Research Practicum

 Every graduate student is required to sign up for at least three credits of Research Practicum (SSP 413), preferably in the second or third semester in the program. The research practicum involves a placement in a community agency to carry out a research project needed by that agency. Placements are worked out individually for each student, in consultation with the graduate advisor, based on the student's interests and project availability. The student will be graded on both the quality of the report and an evaluation by the agency supervisor. Regular consultation with the faculty advisor is an essential component of the practicum.

Recent Research Practicum Projects:

• Minority health assessment -- St. Luke's Hospital.
• Survey of use of state data on health care costs and quality -- Lehigh Valley Business Conference on Health Care.
• Factor analysis of evaluation results; reformulation of questionnaire for children -- KidsPeace.
• Evaluation of in-school theater program (IU program for children in emotional support classes) -- Touchstone Theater.
• Database management and summary of client data -- Turning Point.
• Reformulation of questionnaire for assessment of program, data entry procedures -- KidsPeace.
• Advocacy, create and manage client database -- The ARC of the Lehigh Valley.
• Develop and implement science curriculum for Head Start classrooms -- Community Services for Children.
• Coordinate Youth as Resources activities -- St. Luke's Hospital.
• Research banking needs; develop strategic plan for agency -- Casa Guadeloupe.
• Evaluate Excel summer program -- Lehigh University.
• Evaluate Choices program -- St. Luke's Hospital.