Internships and Independent Studies

Students may earn MHS credit for independent study, research, internships and service learning projects. MHS 3850 (Independent Study) is a program of reading and/or research to be selected in consultation with an advisor. Internships and service learning combine practical training with academic research. Under faculty supervision, students gain experience in a broad range of public and private health-related agencies. Students interested in an independent study, service learning, or internship, should discuss the project with their MHS advisor during the registration period. Forms and project descriptions are due before the first day of class. Students getting internship credit must also schedule a meeting with Dean Dan Morgan and get his approval.

• MHS 3850 (Independent Study) is designed for students who wish to conduct research or a directed course of reading under the supervision of a faculty member. The research may include an analysis of primary sources, an analysis of secondary sources, clinical research or laboratory research. (Keep in mind that even in the case of clinical or laboratory research, the student’s work must focus on the social and/or cultural dimensions of health and/or healthcare.) Students are required to submit a research product as part of their independent study. The content of the product should be negotiated with the faculty supervisor. A typical assignment is a research paper including 5 written pages per 1 credit hour. To enroll in MHS 3850, complete the A&S Independent/Directed Study form and the MHS Independent Study Form, including the project description, your signature, and the signature of the faculty supervisor. Please email your completed forms to mhs@vanderbilt.edu. We will get the signature of the Director or DUGS of MHS.
• MHS 3880-3881 (Internship) is for students who wish to earn credit for an internship under the supervision of a faculty member. The MHS Student Advisory Board maintains a list of MHS-related internships. Students must enroll in both MHS 3880 and MHS 3881 concurrently. MHS 3880 is a Pass/Fail course; it counts toward graduation hours but does not count toward hours in the MHS major. Students earn credit in MHS 3881 for reading and research conducted in relationship to their community service; MHS 3881 is graded and counts towards hours in the MHS major. To earn internship credit, first request an appointment with Dean Dan Morgan (dan.morgan@vanderbilt.edu) to review your project and contact your MHS advisor or the DUS of MHS to confirm that the project is appropriate. Then, complete the Internship Application and the A&S Independent/Directed Study form and email both forms to mhs@vanderbilt.edu. You do not need to have the signature of the Director or DUS of MHS when you submit your forms to MHS. The DUS and/or Director of MHS will review your application and sign off on the forms if it is approved.
• MHS 3830-3831 (Service Learning) Under faculty supervision, students design a program of community service associated with a set of learning objectives. Complete the A&S Independent/Directed study form including the project description, your signature, and the signature of the faculty supervisor and email the form to mhs@vanderbilt.edu. We will get the signature of the Director or DUS of MHS. Students must enroll in both MHS 3830 and MHS 3831 concurrently. MHS 3830 is a Pass/Fail course; it counts toward graduation hours but does not count toward hours in the MHS major. Students earn credit in MHS 3831 for reading and research conducted in relationship to their community service; MHS 3831 is graded and counts towards hours in the MHS major.