Independent Studies

The independent study credits offered through the Public Health Sciences Program are intended to provide students with the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Public Health faculty member to complete an in-depth examination of topics related to the field of public health.

Earning academic credit for a public health independent study

Students may apply to earn academic credit for a public health independent study. This process must be completed no later than the last day of the add/drop period in the semester or term for which the credits are sought. If approved, students will be enrolled in the appropriate public health independent study course (PUBHLTH 396R or PUBHLTH 396T) for the approved number of credits.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Independent study credits may not be earned for paid positions.
  • Students must arrange to work with a faculty supervisor affiliated with one of the public health programs in SPHHS (i.e., Biostatistics, Community Health Education, Environmental Health Science, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management). Graduate students may not serve as faculty supervisors.
  • Students may not earn independent study credits for work already completed; academic independent study credit is not awarded retroactively.
  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students must complete and submit the appropriate application form from the options described below. These forms are open for submissions during class registration periods, and close after add/drop ends.

The Public Health Sciences major offers two types of independent study credit:

PUBHLTH 396R: Guided Independent Research in Public Health

PUBHLTH 396R independent study credits are intended for students engaging in guided independent research under the supervision of a public health faculty member. To earn PUBHLTH 396R credit, students work with their faculty supervisor to develop a proposal describing the learning objectives for their independent research project, as well as a description of how these objectives will be fulfilled by the student and evaluated by the faculty supervisor. 

This proposal is submitted with the PUBHLTH 396R independent study application form. This application form is open for submissions during class registration periods, and closes after add/drop ends. The proposal and application form must be submitted no later than the last day of the add/drop period in the semester or term for which the credits are sought. 

Proposals and applications are reviewed by the faculty supervisor and by the Public Health Sciences Program Director, Dr. Sofija Zagarins. If approved, students will be enrolled in the in the approved number of PUBHLTH 396R credits.

PUBHLTH 396T: Public Health Course Assistant

PUBHLTH 396T credits are intended for students working with a faculty member as an Undergraduate Course Assistant (UCA) for a Public Health Sciences course. UCAs attend class sessions, assist with development and administration of course materials and activities, and support student learning and engagement. By participating in these activities, UCAs develop communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills in addition to strengthening their own understanding of course content. 

The PUBHLTH 396T independent study application form must be completed to receive credit. This application form is open for submissions during class registration periods, and closes after add/drop ends. The proposal and application form must be submitted no later than the last day of the add/drop period in the semester or term for which the credits are sought. 

Applications are reviewed by the faculty supervisor and by the Public Health Sciences Program Director, Dr. Sofija Zagarins. If approved, students will be enrolled in the in the approved number of PUBHLTH 396T credits.

You can do an independent study during the regular semester or over the summer. However, there are some important logistics to take into account: 

  1. Independent studies taken during the school year are part of your regular tuition.
  2. Independent studies that you complete over the summer and wish to receive credit for must be paid for separately, through University Without Walls (UWW). Financial aid may be possible. Check with the Financial Aid Office.
  3. If you are not looking to receive credit, you can sign up for the independent study on your own. Even if you do not receive academic credit, it will strengthen your resume and understanding of the field.
  4. Independent studies are not eligible to be paid positions.

For some students, paying for the credits over the summer makes their class schedule more feasible (lighter credit load). It is good to think about the different options and what works best for your learning style.

You are responsible for finding your own supervisor whether you are working on your own research topic or another professor’s/organization’s study. If you do not have a particular faculty in mind, start with researching professor’s bios to see if they are currently doing research that aligns with your interests. Once you find a professor that looks like it may be a good match, contact them to inquire if they have any research opportunities available or if they would be willing to supervise your own research. Be prepared to give them your resume, why you are interested in the subject, and an explanation of what you could contribute. Also, ask parents, family members, and friends of family if they know of any opportunities. Research local hospitals, social service organizations, and local public health departments.

All students seeking public health credit (PUBHLTH 396R or PUBHLTH 396T) for an independent study must complete the appropriate Independent Study Application by the last day of the add/drop period. Applications are reviewed by the faculty supervisor as well as the Public Health Sciences Program Director, Dr. Sofija Zagarins. If approved, students will be enrolled in the appropriate public health independent study course (PUBHLTH 396R or PUBHLTH 396T) for the approved number of credits.

Credits for independent study can range from one to nine credits. However, the norm is three credits per semester, with no more than nine total credits allowed for internships and independent study work in the major. These credits go toward the Public Health electives (300-599) or focus area. Approval is needed from the Program Director for taking over three independent study credits a semester.

Credits during the summer/winter are paid for separately through University Without Walls (UWW). Visit the UWW website for current tuition rates.

The student and supervisor are responsible for setting the paper and project requirements.