A busy room of people presenting and listening to research results during a poster session

Undergraduate research

BSPH students interested in research at the college and Ohio State have multiple ways to find support and pursue opportunities.

The Ohio State Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry helps students pursue research opportunities and posts current research opportunities at The Ohio State University. The office provides opportunities for students to:

Apply for funding
Present at forums
Explore resources
Publish in journals

Undergraduate research paths

The following course information shows how BSPH students may pursue research opportunities including a thesis or other research experience as an honors or non-honors student. Coursework usually begins four to five semesters before graduation.

Research experience (non-honors)

Course number	Course name	Credits	Semester
PUBHLTH 3998 (optional)	Undergraduate Public Health Research Seminar	2 credits	AU/SP
PUBHLTH 3180	Undergraduate Capstone Preparation	1 credit	SP
PUBHLTH 3999	Undergraduate Capstone Research in Public Health*	2 credits	SU/AU/SP
PUBHLTH 4998	Undergraduate Research in Public Health	1-6 credits	SU/AU/SP

*Students choose only one semester to complete their capstone. The research capstone fulfills the capstone experience requirement.

Research thesis (non-honors)

Course number	Course name	Credits	Semester
PUBHLTH 3998 (optional)	Undergraduate Public Health Research Seminar	2 credits	AU or SP
PUBHLTH 3180	Undergraduate Capstone Preparation	1 credit	SP
PUBHLTH 4999	Undergraduate Research Thesis*	1-3 credits	SP (optional), SU, AU, SP

* Students choose only one semester to complete their capstone. The research thesis fulfills the capstone experience requirement.

Honors research thesis

Course number	Course name	Credits	Semester
PUBHLTH 3998 (optional)	Undergraduate Public Health Research Seminar	2 credits	AU or SP
PUBHLTH 3180E	Undergraduate Capstone Preparation	1 credit	SP
PUBHLTH 4999.01H	Senior Honors Thesis*	1-3 credits	SP (optional), SU, AU, SP

* Students choose only one semester to complete their capstone. The research thesis fulfills the capstone experience requirement.

Research capstone options

All students in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program are required to complete a capstone experience. Undergraduate research is an option to meet the capstone requirement. The experience must include 120 hours of public health-related work that meet program competencies. Make sure to review and understand the capstone requirements.

Students have two options when completing their research capstone.

1 Research experience

Available for non-honors students only, a research experience provides students with an opportunity to get involved in public health research without requiring a thesis.

2 Research thesis

Available for both honors and non-honors students, engaging in research in public health that culminates in an undergraduate research thesis allows you to receive the designation of Graduation with Research Distinction in Public Health or Graduation with Honors Distinction in Public Health on your diploma. Get details about requirements and the application process.