Thesis
The Thesis is one of two options for the culminating experience in the Master
of Public Health Program; the other being the special project. The Thesis requires that a student
demonstrate his/her ability to integrate knowledge, theory, concepts, science, and ingenuity as
applied to the investigation and analysis of a community health issue. To be considered an
acceptable thesis, a rationale must be established by the MPH candidate that justifies the
investigation on the grounds that it will contribute to his/her professional development in one or
more of the seven areas of responsibility of a health educator or for non-CHES students, one or
more of the ten essential services of public health
The Thesis process will span the final two semesters of a candidate’s planned program of
study. It will begin in early with the candidate’s submission of the Thesis Application to the
Department’s Ad Hoc Committee on Culminating Experiences. Given approval of his/her
application by the Committee, the candidate will be assigned a Thesis Advisor before the end of
the semester. During the ensuing summer, the MPH candidate is encouraged to familiarize
him/herself with the topic literature. The fall semester will be spent preparing the Proposal for the
approved study and the following spring semester to conduct and complete the study. It is
expected that the candidate will complete the thesis by early April; and by mid April, will submit
for approval the Thesis to the Thesis Advisor and Second Reader.
The principal activities of and the anticipated schedule for the Special Project include:
Early June 2009 MPH candidate submits Thesis Application to the Department Ad Hoc
Committee on Culminating Experiences.
Late June 2009 The Ad Hoc Committee grants/denies the MPH candidate permission to
proceed with the development of a Thesis Proposal.
For approved applications, the Ad Hoc Committee will assign Thesis
Advisors to candidates.
Summer 2009 MPH candidate familiarizes him/herself with the topic literature.
Prior to Start of
Fall Semester MPH Candidate submits Letter of Intent to Serve as Thesis Advisor and
Letter of Intent to Serve as Second Reader to Thesis Advisor.
Late November 2009 MPH candidate submits Proposal to the Thesis Advisor and Second
Reader.
Early April 2010 MPH Candidate submits Initial draft of Thesis to Thesis Advisor.
Mid April 2010 Student submits the Thesis to the Thesis Advisor and Second Reader for
approval.
Late April 2010 The Thesis Advisor, Second Reader and Dean of Graduate Studies
approve/disapprove of the completed thesis.
Southern Connecticut State University
Department of Public Health
Graduate Public Health Program
Application for Approval of the
Thesis Concept
The Application Process
The Application for Approval of the Thesis Concept must be completed and approved by
the Department’s Ad Hoc Committee on Culminating Experiences prior to the granting of
permission to enroll in PCH 590 (Thesis Seminar I). Students can enroll in PCH 590 only
in the fall semester. Applications must not exceed three pages. A student, who does not
gain approval, must wait for the following fall to register for PCH 590. The Committee,
upon its review, will decide whether the application is sufficiently developed to serve as
the basis for a thesis. The review process will result in one of the following outcomes:
1. The application is approved upon first review; the student is matched with an
advisor and is granted permission to register for PCH 590.
2. The application is not approved but is returned to the student for revision and
resubmission. Students will be given a specific date, as indicated in their non-
approval letter, to resubmit their application. An appearance before the
Committee may be required. If this re-submission is approved, the student is
matched with an advisor and is granted permission to register for
PCH 590. If this re-submission is not approved, refer to #3.
3. The original or resubmitted application is rejected. Student will be required to
submit a new application for the subsequent fall semester if s/he chooses to
continue in the MPH program.
The Thesis Application Review Process
The Committee will review each application according to the following criteria:
Criteria Maximum Points
Available
Application meets required criteria and format. 5
All questions are answered thoroughly. 10
Public health problem is clearly translated into a feasible, well-
defined study through development of appropriate research 20
questions/hypotheses.
Topic’s relationship to program specialization is justified. 20
Research design is well-developed. 25
Theoretical basis is identified and appropriate to study. 10
Commitment to established code(s) of ethic(s) declared.
Writing style meets the standards of graduate education. 10
Total Points Available 100
Score Interpretation
0-59/100 Application provides insufficient evidence of ability to conceptualize and
develop a thesis concept (Conference required)
60-69/100 Application provides minimal evidence of ability to conceptualize and
develop a thesis concept. (Conference required)
70-79/100 Application provides reasonable evidence of ability to conceptualize and
develop a thesis concept. (Revisions may be required)
80-89/100 Application provides strong evidence of ability to conceptualize and
develop a thesis concept. (Revisions may be required)
90-100/100 Application provides outstanding evidence of ability to conceptualize and
develop a thesis concept. (Revisions unlikely)
Culminating Experience Approval Process
Submission of
application for
culminating experience
to Coordinator of
Graduate Studies
Coordinator verifies
applicant’s eligibility
Not
Eligible Eligible
Coordinator prepares copies
of applications for Ad Hoc
Review Committee on
Culminating Experience
Committee members
independently
score applications
Committee
members meet to
compare scores
Decisions
Application Conference Application
rejected required approved
Re-submission
required
Submit 8 copies of the application, with cover sheet, to Dr. Perlin on or before June 1.
Include your name on the cover sheet only.
Application for Approval of the
Thesis Concept
[Include exact headings and questions in formatting your responses]
Part I - Identification of Project
1. What is the purpose of the research project you are proposing for your thesis? Include
the problem or topic to be addressed.
2. What are the specific research questions or hypotheses you plan to investigate?
3. What population do you plan to study for your research project?
4. What is your rationale for conducting this research project?
5. What is the significance (value) of the topic to your program specialization? (Provide
a clear statement.)
Part II - Research Scope and Resources
1. What are the topics you plan to include in your literature review? Include a reference
list of sources used to develop the application that are relevant to your proposed
study?
2. What theoretical framework will you use for your research or how will you develop
one?
3. What is your strategy for obtaining access to your study population or data set?
4. What type of research design do you plan to use (e.g., experimental, survey, etc.)?
5. What type of data will be collected and how will you ensure access to it?
6. What instrumentation will you use to collect data? (e.g., surveys, focus groups, case
studies, etc.) (if applicable)
7. How do you plan to analyze your data? What analytical/statistical procedures will
you use?
8. What knowledge and skills do you possess that will enable you to complete your
thesis successfully?
Part III – Thesis Advisor
Please identify your first three choices for an advisor, in order of preference.
1. Dr. Jean Breny Bontempi 4. Dr. Deborah Flynn
2. Dr. Ellen Beatty 5. Dr. Peggy Gallup
3. Dr. Sandy Bulmer 6. Dr. Debra Risisky
4. Dr. Richard Cain 7. Dr. Chistine Unson
Southern Connecticut State University
Department of Public Health
Graduate Public Health Program
Preparation and Submission Guidelines
for
Application for Approval of the
Thesis Concept
Directions for Preparation of Application
1. Obtain the thesis application form. (Check eligibility)
2. Respond to each of the questions and/or statements.
3. Include the exact headings and questions and/or statements in the formatting of
your responses.
4. Double space.
5. Do not exceed the three-page limit.
6. Indicate your choices of advisor. Each student will be provided with a faculty
advisor.
Directions for Submission of Application
1. Prepare 8 copies of your application.
2. Include the appropriate cover sheet. (This is the only place your name should
appear)
3. Do not include your name on any of the application copies.
4. Staple individual copies at the top, left-hand corner.
5. Bundle the 8 copies and secure with a large paper clip or metal clasp.
6. Forward the 8 copies to Dr. Perlin.
7. Submit the 8 copies on or before June 1. Late applications will not be considered.
Sample Application for Approval of the Thesis Concept
Part I – Identification of Project
1. What is the purpose of the research project you are proposing for your thesis? Include
the problem or topic to be addressed.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the exposure of adolescent girls to
smoking behavior in films starring actresses prominent in media with high
adolescent usage.
2. What are the specific research questions or hypotheses you plan to investigate?
What is the incidence and prevalence of smoking behaviors of popular actresses
in films from 1999-2005? What is the context of the smoking behavior in these
films? What is the incidence of smoking related objects (ashtrays, lighters, etc.)
and background smoking in the selected films?
3. What population do you plan to study for your research project?
The study will be using randomly selected films for the years 1999-2005 starring
selected actresses. The actresses will be selected as described in Escamilla,
Cradock and Kawachi (2000); a year of magazines (~5-10) with the highest
female adolescent readership will be reviewed to obtain the number of
occurrences of actresses in the magazines.
4. What is your rationale for conducting this research project?
Media plays an active role in the formation of ‘normal’ behavior often by
glamorizing a certain behavior. Film may be a contributing factor to smoking
prevalence in female youth.
5. What is the significance (value) of the topic to health education/promotion? (Provide
a clear statement.)
Understanding influences on smoking behavior of adolescents is a pre-requisite
for effective intervention planning.
Part II – Research Scope and Resources
1. What are the topics you plan to include in your literature review? Include a reference
list of sources used to develop the application that are relevant to your proposed
study?
A review of past studies of smoking behavior in film and studies involving media
influence on youth smoking behavior; statistics and trends of smoking behavior;
knowledge of smoking risk, and perceptions and attitudes toward smoking
behavior; and information on Social Cognitive Theory and youth smoking
behavior. References for the formation of this proposal include the following:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (May 2004). Surveillance summaries.
MMWR, 2004: 53.
Escamilla, G., Cradock, A. and Kawachi, I. (March 2000). Women and smoking
in hollywood movies: A content analysis. American Journal of Public
Health, 90(3); 412-414.
Hazan, A.R., Liption, H.L., and Glantz, S.A. (June 1994). Popular Films Do Not
Reflect Current Tobacco Use. American Journal of Public Health, 84(6),
998-1000.
2. What theoretical framework will you use for your research or how will you develop
one?
Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory/Social Learning Theory.
3. What is your strategy for obtaining access to your study population or data set?
Actresses will be selected as described in Escamilla, Cradock and Kawachi
(2000). Magazines from the year 2004 can be purchased online (E-bay) or via
back order. The ten actresses with the highest appearance rate will be
selected. A list of movies in which they starred from 1999-2005 will be
obtained from the TV Guide website or a similar site. The movies used for the
study will be randomly selected from these lists. The movies can be rented
from a video rental store or purchased if necessary.
4. What type of research design do you plan to use (e.g. experimental, survey, etc.)?
This experiment is a content analysis and will use a non-experimental design;
there are no treatment/control groups.
5. What type of data will be collected and how will you ensure access to it?
The data collected in this study will be quantitative data. The films will be coded
for occurrence of smoking behaviors; also, the context of these behaviors will be
recorded.
6. What instrumentation will you use to collect data? (e.g., surveys, focus groups, case
studies, etc.) (if applicable)
The data will be collected using a coding sheet to record the incidence and context
of smoking behavior in the films.
7. How do you plan to analyze your data? What analytical/statistical procedures will
you use?
Data will be tallied and analyzed using statistical software such as Microsoft
Excel. Incidence and prevalence rates will be calculated. Analysis may include
Chi Square to show association between smoking behavior and age of actress,
rating of film, and other categories.
8. What knowledge and skills do you possess that will enable you to complete your
thesis successfully?
Coursework in research methods, including conducting literature reviews, data
collection and analysis, health behavior, and independent research of
methods of content analysis have provided me with the knowledge and skills to
successfully complete my thesis research.
Southern Connecticut State University
Department of Public Health
Graduate Public Health Program
Application for Approval of
□Thesis Concept
Submitted by:
_________________________________________
Applicant’s Printed First and Last Name
_______________________________________
Date
Letter of Agreement to Serve as Thesis Advisor
Directions: Upon approval of your Thesis Application by the Department, you should
complete Sections 1 and 2 of this form before forwarding it to the faculty member of the
Department of Public Health who has been assigned to serve as your Thesis Advisor.
Please type. The Advisor completes Section 3 and returns the completed form to the
Coordinator of Graduate Studies.
SECTION 1: MASTER'S DEGREE STUDENT
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Telephone: (______) ______ - __________
SECTION 2: THESIS CONCEPT (concise description)
SECTION 3: ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FACULTY MEMBER TO SERVE AS
THESIS ADVISOR
I have discussed the concept of the Thesis with the above-named student and agree to
serve as her/her Thesis Advisor.
___________________________ _________________________ __________
Thesis Advisor's Name Thesis Advisor's Signature Date
Letter of Intent to Serve as Second Reader
Directions: The student should complete sections 1 and 2 of this form before
approaching an individual to request his/her services as a Second Reader for the Thesis.
If the individual agrees to be the Second Reader, s/he should complete section 3. The
student must submit a copy of the completed form to his/her Thesis Advisor and Second
Reader, and include a copy of the form as an appendix in the thesis proposal.
SECTION 1: MASTER'S DEGREE STUDENT
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Telephone: (______) ______ - __________
SECTION 2: THESIS CONCEPT (concise description; continue on reverse side if
required)
SECTION 3: ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FACULTY
MEMBER’S/INDIVIDUAL’S TO SERVE AS THESIS ADVISOR
I have discussed the concept of the Thesis with the above-named student and agree to serve as
her/her Second Reader. Note: An individual, not a member of the faculty, must submit a copy of
his/her resume´ to the student’s Thesis Advisor for approval.
___________________________ _________________________ __________
Second Reader's Name Second Reader’s Signature Date
_________________________________________ ____________________________
(Street Address) (Town, State, Zip)
Present Title: ______________________________________________________
Agency Location: ________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________
Approved:1 ___________________________________________ _______________
Thesis Advisor’s Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________
1
Required only for a second reader who is not a member of the SCSU faculty.
Sample Thesis Proposal Signature Sheet
Southern Connecticut State University
School of Graduate Studies
Note: An original form can be obtained at
http.//www.southernct.edu/departments/graduatestudies/PropSigSht.doc
Name of
Student________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code:________________________________Phone No._____________________
Program: Public Health No. of credits completed:_________
Name of Thesis Advisor_ _________________________________________________________
Title of Thesis:__________________________________________________________________
Anticipated date of completion of final thesis: April 2009
Style Manual: APA Publication Manual, 5th Edition
Student Statement: I recognize that once the thesis proposal is accepted by the Graduate
Dean, I am expected to complete the scholarly work described in the proposal in
accordance with all departmental and Graduate School requirements. I have consulted
with my advisor regarding the procedure for obtaining appropriate ethical review and
IRB approval of my research. If my research involves human participants, I have attached
a copy of my IRB approval or exemption letter.
_________________________________________ ________________________
Student Signature Date
Advisor/Chairperson Statement: I have received the enclosed proposal and find it meets the
standards of the discipline and the department for a thesis proposal.
_________________________________________ ________________________
Signature of Thesis Advisor Date
_________________________________________ ________________________
Signature of Department Chairperson Date
____________________________________________________________________________
For Graduate Office Use Only
Comments:
________________________________________ ________________________
Approved by Graduate Dean Date of Approval
Rev. 03/04
Sample Title Page for Completed Thesis
FACTORS RELATED TO BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION
IN FEMALE VETERANS
BY
ANILA M. SYED
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Public Health
in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements
for the Degree of Master of Public Health
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, Connecticut
April 2009
Sample Signature Page for Completed Thesis
FACTORS RELATED TO BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION
IN FEMALE VETERANS
BY
ANILA M. SYED
This thesis was prepared under the direction of the candidate’s thesis advisor,
Dr. Peggy Gallup, Department of Public Health, and has been approved by
the member’s of the candidate’s thesis committee. It was submitted to the School
of Graduate Studies and was accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Master of Public Health.
_________________________
Typed Name, degree
Thesis Advisor
_________________________
Typed Name, degree
Second Reader
_________________________
Typed Name, degree
Department Chairperson
_________________________
Sandra C. Holley, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Graduate Studies
_____________________
Date