Master of Public Health program handbook

The following represents the program handbook for the current academic year only. For an archived version of a previous year's handbook, please contact Student Services Coordinator Melanie Flores at melanief@unr.edu.

Program overview

On behalf of faculty and staff at the School of Public Health (SPH), we welcome you to the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program! This handbook can be used throughout your program to provide guidance for requirements, expectations, and opportunities within the SPH and the Graduate School.

Vision of the School of Public Health

Equitable, healthy, and resilient communities. We achieve this vision through these values:

Promoting health equity
Embracing diversity
Advancing knowledge
Succeeding through collaboration
Developing workforce excellence

Mission of the School of Public Health

To develop, disseminate, and apply knowledge to protect and promote the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. The school’s goals that describe strategies to accomplish the defined mission:

Develop and advance knowledge for public health through research and practice
Cultivate and prepare a skilled and diverse workforce that can sustain equitable and healthy communities
Prepare students to become public health practitioners, researchers, educators and leaders
Lead innovative approaches to improve public health and reduce health disparities
Engage with diverse communities through professional, educational, and scholarly service

MPH Program of study

The SPH offers a Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with specializations in Epidemiology, Health Administration and Policy, and Social and Behavioral Health. A BS to MPH program and a MD/MPH dual degree are also offered. Students graduating from a CEPH accredited program are eligible to sit for the national Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam.

Students must designate a specialization for the MPH degree (Epidemiology, Health Administration and Policy, or Social and Behavioral Health) at the time of application to the program. Students are admitted to a specific specialization based on their qualifications and background; therefore, if they want to change specializations after acceptance, they must first discuss it with their advisor and then the Director Graduate Studies to determine if it is feasible.

The goal of the MPH program is to prepare students to be effective public health professionals. Public health professionals work in a variety of organizations and agencies to contribute to the common aim of promoting and protecting health in human populations through innovative research, policy analysis, and education that draws upon multidisciplinary expertise. The school serves local, national, and international communities with its knowledge through practicum experience.

Contact information

For any program or application related questions or inquiries, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Kristen Clements-Nolle, at clements@unr.edu or the Student Services Coordinator, Melanie Flores at melanief@unr.edu

MPH competencies

MPH foundational competencies

Apply epidemiological methods to the settings and situations in public health practice
Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate
Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice
Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings
Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels
Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health
Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs
Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention
Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management
Select methods to evaluate public health programs
Discuss the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence
Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes
Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations
Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity
Apply leadership and/or management principles to address a relevant issue
Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges
Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors
Communicate audience-appropriate (i.e., non-academic, non-peer audience) public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content
Integrate perspectives from other sectors and/or professions to promote and advance population health
Apply systems thinking tools to visually represent a public health issue in a format other than standard narrative

Epidemiology MPH Competencies

Analyze the purposes, strengths, and weaknesses of various study designs
Assess the impact of bias and heterogeneity in analytic studies
Implement data management techniques using SAS or other statistical software
Construct epidemiologic models using statistical programming
Investigate informatics methods and resources as strategic tools to promote public health

Health Administration and Policy MPH Competencies

Formulate health policies using systematic methodology
Critically evaluate current health policy developments
Examine how healthcare policy can influence economic incentives present in healthcare markets
Apply principles of strategic planning in developing a business plan
Develop and present a report on the financial status of a health care organization

Social and Behavioral Health MPH Competencies

Develop a grant proposal that addresses unmet needs of a population
Analyze theories, concepts and models that are used in public health research and practice
Apply theories in proposed interventions to address health issues in specific populations
Demonstrate effective group facilitation skills
Apply procedures for evaluation of public health programs and interventions

New student information

New student orientations are held after admission into the MPH program to provide students with important information and to facilitate the start of their program. The orientations also allow students to be introduced to the University campus, faculty members, and to fellow students in the program. Additionally, the orientations will allow the students to meet their advisor and ask any prepared questions.

University of Nevada, Reno student ID and communication

After admission to the University, students need to obtain and set up an account with MyNevada.
- Under “For Current Students,” “Create My Profile”, students can set up their university account, including providing an email address that will be used for all university and program communication. Use of the Nevada.edu email address is required.
Set up NetID and password at Net ID activation
- This site assists students in activating their NetID and user password, which will be used to access MyNevada, WebCampus, and other university resources.
Log into WebCampus with your University NetID to view course content and announcements.
Purchase a WolfCard student ID
- Visit the WolfCard office on the first floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union and bring a valid U.S. State or Federally issued photo ID or a passport to purchase a Wolfcard.

Class registration

After admission into the MPH program, an email will be sent to each student from the Office of Admissions and Records with a fall semester enrollment date. All students need to register for fall courses after discussion with and approval from their faculty advisor or the Graduate Program Director. Students can register for classes at MyNevada.

Tuition and fee information

Information about tuition and fee payments
Financial Aid

Academic calendar and deadlines

Academic calendar
- Important dates and holidays
Graduate School deadlines
- Deadlines for the academic year

Advisement and degree requirements

Required forms

All students will have an academic advisor beginning their first semester in the program. Students will meet regularly with their academic advisor to ensure that they are completing the appropriate degree requirements.

Advising timing and checklist form

An up-to-date list of forms and requirements can be found here: Graduate School forms

Although uncommon, circumstances may arise that require the change of advisor. The SPH will consider the request for an advisor change for a legitimate, professional reason. All conversations and documents relevant to an advisor change are confidential, will be added to the student’s file, and will not be disclosed to unrelated parties. Either the student or the faculty advisor may initiate a change. In the event that a student wishes to initiate the change, please communicate directly with the Director of Graduate Studies about your intention to change advisors and they will go over the required procedure and documentation.

Degree requirements

All MPH students must complete a minimum of 42 graduate level credits: 21 credits from the MPH core courses, 12 credits from required specialization courses, a 3-credit specialization elective, a 3-credit practicum (field studies course), and a 3-credit integrative learning experience (capstone course).

Please see the required curriculum outlined for each specialization on the following pages. Elective courses must be pre-approved by the student’s advisor. Elective courses are not limited to those offered by the School of Public Health (SPH); graduate courses from other departments are acceptable and students are encouraged to evaluate all graduate course offerings each semester to determine the most relevant elective courses (many graduate courses have prerequisites which may limit their availability).

Required prerequisite coursework

Completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in statistics is required prior to beginning MPH coursework. In addition, students who did not graduate from an undergraduate program accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health must complete the Basics of Public Health course that covers the 12 Foundational Public Health Knowledge learning objectives. The Basics of Public Health course is completed for no academic credit and the student pays no fees or tuition for completing the course. This course should be completed before the start of the program.

Curriculum for Epidemiology emphasis

The following represents a suggested curriculum and course progression for the Epidemiology emphasis. Students should consider this an example only, consult their advisor and check the current course catalog.

View the course catalog

Public Health core courses (21 credits)

CHS 701: Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Health (3)
CHS 712: Epidemiology in Public Health (3)
CHS 725: Health and the Environment (3) *
CHS 747: Applied Research Methods in Public Health (3)
CHS 755: Health Policy (3)
CHS 756: Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Health Services (3)
CHS 780: Biostatistics in Public Health (3)

* Epidemiology students can substitute CHS 724: Environmental Epidemiology for CHS 725: Health and the Environment.

Epidemiology emphasis courses (12 credits)

CHS 703: Applied Health Data Analysis (3)
CHS 708: Epidemiology II (3)
CHS 723: Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (3)
CHS 753: Health Informatics (3)

Elective courses (3 credits)

Electives should be selected with advisor approval. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain approval and determine if pre-requisites are needed BEFORE signing up for the course.

Practicum (3 credits)

The practicum is an important element of the MPH curriculum through which the student obtains experience in a practice setting (150 hours) appropriate to the development of professional practice skills.

CHS 798: Field Studies in Public Health (3)

Integrative Learning Experience (3 credits)

All MPH students will complete an integrative learning experience that demonstrates synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies. This will be achieved by writing and presenting a MPH capstone paper.

CHS 796: MPH Capstone (3)

Suggested course progression for the Epidemiology Emphasis

Year 1: Fall semester - 12 credits

CHS 712: Epidemiology in Public Health (3)
CHS 780: Biostatistics in Public Health (3)
CHS 701: Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Health (3)
CHS 753: Health Informatics (3)

Year 1: Spring semester - 9 credits

CHS 723: Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (3)
CHS 703: Applied Health Data
Analysis (3)
CHS 747: Applied Research Methods in Public Health (3)

Year 1: Summer semester - 3 credits

CHS 798: Field Studies in Public Health (3)

Year 2: Fall semester - 9 credits

CHS 755: Health Policy (3)
CHS 708: Epidemiology II (3)
CHS 725: Health and the Environment (3) *
- * Can substitute CHS 724: Environmental Epidemiology

Year 2: Spring semester - 9 credits

CHS 796: MPH Capstone (3)
CHS 756: Organizational Behavior & Leadership in Health Services (3)
Elective (3)

Curriculum for Health Administration and Policy Emphasis

The following represents a suggested curriculum and course progression for the Health Administration and Policy emphasis. Students should consider this an example only, consult their advisor and check the current course catalog.

View the course catalog

Public Health core courses (21 credits)

CHS 701: Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Health (3)
CHS 712: Epidemiology in Public Health (3)
CHS 725: Health and the Environment (3)
CHS 747: Applied Research Methods in Public Health (3)
CHS 755: Health Policy (3)
CHS 756: Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Health Services (3)
CHS 780: Biostatistics in Public Health (3)

Health Administration and Policy Emphasis courses (12 credits)

CHS 759: Health Services Finance (3)
CHS 720: Health Program Planning (3)
CHS 741: Methods in Health Policy Analysis (3)
CHS 757: Health Economics (3)

Elective courses (3 credits)

Electives should be selected with advisor approval. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain approval and determine if pre-requisites are needed BEFORE signing up for the course. CHS 758: Information Systems in Health Services Management (3) is a recommended elective

Practicum (3 credits)

CHS 798: Field Studies in Public Health (3)

Integrative Learning Experience (3 credits)

CHS 796: MPH Capstone (3)

Suggested course progression for Health Administration and Policy Emphasis

Year 1: Fall semester - 9 credits

CHS 755: Health Policy (3)
CHS 712: Epidemiology (3)
CHS 701: Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Health (3)

Year 1: Spring semester - 12 credits

CHS 741: Methods in Health Policy Analysis (3)
CHS 756: Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Health Services (3)
CHS 780: Biostatistics in Public Health (3)
CHS 759: Health Services Finance (3)

Year 1: Summer semester - 3 credits

CHS 798: Field Studies in Public Health (3)

Year 2: Fall semester - 9 credits

CHS 720: Program Planning (3)
CHS 725: Health and the Environment (3)
CHS 757: Health Economics (3)

Year 2: Spring semester - 9 credits

CHS 747: Applied Research Methods in Public Health (3)
CHS 796: MPH Capstone (3)
Elective (3)

Curriculum for Social and Behavioral Health emphasis

The following represents a suggested curriculum and course progression for the Social and Behavioral Health emphasis. Students should consider this an example only, consult their advisor and check the current course catalog.

View the course catalog

Public Health core courses (21 credits)

CHS 701: Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Health (3)
CHS 712: Epidemiology in Public Health (3)
CHS 725: Health and the Environment (3)
CHS 747: Applied Research Methods in Public Health (3)
CHS 755: Health Policy (3)
CHS 756: Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Health Services (3)
CHS 780: Biostatistics in Public Health (3)

Social and Behavioral Health emphasis courses (12 credits)

CHS 705: Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion (3)
CHS 720: Health Program Planning (3)
CHS 721: Program Evaluation in Public Health (3)
CHS 704: Grant Writing (3)

Elective Courses (3 Credits)

Electives should be selected with advisor approval. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain approval and determine if pre-requisites are needed BEFORE signing up for the course.

Practicum (3 credits)

CHS 798: Field Studies in Public Health (3)

Integrative Learning Experience (3 credits)

CHS 796: MPH Capstone (3)

Suggested course progression for Social and Behavioral Health emphasis

Year 1: Fall semester - 12 credits

CHS 712: Epidemiology in Public Health (3)
CHS 701: Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Health (3)
CHS 705: Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion (3)
CHS 720: Health Program Planning (3)

Year 1: Spring semester - 9 credits

CHS 721: Program Evaluation in Public Health (3)
CHS 747: Applied Research Methods in Public Health (3)
CHS 780: Biostatistics in Public Health (3)

Year 1: Summer semester - 3 credits

CHS 798: Field Studies in Public Health (3)

Year 2: Fall semester - 9 credits

CHS 725: Health and the Environment (3)
CHS 755: Health Policy (3)
CHS 704: Grant Writing (3)

Year 2: Spring semester - 9 credits

CHS 756: Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Health Services (3)
CHS 796: MPH Capstone (3)
Elective (3)

MPH internship

The purpose of the internship requirement is to provide each MPH student with significant practical public health experience in an agency outside of the University. There are a wide variety of organizations that qualify as an internship site locally, nationally, and internationally.

The MPH student is expected to find an organization to complete the internship opportunity. The Internship Coordinator, the student’s Faculty Advisor and other faculty can provide support through their various connections in the communities, but it is up to the student to arrange an internship that fits best with their area of interest.

Students must register for a total of 3 credit hours of CHS 798 and complete a minimum of 150 total work hours, of which no more than 50 hours can be completed remotely. Students can meet the hour requirement at their own pace with the understanding that all 150 hours must be completed within the second spring semester.

Students should plan on taking CHS 798 during the summer after the first year of coursework. However, interprofessional education didactic and practice sessions, a core component of the CHS 798 course, take place throughout the entire program, starting at orientation. Internship meetings start in the spring semester of the first year and conclude at the end of their internship experience. All meetings for the MPH internship course will be on a designated date/time/place for students to plan ahead with their studies and/or work plans. Attendance and participation in each of the internship meetings is required.

Spring semester of the first year, students will begin meeting with their Faculty Advisor to determine interests, concentration, competencies, and goals for the internship. When determining an internship site, emphasis should be placed on arranging an internship experience that will provide the student with new skills and experiences, where the student will be working in a professional capacity. Once a site and preceptor (site supervisor) have been identified and arranged, the student will work with all parties to complete the Student Learning Contract (SLC), which outlines student goals, objectives, and competencies to be addressed during the Internship. Competencies are defined by CEPH as: Competencies clearly define what the student will do to demonstrate learning for a workforce-related need. The course objective specifies what the institution intends to do to achieve its course goals.”

The SLC is due spring semester, before the internship begins. The SLC must be signed by all parties and submitted to the Internship Coordinator prior to the start of any internship hours. Preceptors must have significant education and/or work experience in public health in order to qualify. Final determination of preceptor qualification will be made by the Faculty Advisor and Internship Coordinator. For more information on the MPH internship policies and procedures please see: Introduction to Field Studies. Part-time students should consult their Faculty Advisor and the Internship Coordinator to determine Internship timing.

MPH capstone course: capstone paper and presentation

According to the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) all MPH students must demonstrate skills and integration of knowledge through a culminating experience. A culminating experience is one that requires a student to synthesize and integrate foundational and concentration competencies. Students will complete an MPH capstone paper that represents the culmination and mastery of the MPH curriculum.

The MPH capstone course will provide the structure students need to complete their capstone paper and presentation. Students will also be given the opportunity for peer evaluation on their paper and presentation in the capstone course. Students will receive points in the capstone course for meeting paper and presentation deadlines and the quality of ALL submissions. The student’s paper must be of sufficient academic rigor to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum and competencies.

Students should plan on taking CHS 796 during the spring semester of their second year.

The focus of the capstone paper will vary based on the student’s area of specialization. In addition to foundational competencies, students will demonstrate mastery of specialization specific competencies with their paper and presentation.

In addition to providing the structure for completion of the MPH capstone paper and presentation, the capstone course will also address planning for ethical lifelong learning and professional service. At the end of the semester, students will complete an assessment of their culminating experience and will also identify competencies and skills that need to be further developed in a post-graduation professional development plan.

Graduation process

All MPH students graduate in the spring semester that they complete the MPH capstone course. Students have a total of 6 years to complete all degree requirements. All candidates for graduation should communicate with their advisor to confirm expectations for the final semester.

The student should purchase a graduation application before the posted deadline. The Graduate School will review each application and email the students within 3-8 weeks with the result of their graduation review. Important dates, deadlines, and milestones are located on University’s website: graduation and deadlines

The MPH Hooding Ceremony is the highlight of the Graduation Process – all family and friends are invited. The timing of this allows for MPH students to attend the UNR Graduate Student Commencement as well.

Academic and professional standards and policies

Academic standards

The University Academic Standards Policy defines academic dishonesty, and mandates specific sanctions for violations. See the University Academic Standards policy: UAM 6,502. Sanctions for violations of University academic standards for academic dishonesty may include academic and/or disciplinary sanctions. Academic sanctions for both undergraduate and graduate students may include: filing a final grade of "F", reducing the student's final course grade one or two full grade points; giving a reduced grade or zero on the coursework; or requiring the student to retake or resubmit the coursework. Before beginning the program, all students must review the University Academic Standards Policy.

Good standing

All graduate students must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. If their GPA drops below 3.0, they are either placed on probation or dismissed from the program. Undergraduate courses will not count towards graduate GPA.

To be counted toward the MS degree, each graduate course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. To remain in good standing in the program, students are required to maintain a 3.0 “B” grade point average in both the core and the specialization, individually.

Probation and dismissal

View the Graduate student dismissal policy

Master's degree timeline

All course work must be completed within six (6) years preceding the awarding of the degree.

Transfer credits

Transfer credits are credits transferred from another institution. Credits completed at UNR in another program do not need to be transferred. Transfer credit is requested by using the Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request form available on the Graduate School forms page and must be signed by the student, advisor, and Director of Graduate Studies. Up to nine (9) transfer graduate credits are permitted, however, with the approval of the faculty advisor and the graduate director, and under special circumstances, a student can petition the Graduate School to accept additional transfer credits.

Graduate courses

Only graduate courses (numbered 600 or higher at the University) are applicable toward the MS degree and can include web-based courses, however graduate credit may not be obtained through Professional Development, Extension or Correspondence courses.

Student unit loads

A full-time graduate student may not register for more than sixteen (16) graduate units in any semester, or more than six (6) graduate units in any six-week summer session. Audited or undergraduate courses will not be counted toward the 6-credit minimum requirement. Graduate assistants may not register for more than twelve (12) graduate units per semester.

Students who register for nine (9) graduate units or more in a semester are considered full-time. For graduate assistants on a 20-hour (half-time) contract, six (6) graduate units or more constitute full-time. To be considered full-time for financial aid purposes, all graduate students, including those on assistantships, must be enrolled in nine (9) graduate units; to be considered part-time for financial aid reporting purposes, graduate students must be enrolled in five (5) graduate units. For those graduate students who are required to take Intensive English Language Center Bridge Courses, these courses can be considered part of full registration upon approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.

Continuous enrollment

To maintain in “good standing” all graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of three (3) graduate credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. International students may be required to enroll in nine (9) graduate credits each fall and spring semester depending on the requirements of their visa. All students holding assistantships (whether teaching or research assistantships) are required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits each fall and spring semester they hold the assistantship.

Leave of absence

Students in good standing may request a leave of absence by completing a leave of absence form available on the Graduate School forms page during which time they are not required to maintain continuous registration. Usually, a leave of absence is approved for one or two semesters. The leave of absence request may be extended by the student filing an additional leave of absence form. Students applying for a leave of absence should not have any “incomplete” grades which could be changed to “F” and have a detrimental impact on their cumulative GPA. Requests for leave of absences must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the leave is to begin.

Reinstatement

When a student has been absent for one semester or more without an approved leave of absence, he or she may request reinstatement via the Reinstatement Form available at the Graduate School forms page. This form allows the program the option to recommend the student be re-admitted to their graduate program based on their previous admission OR require the student to re-apply for admission which would require students to submit a new application for admission and pay the application fee. The Notice of Reinstatement to Gradate Standing must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the reinstatement is to begin.

Managing student complaints in the School of Public Health

The University of Nevada, Reno has clear policies either through the Administrative Manual (UAM) or other sources for policies and procedures for handling grade complaints (final grades) and those related to Title IX (discrimination based on sex). The following policies and procedures are designed to address complaints from students and from faculty not covered by these policies. Such complaints may involve grades, course management, faculty and/or student interactions, curriculum issues, and professionalism issues.

Complaints made by a student should follow these steps whenever possible:
1. Always start with the instructor to see if the issue can be resolved at the class level. This is an important skill for students to learn as they progress through their studies and is highly encouraged as a first step. If the complaint is related to your advisor, it is best to start at this level.
2. If the student feels uncomfortable bringing the issue to the instructor/advisor or if the issue remains unresolved, the complaint may be submitted to the SPH Associate Dean who will work with the Dean, appropriate Division Leads and/or Program Director to resolve the issue. A student’s name will not be disclosed during this process.
3. If the complaint is not resolved at level b, it will then go to the SPH Dean for resolution/action.
  1. Important Notes: There is no wrong door for submitting complaints. Students can skip any of the steps described above. While it is best to work directly with the instructor first, certain complaints that deal with professionalism or other sensitive concerns may be best handled by the Associate Dean or Dean as a first step.
  2. Students may file a complaint using the SPH complaint form on the School of Public Health website. These complaints will be forwarded directly to the SPH Associate Dean, unless the student requests that the complaint be submitted directly to the SPH Dean. Complaints can be submitted with your contact information or anonymously. While anonymous complaints may be more comfortable, it can make resolution more difficult if additional information is needed.
  3. Students who choose to share their contact information will receive an individual response within one week for individual complaints. Students who submit a complaint anonymously will only receive acknowledgment that the complaint was received.
  4. The Concierge service through the Provost’s office is also available for all students if that is more comfortable. Complaints submitted through the Concierge service will typically be forwarded to the SPH Associate Dean and Dean.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships (GAs) may be available for full-time and part-time students who qualify. Graduate Special students and students on probation are ineligible for an assistantship. To apply for a GA position, complete the Graduate Assistant application that was sent to you with your notice of acceptance into the program.

GAs may be for 10 or 20 hours of work per week. Typically, graduate assistantship work is teaching, or research related. In addition, state-funded GAs are expected to serve in leadership positions, be on search committees, assist in recruitment of new MS students, assist with new MS student orientation, and serve as mentors to newer students. All GAs must maintain satisfactory work performance during the duration of the assistantship.

All graduate students holding a GA position are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes. GA positions include a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a partial tuition waiver. To be eligible for a GA student must be admitted to a degree-granting program and be in good academic standing. The student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and must be continuously enrolled in at least 6 graduate level credits (600-700) during Fall and Spring for the duration of the assistantship. Federal financial aid is based on FULL TIME enrollment (9 credits) of graduate-level courses (600-700 level). An enrollment of less than 9 credits of graduate-level courses (600-700 level) will proportionately reduce federal financial aid.

State-funded assistantships (GTA/GRA) may be held for a maximum of three (3) years for master’s degree students.

Health insurance

All domestic degree seeking graduate students, who are enrolled in six or more credits (regardless of the course level) in a semester, will be automatically enrolled and billed for the University sponsored health insurance for each term they are eligible (fall & spring/summer). If a student has other comparable coverage and would like to waive out of the student health insurance, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the University online waiver form prior to the deadline. If approved, a health insurance waiver is good for the current academic year only. A new waiver must be submitted each academic year. All international graduate students are required to carry student health insurance, and the cost will be automatically added to your student account. Any international graduate students with insurance questions must contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) directly.

Additional information about health insurance for graduate students.

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) represents all graduate students and promotes the welfare and interests of the graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The GSA works closely with appropriate university administrative offices, including the Graduate School and Student Services and reports to the President of the University. The GSA government functions through the Council of Representatives, Executive Council, and established committees.