Request for Course Variance revised 8-2025

Request for Course Variance
Use this form to request MHS elective credit for a course in your audit that is not already eligible for MHS or concentration credit for a course that is currently eligible only for elective credit. Your request will be reviewed by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. If it is approved, it will be be forwarded to the Office of Academic Services. If it is not approved or needs more informaiton, the DUS will email you.

To receive pre-approval for MHS credit for study abroad courses, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies at mhsdus@vanderbilt.edu. You can submit a variance request once you complete the course.

Please note:
- Course variances are mostly granted for new Vanderbilt classes (e.g., special topics courses or CORE 2500 courses that focus on health) and study abroad classes
- Students cannot request more than two variances for courses at Vanderbilt. This does not include study abroad and transfer courses
- Students cannot apply for course variances until the second semester of their junior year
- Proposed courses must have at least 50% of course materials dedicated to health and medicine in a social context
- Course variances will not be given for courses simply because they have similar content to current MHS approved courses
- Variance requests can only be processed once a grade has been assigned for the course
Student Name*

First NameLast Name
Vanderbilt Email*
Student ID Number:*
Anticipated Graduation Term*
e.g., Spring 2018
Date of Request*

MonthDayYear
Date
Have you already been granted a course variance? If so, for which course?*
e.g., Yes, MHS 3890-01
Course Prefix, Course Number, Section Number*
e.g., MHS 1950-01
Course Title*
Instructor Name*
Semester Taken*
e.g., Fall 2018
Credit Requested*
Select One
Explain why the course should count as an elective or concentration course. Describe what proportion of the course material related to health and medicine in a social context.*
Attach a copy of the course syllabus in PDF format*

Browse Files

Cancelof
Decision

ApprovedDenied
Approved By

First NameLast Name
Date Approved

MonthDayYear
Date
Student Contacted

YesNo
Registrar Contacted

YesNo
Should be Empty: