Independent Study

An Independent Study is an elective option, providing the student with an opportunity to delve more thoroughly into an area of public health of specific interest to him/her.

Please note that an Independent Study Proposal should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the anticipated start of the proposed project/course of study. This is to ensure that the goals meet the overall objectives of the Master of Public Health Program before a student commits any time and energy. Approval of a form submitted less than six weeks of the anticipated start of the project/course of study will not be guaranteed and the student is responsible for assuming any risk that this may entail. Approval, when granted, is conditional upon the student completing all of the outlined requirements. The student must submit a Postscript Report and request that the faculty sponsoring the Independent Study submit an Evaluation Form.

Three credits are the maximum number of credits that may be awarded to any Independent Study. Please note that while the total hours committed to the pursuit of the Independent Study may be sufficient for more than three credits or more than one elective, students will not receive any more than three credits for one project/course of study. Each student may complete no more than two independent study projects.

An Independent Study must be a unique experience. Material covered during an independent study project should be highly targeted and not simply a review of the regularly offered coursework. It is important to note that generally speaking independent study projects should not be attempts to take MPH courses that are offered routinely during the academic year at times that are more convenient for the student. Students should not expect independent study projects to exempt them from core course requirements without approval by the Track Academic Advisor and the Program Director.

Steps Towards Formalizing an Independent Study:

1. Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss and plan the Independent Study.
2. Complete the HYPERLINK "http://www.mssm.edu/cpm/mph/pdfs/independent_study_proposal
   _form.pdf" Independent Study Proposal Form.
3. Meet with the Program Director to discuss your Independent Study.
4. Complete the project/course of study once approved.
5. Complete the HYPERLINK "http://www.mssm.edu/cpm/mph/pdfs/independent_study_postscript
   _report.pdf" Independent Study Postscript Report.
6. Request that your Faculty Sponsor complete the HYPERLINK "http://www.mssm.edu/cpm/mph/pdfs/independent_study
   _faculty_sponsor _evaluation_form.pdf" Independent Study Evaluation Form and submit it to the Program Coordinator.
7. Review Postscript Report and Evaluation with your Academic Advisor.

Electives Offered in Other Programs or at Other Institutions

A student may decide to enroll in a course offered by another Program here at Mount Sinai or elsewhere. If a student wishes to take a course for elective credit from Mount Sinai School of Medicine or Mount Sinai Graduate School of Biological Sciences, please consult with the appropriate School’s Course Catalogue and submit an Elective Enrollment Form to the Program Director of the Master of Public Health Program.

Approval must be given from the Master of Public Health Program Director prior to enrolling in a course in another Program or Institution. The student’s request should be submitted on the Elective Approval Form and he/she must receive approval before the course begins.

This form cannot be e-mailed. Please mail or deliver it to the Program Administrative Assistant.