Capstone experience
All students in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program are required to complete a capstone experience. This experience varies depending upon the student's interest area and is usually completed near the final year of the program. While students are encouraged to participate in other work, internships, research or field experience opportunities as sophomores or first-semester juniors, earning credit for the capstone requirement is limited to the student's last three semesters before completing their degree requirements. This allows the student to integrate more classroom learning during the capstone.
- Complete PUBHLTH 3180 (Capstone Preparation) before enrolling in the capstone. While you are enrolled in 3180 you should be actively seeking capstone opportunities and confirm your plans by the end of the semester that you are enrolled in 3180.
- Honors students enroll in Public Health 3180E.
- All other students enroll in Public Health 3180.
- The capstone must be completed within the last three semesters before graduation.
- The capstone must be completed at the same time as the capstone course. Capstone course options:
- PUBHLTH 3191 (Internship)
- EARTHSCI 5797.20 or another pre-approved education abroad experience (students will need to consult with their academic advisor to determine which programs are pre-approved).
- PUBHLTH 3999 (research) - A research experience provides students with an opportunity to get involved in public health research without requiring a thesis.
- PUBHLTH 4999 (research thesis) - Engaging in public health research that culminates in an undergraduate research thesis. This requires an application. Review the guidelines.
- The capstone experience must result in 120 hours of public health-related work meeting BSPH competencies (at least two foundational and one specialization) between the first day and last day of classes.
- Students should meet with a public health academic advisor to ensure they are eligible to register for their capstone.
Honors students must complete an honors capstone project and are required to complete an honors capstone project application before beginning their capstone work.
The capstones choices are:
- PUBHLTH 4999.01H – Senior Honors Thesis
- PUBHLTH 3191E – Honors Undergraduate Internship
- EARTHSCI 5797.20 or another pre-approved education abroad experience (students will need to consult with their academic advisor to determine which programs are pre-approved)
Internship
- Internships can take on many forms and occur in many different types of organizations including nonprofit, for-profit, hospitals, government agencies, etc.
- Internships should relate to and meet specialization competencies (public health sociology or environmental public health).
- Use this opportunity to develop or enhance skills and explore different areas in the field of public health.
Research
Example activities undergraduate students enrolled in PUBHLTH 3999 - Undergraduate Capstone Research Experience might pursue under the direction of a faculty mentor include:
- Complete CITI training, and other trainings as required.
- Read and review study protocols.
- Conduct laboratory based procedures.
- Conduct literature searches, create annotated bibliographies, write a summary of findings.
- Assist with recruitment of study participants, gathering research data, data input, data cleaning and conducting quality assurance procedures.
- Create data tables, figures or posters.
Education Abroad
EARTHSCI 5797.20 or another pre-approved education abroad experience may be approved for the capstone. Students will need to consult with their academic advisor to determine which programs are pre-approved.
Register for a capstone course:
- PUBHLTH 3191 (Internship) - Students can enroll themselves in the internship course.
- PUBHLTH 3999 (Research) - Students will need to contact an advisor for a registration form.
- PUBHLTH 4999 (Non-Honors Thesis) - Students will need to contact an advisor for a registration form.
- PUBHLTH 4999.01H (Honors Thesis) - Students will need to contact an advisor for a registration form.
2. Complete the capstone agreement form.
3. Talk to your preceptor/supervisor to set start dates and establish goals.
After completing a capstone internship, students should be able to:
- Describe newly acquired knowledge in one or more specific public health areas.
- Integrate classroom knowledge into a work environment.
- Refine BSPH competencies through skills obtained during the internship.
- Describe the five steps of effective career planning and development and demonstrate examples of activities accomplished for each of the first four steps.
Capstone FAQs
Question:
When can I complete the capstone experience?
Students that have completed the majority of the core public health undergraduate courses and are entering their senior year are eligible to complete the capstone internship experience.
Question:
How do I find an internship?
- Meet with a staff member at Buckeye Careers in the Office of Student Life to ensure your resume and cover letter are up to date.
- Utilize Handshake, a comprehensive, web-based career services management platform for sourcing, engaging and hiring College of Public Health students for jobs, internships and practicum opportunities.
- BSPH Undergraduate Career Services Carmen page. All undergraduate students in CPH will have access to this platform to search for posted opportunities.
- Read the college student newsletter weekly.
- Public health organization websites may list internships in their careers section.
Question:
Can education abroad count for a capstone?
Students may participate in pre-approved education abroad experiences for their capstone. They should meet with an advisor well in advance to discuss which programs are pre-approved and work with the senior career counselor in the college to ensure they are meeting capstone requirements during their time abroad.