continuation for ½ the tuition of the course to maintain matriculation. Students are also required to take a proctored examination in every other course in the program via Skype and webcam and successfully complete a Midterm and Final Examination.

Students are assessed on their mastery of factual information through online and proctored exams, written assignments, and on their ability to develop and present nutrition education. Students upload written and/or oral work to their online portfolio. Students must resubmit assignments that have received a grade of 'F'. To advance through the program, students must complete all assignments and achieve an average grade of B or better. Additionally, students must clear all financial obligations and their student file must be complete before a diploma is awarded.

In the event that a student requires additional time to complete a course or program an extension or a leave of absence may be requested by filling out the appropriate form and receiving administrative approval.

Course Grading Scales

Letter grades are determined according to the following scale:

 

Grade	Score	Description	Grade Points
A	100-94	Excellent	4.0
A-	93-90	High Quality	3.7
B+	89-87	Very Good	3.3
B	86-84	Good	3.0
B-	83-80	Acceptable	2.7
C+	79-77	Fair	2.3
C	76-73	Poor	2.0
C-	72-70	Very Poor	1.7
F	Below 69	Failure	0.0

 

Grade Point Average

Students in a graduate program must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above to graduate. The registrar calculates grade point averages according to the point values in the grading scale. A grade of W (Withdraw) does not calculate into the GPA. Withdrawals, however, may be counted toward credits attempted for academic progress requirements.

Students who deserve recognition for excellence in academic performance will be identified at graduation with the following designations:

Summa Cum Laude - 3.90 - 4.00
Magna Cum Laude - 3.80 - 3.89
Cum Laude - 3.70 - 3.78

Repeating a Course

Students who receive an F (Fail) grade in a course may repeat that course one time in order to earn a passing grade. Failure of the same course a second time may result in dismissal from the University. GPA will be computed by the grade earned in the second attempt. Both course grades will remain on the transcript.