All designated electives must be considered applicable for a doctoral course of study and normally be at the 7000/8000 academic level. These courses are to be taken under the direction and approval of the student’s advisor.

For those classes not at the 7000/8000 level, but deemed necessary to the professional preparation of the student by the advisor, approval of such classes for inclusion in the students degree plan in the designated elective area must be obtained from the Graduate Research Degrees (GRD) committee in the department.

Such non-7000/8000 level classes must satisfy the following criteria to be considered for approval for inclusion in the students degree plan by the GRD committee:

• The course syllabus must be reviewed by advisor and/or qualified HHP faculty member to assess suitability for doctoral academic credit
• Student must submit a general petition along with supporting documentation from the advisor requesting inclusion of said class in the students degree plan.
•  Such hours cannot be substituted for completion of any class that appears in either the departmental or discipline core

Final approval for inclusion of such non-7000/8000 level classes in a doctoral degree plan lies with the Dean's office.

Elective classes can be taken within the department, other departments within the University of Houston and other universities that UH has inter-institutional agreements with (for more information contact your advisor and the registration office).

Elective classes in support areas can be taken at the University of Houston and other universities that UH has inter-institutional agreements with (for more information contact your advisor and the registration office). These classes MUST be approved by the advisor and normally be at the 7000/8000 level. If a class is not at the 7000/8000 level then it must be approved by the GRD committee following the guide-lines listed above.

 Example support areas include:

There are a number of programs within the University of Houston, which complement and support the Ph.D. degree. Representative support areas include

• Biology (endocrinology and physiology)
• Biochemical and Biophysical Science (biochemistry)
• Educational Psychology (learning, research, and statistics)
• Health, Human Development and Consumer Sciences (nutrition)
• Optometry, Pharmacy (pharmacology and patho-physiology)
• Psychology (behavioral medicine, cognitive psychology, and statistics)
• Decision and Information Sciences (statistics).

Additionally, students can complete work in the Texas Medical Center under the University’s Inter-institutional agreement. These areas include

• Cardiovascular physiology
• Orthopedic and rehabilitative medicine
• Pulmonary physiology