Public Health-Global Health Majors might consider volunteer, work study, student assistant, and academic credit research experiences to complement their learning. Engaging in research allows undergraduate students to contribute unique perspectives, sharpen critical and analytical skills, complement and extend classroom learning, and prepare for graduate and professional study.
Usually listed as “499” among the various departments and units in the School and University, earning academic credit for research allows for the opportunity to engage in public health research at a deeper level under the supervision of School faculty.
Students typically organize their own research experience through relationships they develop with faculty, postings they find on the SPH Undergraduate Blog and the Undergraduate Research Website.
The UW’s Undergraduate Research Program offers guidance on how to get started as well as a Research Opportunities Database. Opportunities for students enrolled in the Major will be posted on the Student Funding and Opportunities site and advisers are available to discuss strategies and next steps.
Once admitted to the Major, up to 5 credits earned through structured public health research may count toward the 20 credits required in Public Health Electives. In all cases, students need to consult a Public Health Adviser, complete the Course Substitution Form, and have developed a Research Learning Contract for elective approval.