
Undergraduate research
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.