Completing an Independent Study project is an excellent way to explore a topic in depth, discover a passion that can become a career, and develop skills that can set you apart when you apply for jobs or graduate study.
Your independent study project may focus on any topic that is centered in Public Health and should use one or more of the following methodological approaches: (a) modeling/theoretical synthesis; (b) designing and executing an original research project based on survey research, experimental research, observational research, historical/comparative research, or content analysis combined with a literature review and theoretical formulation; and (c) analysis of secondary data combined with a literature review and theoretical formulation.
If you are interested in completing an Independent Study, please refer to the requirements and application steps below.
Has a minimum overall GPA of 3.0; and approval of the professor supervising the project.
Either a single semester independent study project (PHST 406, 1 unit), or a two-semester independent study project (PHST 405 (Fall) and 407 (Spring), 0.5 unit each).
The student must discuss the project idea with a Public Health faculty member and reach an agreement about the scope of the proposed research project and a schedule of meetings and deadlines throughout the term. On average, students completing PHST 406 will spend eight to ten hours a week on the project (PHST 405 and 407 about four to five hours a week per semester). The final paper is typically 10-20 pages or longer, not including a list of references.
Students complete the application for Independent Study, which includes a two-to-five-page proposal and a preliminary list of sources to be consulted.