Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy

 

Policy Overview

Concurrent programs are defined as two or more academic programs that may be pursued at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) by a student resulting in completion of the requirements for two or more degree-seeking and or non-degree seeking programs. Enrollment in concurrent programs is regulated by CGI. Overlap of credits allowed (i.e., where credit hours can count towards more than one program) is governed by the Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy.

Definitions

Overlap Credit - An overlap credit is a credit hour that counts toward more than one degree-seeking or non-degree program’s program of study.

Concurrent Enrollment - A concurrent enrollment exists when a student is simultaneously enrolled in any combination involving more than one degree seeking or non-degree seeking program.

Program of Study - A program of study outlines the course requirements of a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking program. A student enrolled as a degree-seeking or non-degree student at CGI has access to their program study from enrollment through degree completion or program withdrawal.

Alumni - Alumni are graduates of degree-seeking or non-degree seeking programs at CGI.

Withdrawn Student - A withdrawn student is an individual who has previously enrolled in a degree-seeking or non-degree program and withdrew their enrollment voluntarily prior to degree completion. A withdrawn student may or may not have completed course credits on their transcript.

Policy Responsibility

The Admissions Coordinator is responsible for following and enforcing this policy at all times during the admissions process.

The Registrar and Enrollment Coordinator is responsible for following and enforcing this policy at all times during the enrollment, student records, and degree conferral processes.

Program Directors are required to abide by this policy during admissions review processes, enrollment processes, and program oversight processes and in which they are involved.

Academic Advisors are responsible for following and enforcing this policy at all times during the advising and program of study processes for degree seeking students.

It is the responsibility of the Policy and Compliance Office to conduct random audits of program of study documentation in student records to ensure compliance with the Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy.

Policy Rules & Requirements

Prospective Students

Prospective students may apply for admission to two or more degree-seeking and or non-degree programs under the following conditions.

Prospective Degree Seeking Students

In the case of a prospective degree seeking student, who intends to obtain another degree seeking program.

  • During the admissions application process, the students must apply to each degree seeking program they wish to pursue via the Degree-seeking Admissions Application.
  • Only 25% of degree seeking program credits  can be overlapped between degrees (count towards both programs). Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
    • For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 25% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 25% of 60 credit hours = 15 credit hours; thus 15 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards other degree-seeking programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  • Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
  • The student must coordinate with their academic advisor to ensure their coursework is being tracked accurately within their program of study each academic term of enrollment their first year of enrollment and bi-annually thereafter.
  • When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree program.
  • As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu)  to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a second degree-seeking program prior to enrolling in an additional program.

In the case of a prospective degree seeking student, who intends to obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

  • During the admissions application process, the student should communicate their intent to enroll in one or more non-degree certificate programs in the Degree-seeking Admissions Application by indicating which non-degree certificate program they wish to pursue. 
  • Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
  • Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between the degree and the Certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
    • For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  • Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program. 
  • Even though a certificate is not a degree, the student must coordinate with their academic advisor for their degree seeking program to ensure their coursework is being tracked accurately within their program of study each academic term of enrollment.
  • When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
  • As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu)  to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.

Prospective Non-Degree Students

In the case of a prospective non-degree student, who intends to obtain more than one non-degree graduate certificate.

  • During the admissions application process, the student should communicate their intent to enroll in more than one non-degree certificate program in the Non-degree Admissions Application by indicating which non-degree certificate program they wish to pursue. 
  • 100% of non-degree program credits can be overlapped between non-degree certificate programs. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
    • For students enrolled in the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: TIC program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the TIC program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
    • For students enrolled in the Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Examples:
      • IBH, Speciality: Adult program credit hours = 16; 100% of 16 credit hours = 16 credit hours; thus 16 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Adult program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Leadership program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Leadership program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans  program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program credit hours = 14; 100% of 14 credit hours = 14 credit hours; thus 14 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  • Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program. 
  • Non-degree students should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
  • When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each non-degree program.
  • As of Feb. 9, 2021, non-degree certificate programs are not eligible for VA Educational Benefits. 

Enrolled Students

Enrolled students may pursue one or more additional degree-seeking and or non-degree programs under the following conditions.

Enrolled Degree Seeking Students

In the case of an enrolled degree seeking student, who intends to obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

  • Degree seeking students can apply to participate in a non-degree certificate program after completing a minimum of 12 credits. To apply for non-degree certificate program admission, the student must complete the Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Degree Seeking Students.
  • Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between the degree and the Certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
    • For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  • Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
  • Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program. 
  • Even though a certificate is not a degree, the student must coordinate with their academic advisor for their degree seeking program to ensure their coursework is being tracked accurately within their program of study each academic term of enrollment.
  • When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
  • As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu)  to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.

Enrolled Non-Degree Students

In the case of an enrolled non-degree student, who intends to obtain another non-degree graduate certificate.

  • Non-degree seeking students can apply to participate in a non-degree certificate program after completing a minimum of 4 credits. To apply for admission to an additional non-degree certificate program, the student must complete the Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Non-Degree Students.
  • 100% of non-degree program credits can be overlapped between non-degree certificate programs. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
    • For students enrolled in the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: TIC program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the TIC program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
    • For students enrolled in the Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Examples:
      • IBH, Speciality: Adult program credit hours = 16; 100% of 16 credit hours = 16 credit hours; thus 16 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Adult program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Leadership program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Leadership program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans  program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
      • IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program credit hours = 14; 100% of 14 credit hours = 14 credit hours; thus 14 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  • Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
  • Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program. 
  • Non-degree students should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
  • When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each non-degree program.
  • As of Feb. 10, 2021, non-degree certificate programs are not eligible for VA Educational Benefits. 

Alumni

CGI Alumni may pursue one or more additional degree-seeking and or non-degree programs under the following conditions.

CGI Degree Program Alumni

In the case of an alumni of a CGI degree program, who wishes obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

  • Alumni must apply for non-degree program admission. To apply for non-degree certificate program admission, the alumni must complete the Non-Degree Admissions Application for Alumni and be admitted to the program.
  • Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between the degree and the Certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
    • For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  • Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
  • Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs.
  • Alumni should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
  • When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
  • As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu)  to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.
  • Alumni who graduated prior to January 1, 2018, overlap credit is not permissible for non-degree certificate program foundation courses (DBH 1000 and DBH 9901).

Alumni of degree seeking or non-degree seeking programs at other institutions must apply for admission to CGI as indicated in standard CGI admission criteria and policies.

Withdrawn Degree-Seeking or Non-Degree Students

In the case of a withdrawal student of a CGI degree seeking program or non-degree program, who also wishes obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

  • Students must apply as a new student through the Non-degree Admissions Application.
  • Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between a degree program or non-degree program and the non-degree certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
    • For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  • Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
  • Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs.
  • Alumni should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
  • When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
  • As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu)  to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.
  • Withdrawn students with an outstanding balance on their financial account, must be current ($0 balance due) prior to their admissions application being processed.
  • Withdrawn students who successfully completed courses prior to January 1, 2018, overlap credit is not permissible for non-degree certificate program foundation courses (DBH 1000 and DBH 9901).

Forms

Degree-Seeking Admissions Application

Non-degree Admissions Application

Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Non-Degree Students

Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Degree Seeking Students

Non-Degree Admissions Application for Alumni

Approvals/Revision History

Policy was revised on: February 16th, 2021

Policy was approved by: Amanda Harrison, Chief Operating Officer


Testimonials

My interest in a DBH degree grew out of frustration and hope. On one hand, I grew frustrated with the quality of care my clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities were receiving. As members of a marginalized population who lack the skills to advocate for themselves, the clients I serve receive subpar medical care, mental health care, and behavioral health care. Many healthcare providers are not trained to address the unique language and cognitive challenges present when serving a person with Autism and I/DD.

On the other hand, as I learned more about the DBH program, a potential solution came into view. I believe this program will allow me to acquire the knowledge and skills to become a better advocate for my clients, and new job opportunities will open up in positions in which I will be able to make a bigger impact on a system level, thus improving quality of life for many clients. A DBH degree will command interest and respect from other healthcare professionals who are evaluating their practices and noticing areas in which they are not being effective, namely the behavioral health side of the equation. As we are learning in our first classes about the Biodyne Model, the Integrated Care Model is not widely accepted or known in the healthcare field, despite its proven track record. I believe a DBH degree provides the necessary tool to change the landscape of healthcare provision by arming my passion for this topic with knowledge and concrete strategies.

Valeria Parejo
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
January 15, 2021

As a Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) student my vision for healthcare is to disrupt the current model, close gaps to care and create healthcare improvements. In the evolving world of healthcare I believe behavioral healthcare providers (BCP) are essential to the development of integrative healthcare. Once I obtain a DBH degree, I know I will gain a leadership role and be able to add quality to the creation of integration efforts worldwide. I know I will graduate with the essential tools I need to stand at the forefront of integrated healthcare. I want to create healthcare improvements for marginalized populations that are typically underserved or forgotten. As an individual of two minority groups; woman and African American, I am very passionate about helping reduce cultural, ethnic, social economic and geographic disparities within healthcare systems.  

Ebony Watson
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
March 30, 2021

Since beginning my studies at CGI, I have been awakened to how much I truly did not know and understand despite my specialty training in Social Work and behavioral health needs. The classes at CGI allow me to explore topics that I may not have thought to investigate and encourage me to question and think outside the “normal” delivery of behavioral health services. Services that I previously thought were quality and designed to meet the needs of special populations, I now believe to be woefully inadequate to serve the needs of the patients. Patients cannot receive the best quality, efficient, and timely care they need and deserve within institutions that are not integrated. Institutions that continue to silo and do not encourage collaboration and integration are not focused on the needs of the patient.

Amanda Barnard
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
March 30, 2021

I believe, as a DBH, I will disrupt the current healthcare systemby promotingguaranteed health care for allasa right, not a privilege.I willadvocate fora national, rather than state, licensing of providers. This will allow clinicians (medical,behavioral health, etc…) to provide care across state lines using telemedicine.Finally, the skills I have learned at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies allow me to identify healthcare delivery concerns, propose alternative interventions and cost–effective solutions and evaluate theirreturn on investment.

Diane Scott
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
March 29, 2021

Since entering CGI, I have more confidence in discussing the need for healthcare systems to have a population health approach to care, and to put in place “upstream” programming. I have always been proud of working in a hospital and delivering care, working as a multidisciplinary team member, and making a difference. I now realize I have been part of healthcare’s focus of “treating the sick” rather than being an influencer for preventative care.

Preventative care can be part of service delivery from a hospital system; we should not rely only on public health programs to tackle social determinants of health. COVID-19 is not only impacting mental health but also how we are delivering medical care. Could COVID-19 be an unintended force for healthcare policy change? Apostolopoulos et al. (2020) reports the complexity presented to the health care system by COVID-19 has created change that will continue in healthcare for years to come. The needed changes to delivery and access will require a policy shift in all levels of healthcare (Apostolopoulos et al., 2020).

Billie Ratliff
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
December 13, 2021

As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from receiving potentially life–saving treatment. I was the only Asian American person in my master’s cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up to. In my current practice, I’m constantly reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more needs to be done for my community. Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who die by suicide as a consequence of our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics. As a DBH, my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole–person care to amplify the conversation around mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a privilege that we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique experience of mental health issues are valid, important, and is time to be part of the larger conversation.

Willam Chum
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
September 16, 2022

Pursuing a doctorate in behavioral health is essential in helping to transform my thinking as a healthcare provider; moving from a more traditional mindset, embracing change and a “different world view” of tools for successful client outcomes. This type of advanced study will equip me with the clinical and leadership skills to be a leader on the cutting edge of behavioral health. This type of training would make me an asset to the healthcare workplace; specifically to function effectively as a change agent for the successful outcomes of the workplace and its clients.

Judith Allen
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
September 23, 2022

I remember before my interview when applying to the DBH program, I researched information about Dr. U. Grant Baldwin along with other staff members of CGI. I said to myself, this is the kind of institution I want to be apart of. Being apart of CGI feels like a huge family, even though long distance, everything and everyone is always so close.

Jerrika Henderson
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
August 20, 2022

The DBH is exactly the type of doctorate degree that I’ve been searching for. A doctorate that is clinical focused is where my interest lies. I am motivated to pursue this degree, and courses like Pathophysiology, Psychopharmacology, Neuropathophysiology, only add to that excitement. One must be motivated to complete any degree program. The Doctor of Behavioral Health fits
that bill for me. In fact, I would say that I am beyond motivated.

Authur Williams III
DBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
July 8, 2022

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