Graduate Program FAQ

 What degrees do you offer?

• MS in Health Studies (on-line format)
• MS in Health Studies/MS in Library Science Dual
• PhD in Health Studies

 What are the focal areas?

The focal areas for the Master’s and Doctoral programs are:

• Population Health: The student is trained to work in the various sectors of community health e.g. community health-based organizations, health departments, healthcare institutions, etc.
• Higher Education: The student is trained to work in the education sector e.g. teaching in college and graduate-level courses in a higher learning institution.
• Worksite Health: The student is trained to work in various areas of healthcare administration e.g. corporate health, worksite health promotion/wellness, health policy, etc.
• Environmental Health (doctoral program only)

How do I know if Health Studies is the major for me?

The Health Studies graduate program is designed to enable students to function in variety of professional environments, including community, worksite, health care, public health, and academic settings. The core curriculum provides students with a blend of health education and health promotion theory and practice. Students may opt for one of the four focal areas - Population Health, Higher Education, Worksite Health, or Environmental Health - which provide course concentration on programming and professional practice in those areas. Opportunities for hands-on practical experience in the field are offered through the graduate practicum.

In addition, students who complete the Health Studies graduate program can enter a variety of fields such as community health agencies, health organizations, corporate health, teaching college-level health classes and many others. If this is the direction you feel you would want take with your career, then Health Studies is the major right for you!

What job positions can I get with a degree in health studies?

Common professional environments:

• Public health departments
• Academic settings
• Worksite health/corporate wellness
• Community-based organizations
• Health care
• Non-profit organizations
• Corporations

 Potential employment opportunities:

• Health educator
• Health promotion director
• Program coordinator
• Public health analyst
• Wellness coordinator
• Health teacher
• Epidemiologist

What is the difference between the thesis & non-thesis option? Which should I choose?

The thesis option requires the student to conduct a research project prior to graduation from the program. The steps taken in the thesis option are actually similar to those of a dissertation. Therefore, the thesis option is preferred or recommended for those students wishing to pursue a doctoral degree after completing their masters program while the non-thesis option is recommended for those who do not.

Effective Fall 2008, Health Studies department offered a Non-thesis option that will involve taking six additional hours in lieu of a thesis. The total hours required for the Master's in Health Studies is now 42 hours. The choices for the optional six hours should be selected from the list of Health Studies elective courses or Library Science elective courses.

If you need any additional information on any of the Health Studies graduate programs, please contact Morgan O'Donnell, Graduate Academic Advisor, at 940-898-2864 or modonnell@twu.edu or Dr. Douglas Coyle, Graduate Program Coordinator, at 940-898-2868 or email him at tcoyle@twu.edu.  

What are the formats of the classes offered in the Graduate Program?

• Hybrid classes: These classes have face-to-face format, usually for 2 weekends per semester, typically on Friday evening and all day Saturday.
• Summer Hybrid Classes: These courses have face-to-face format, usually 4 days on the Denton campus with the remainder of the courses offered online during the summer semester(s).
• Internet classes: The internet courses are offered 100% online, with a mandatory online orientation session at the beginning of the semester. This not only includes an orientation session with your online course instructors, but also gives you an opportunity to meet the HS faculty, network with colleagues, get updates on new policies and learn of resources available to you as a Health Studies graduate student. Our online classes are offered through the Blackboard Learning System (Version 9). Please see our course rotation pamphlet for more information.

I work full time, do I have to be a full time student to take classes?

No, you do not have to be a full time student to take classes. However, please note that being a part time student will lengthen your time spent completing your program.

How many hours does it take to complete a graduate degree?

• Masters - 42 hours
• Dual Masters - 51 hours
• Doctoral - 96 hours

How long does it take to complete the graduate program?

This varies depending on the number of courses a student takes in a semester. The length of the thesis or dissertation will also determine the extra number of semesters needed to complete. Nevertheless, most degrees can be completed in 42 or 51 hours (MS) or 96 hours beyond the bachelor's degree (PhD). Full-time students would normally take 9 credit hours or more while part-time students would normally take 6 credit hours or less.

Do I need to have a bachelor's degree in health studies to apply to the graduate program?

• Master’s Program - NO. However, a degree in a health-related field is always preferred.
• PhD Program - YES, in the field of health education, health promotion, public health, community health, or preventative medicine. If applicable, some previous degrees closely related to these fields may be considered depending on the applicant's experience. However, he/she would be required to take 12 semester hours of Health Studies courses before starting on the PhD program. This is just to ensure one has a good foundation and background to tackle the HS program courses. If any question, please contact the Health Studies Department for further assistance in this area.

Do I need experience in the area of health to apply?

Experience in some field of health is always recommended, especially for those considering the PhD program.

 What standardized tests do I need to have completed in order to apply?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test is the only test accepted for admission to the Health Studies Graduate Program. Emphasis is placed on the verbal score. For the Masters Program, a minimum of 450 on the verbal portion, 400 on the quantitative portion, and 4.5 on the analytic portion is preferred. For the Doctoral Program, a minimum of 475 on the verbal portion, 400 on the quantitative portion, and 4.5 on the analytic portion is preferred.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for international applicants. A minimum score of 550 is preferred for the Masters program while a 575 is preferred for the Doctoral program. The MAT is no longer accepted for admission into the Health Studies Graduate Program.

I took the GRE years ago (5 years, 10 years, etc.). Can I still submit my scores?

Yes, you may submit GRE scores taken more than 5 years ago. However, since ETS does not keep a record of GRE scores more than 5 years old, please call them at http://www.ets.org/or 1.888.473.4373 to discuss your options.

What GPA do I need to apply?

• Master’s Program: A preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of bachelor's degree coursework as evidenced by official transcripts.
• Doctoral Program: A preferred minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale on masters' degree coursework as evidenced by official transcripts.

What is the difference between unconditional and provisional admission?

• Unconditional Admission: This type of admission is offered to applicants who have met all of the requirements needed for admission into the Graduate Program.
• Provisional Admission: This type of admission is offered to applicants who do not meet all of the preferred minimum requirements for unconditional admission to the Graduate Program. However, this is dependent upon the relative strength of the undergraduate and master’s GPA, GRE and/or TOEL score, academic background, professional and volunteer experience and written essay. If offered a provisional admission, the student must 1) maintain an A or B in all classes during the first year of acceptance to the Department of Health Studies and 2) successfully complete other coursework as specified by the Health Studies Graduate Admissions Committee. When the student has met these conditions, his/her admission status will be converted to "unconditional".

What is/are deadline(s) for applications?

All application materials must be submitted by:

• October 1 for Spring Semester
• April 1 for Fall Semester

How do I apply?

Click on the "Request Information" button on the Health Studies website homepage to request additional information on our graduate program.

When can I expect to hear a decision on my application?

A decision on your application is subject to the Health Studies Department and Student Records Office/Graduate School receiving all your application materials before the deadline. The Health Studies Graduate Admission Committee meets twice a year to review all graduate applications (prior to each admission date).

I am an international student, what do I need to do in order to apply?

In addition to the requirements and application packets needed in the Health Studies and Graduate School, a TOEFL score will be needed to evaluate your proficiency in English. The minimum score required is 550 for admission to the Master’s program and 575 to the Doctoral program. Additional information will also be needed by the TWU Office of International Education to process your immigration papers. Please visit the office's website at http://www.twu.edu/o-sl/international_ed. You may also view TWU's Graduate Catalogue for any additional requirements needed from international applicants at http://www.twu.edu/gradcat2/08-10.pdf

Can I schedule an appointment to discuss admissions?

Absolutely! You may contact Morgan O'Donnell, Graduate Academic Advisor at 940-898-2864 or modonnell@twu.edu or Dr. Douglas Coyle, Graduate Program Coordinator at 940-898-2868 or email him at TCoyle@twu.edu.

Will my credits transfer from another university or college? If so, how many?

The type and number of courses that can be transferred from another university or college will be subject to review by the Health Studies Graduate Coordinator. However, any coursework that is over six years old from your graduation date must be retaken. Please contact our Graduate Academic Advisor, Morgan O'Donnell at 940-898-2864 or modonnell@twu.edu or Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Douglas Coyle at 940-898-2868 or TCoyle@twu.edu to determine which of your courses are applicable for transfer.

 I just want to take a couple of classes at TWU and then transfer them to my university/college, what do I do?

You may choose to take Health Studies courses as a non-degree seeking student then transfer the courses from TWU to another institution. Students must be in good standing with their last institution attended and meet the required 2.0 GPA for transfer admission. A completed transfer application, application fee, and official transcript from their most recent institution attended (must show last 12 hours completed) will be required for admission. Important: Please check with the institution to where you plan to transfer the classes prior to enrolling in a course to ensure that our course descriptions meet their requirements.

What is the non-degree seeking program?

This is a type of admission where a student chooses to take course work for personal enrichment. One can therefore enroll in Health Studies classes without being admitted to the program. A maximum of 12 graduate credit hours earned as a non-degree student will subsequently apply toward a graduate degree only if the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, upon recommendation of the student's advisory committee, determines it is appropriate to the degree program. Please note that a non-degree student is not eligible for financial aid.

How much can I expect the degree to cost me?

The cost of the degree depends on a variety of different individual factors e.g. eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, in-state vs. out-of-state students, etc. Please contact the Bursar's office at 940.898.3570 ( http://www.twu.edu/o-controller/cashiers/tab4_cashier_bursar.html) and the Financial Aid Office at 940.898.3064 ( http://www.twu.edu/finaid) to discuss your options.

Are there any financial aid opportunities?

Please visit the Financial Aid Office website at www.twu.edu/finaid. 

Does the Health Studies program offer any scholarships, fellowships and internships?

Yes, a limited number of scholarships, fellowships and internships are available with the Health Studies Department. Please contact Dr. Roger Shipley, at 940.898.2840 or e-mail: rshipley@twu.edu for more information on available opportunities.  

How do I become a Graduate Assistant?

The Graduate School has more information on applying for a Graduate Assistantship, including a list of available opportunities. Please refer to the department's website at http://www.twu.edu/gradschool/graduate-assistants.asp or call 940.898.3415.

I would like more information about the online degree program, how do I go about doing that?

The Masters program is the only program offered online. The information packet and application procedures are the same as the traditional method. Please refer to the "Application Process" button on the HS web homepage for this and additional information.

Why should I fill out the Health Studies Inquiry Form?

Not only will it ensure that you get the Health Studies Graduate Program information packet, but also puts you in the Admissions Office and Health Studies databases for follow-up information to your inquiry. In addition, both offices will be able to send you additional information as applicable e.g. university deadlines, financial aid, opportunities for scholarships, catalogue, events at TWU, etc. Please click on the "Request Information" button listed on the Health Studies web homepage for more more information.