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Master's Research Project Guidelines

Purpose/Background

The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) Master’s programs aim is to teach students skills for a rational and analytic approach to problem solving from both investigative and managerial perspectives.

PHS Research Project is a requirement of all programs.  It is an opportunity for students to synthesize knowledge and skills gained during their course work. All students are to design, conduct, and write-up this project under the supervision of an essay chair and committee.

Requirements

Students are expected to have all required course work completed before beginning their research.

Exemption Request

Students with time constraints related to a fellowship or the completion of the program may request an exemption to the requirement by providing justification in writing to the Associate Chair for Education as to why the core courses not yet taken are not necessary for their research project. The Program Director will review the request and notification of decision will be provided to the student in writing.

Departmental Specifications

Topic

• All students shall consult with their advisor on identification of a topic.
• Master’s topics are reviewed and approved by the Program Director and must have a public health and/or population relevance.
• Use of course assignments to satisfy research topic is prohibited for all students.

Committee

Chair: All students should consult with their advisor on identification of a Research Project Chair. This individual must hold a full-time faculty appointment in PHS (see Graduate Student Handbook).

Members: All students should consult with their advisor on identification of committee members. Most committess consist of at least three members. At least one member should have expertise in and commitment to the topic area.

Presentation Eligibility/Approval

1. Discuss research project proposal topic/data with Nancy P. Chin, M.P.H., Ph.D., Associate Chair for Education, for approval.
2. Submit completed Master's Research Project Presentation Form. (If an exemption is requested, see Exemption Request, above.)

Scheduling

1. Search for an available date. (click here)
2. Verify availability of committee
3. Confirm presentation date and time with Pattie Kolomic Graduate Programs Administrator

Abstract Submission

Student shall provide an electronic copy of the proposal abstract to Pattie Kolomic at least 10 days before scheduled presentation.

Announcements

An electronic announcement of the presentation with abstract will be disseminated to all department faculty, staff, students and invited guests 1 week prior to presentation as well as posted throughout the department. A reminder notice will be be forwarded to the groups previously listed on the morning of the scheduled presentation.

Contacts

Nancy P. Chin, M.P.H., Ph.D., Associate Chair for Education, (585) 275-9780
Pattie Kolomic, Graduate Programs Administrator, (585) 275-7882

University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Department of Public Health Sciences
601 Elmwood Ave., Box 644
Rochester, NY 14642-8644
Fax: (585) 756-7775