Course substitutions and waivers are reviewed and approved by the theme directors within two weeks of the electronic submission of the Course Substitution and Waiver Form. If the course is approved by the theme directors, the GBS Program Director and GBS Curriculum Manager will provide an approval within one week. Once the final approval is reached, the GBS Curriculum Manager will adjust the student's audit to indicate the approved course.

Course Substitutions
A course substitution is a course that takes the place of a required course in a curriculum, providing the course substitution meets the content of the required course. Approved substitutions will appear on your academic audit as soon as the petition has been processed and approved.

Course Waivers
Waivers typically are granted only when you have taken a course or courses with equivalent content. Waiving a course does not reduce the number of credits required for your graduate degree, but does provide opportunity for additional electives. You do not earn credits for a course that is waived. This waiver will be approved only if you have gained equivalent content and skills from another course. Approved waived courses will appear as exemptions on your GPS audit.

Note: Any course that has been applied towards another degree cannot be applied towards your GBS PhD requirements.

If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact the GBS Curriculum Manager.