The Capstone Experience (3 credit hours) is designed to integrate, synthesize, and apply knowledge as developed through a student's academic program. Students are eligible to complete their capstone during their last 3 semesters of university coursework. There are three options for completion of the capstone requirement:
SPHU 4540 Capstone Senior Seminar
The seminar involves discussion and reflection on issues related to the practice of public health, surveys job opportunities, and includes professional development. The goal is to facilitate individual growth and career development through a series of guest lecture presentations, reflection essays, and the development of a healthcare policy and/or management professional portfolio. HPMU seniors can register themselves for this option.
SPHU 4560 Capstone Internship
This option can build professional skills through a practical experience. Students apply to the Center for Public Service Internship Program (CPSIP) to receive academic and service-learning credit for the internship. Students must complete a minimum of 60 internship hours and attend an internship seminar, SPHU 4560 Capstone Internship, concurrently with the internship. All Capstone internships must be approved by SPHU staff prior to starting the internship. Students may only use the CPS Internship program one time; we encourage students to wait until they are Capstone eligible to apply to this program. View this flyer for information on the Capstone Internship.
SPHU 4990 & 5000 Honors Thesis
The Honors Thesis, completed over two semesters, involves substantial independent research and study under the direction of a professor in the scholar's major department. To be eligible to write an Honors Thesis, a student must have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the Public Health major. This option can be very rewarding for students who are interested in graduate school or a research career. Interested students should speak to a faculty member during their third year at Tulane about this option, as well as to administrators of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Students receive 7 total credit hours as well as writing intensive credit for completing an Honors Thesis.
Capstone Q&A
- If I am doing the internship, how do I find a placement?
See the website of Center for Public Service for more information, help getting placement in New Orleans, and to get an application. See also the Undergraduate Public Health Studies WordPress site for a directory of recent internships held by Public Health majors.
- Should the internship be paid or unpaid? What about my GPA?
If you want an internship to qualify as your public service requirement, it must be unpaid. The work should clearly be considered "public service." Students must have a 3.0 GPA to sign up for a Public Service Internship.
- Will I graduate if my Capstone is not completed?
No. You will be unable to graduate and your degree will not be granted until all program requirements are complete.
- Are there guidelines available for the Honors Thesis?
Yes. You can find Honors Thesis guidelines here.
- Can I complete an independent study or participate in an international experience for my capstone?
Independent studies and international experiences are currently not capstone options for HPMU majors.
Students are responsible for initiating and following through with their Capstone.
