Question Re: university switching a student's graduate program without their consent

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by japhy4529, Jul 18, 2018.

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  1. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    I'm hoping some of the experts in higher education can weigh in here on an issue I'm facing with Southern New Hampshire University. I just applied and was accepted into the SNHU Master of Science in Public Health program. My first term began two days ago. Last night, while on the SNHU website, I noticed that they completely replaced the MS PH program with a Master of Public Health (MPH) program. As a result, the degree requirements have also changed. The number of credits has increased from 36 (MS PH) to 42 credits (MPH) and a 6-credit Practicum is now required with the MPH program. I reached out to my graduate admissions counselor to see what was going on and to confirm that I would not be impacted by this change. I was told that I would need to transition to the MPH program beginning next term or I could drop the MS PH program this week during the drop/add period. I've asked to escalate this issue to senior leadership as I find it completely unacceptable. I'm waiting to hear back from them.

    In the meantime, I thought I'd check in here to see if anyone has any advice for me. One question I have is whether SNHU can accept someone into one degree program and then force them to switch to another degree program (or dropout). Is this allowed from an accreditation standpoint? If it's not allowed, and I don't get anywhere with SNHU senior leadership, how do I effectively bring this to the attention of NEASC?
     
  2. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    I can't answer your questions but think you should be applying elsewhere before waiting on answers. For what you want, you'll have to be switching schools in any case.
     
    japhy4529 likes this.
  3. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    I jumped the gun a bit. I've heard back from the school and it appears that I CAN remain in the MS PH program. Phew!
     
  4. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    Another DegreeInfo success. ;)
     
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Make sure you save that email. Trust me.
     
    cookderosa and japhy4529 like this.
  6. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Good advice. I save every email, just in case.
     
  7. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef


    EDIT: Nevermind, and congrats!!!

    I think you can win this, but it's going to take a lot of time away from your education as well as $$$$$. I think it's common knowledge that a student's catalog is "legally binding" but like any law, it's up to you to enforce it. I don't like your odds without a lawyer.
     
    japhy4529 likes this.

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