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The School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) values opportunities for undergraduates to learn from and work closely with faculty. This page provides information about:
Independent studies and research apprenticeships allow students to put their learning into practice and to explore topics of interest to them. In addition, these activities are excellent ways for students to establish relationships with faculty members or to get involved with faculty projects.
We encourage students to discuss independent study and research apprenticeship possibilities with their academic advisor to develop a plan that enriches their overall goals. First-year students are generally not allowed to participate in independent study or research apprenticeships.
A student who successfully completes a research apprenticeship will earn one graded credit of SESP 390. A student may count a maximum of three research apprenticeships or independent studies toward their major requirements.
Students seeking to complete an independent study or research apprenticeship must submit a "Request for Independent Study/Internship in Education" form with a description of the project and the signature of the sponsoring faculty member. The form should be submitted to the student's advisor, who will forward it to the assistant dean. The Office of Student Affairs will enroll the student in the appropriate section.
(SESP 390)
Research apprenticeships involve student participation in a faculty member's ongoing research. As a research apprentice, a student may assist a faculty member be conducting literature reviews, coding data, interviewing subjects, participating in research team meetings, or a variety of other tasks. Research apprenticeships takes approximately eight to 10 hours per week.
SESP research apprenticeships during the past year have included the following topics:
- Racial bias in research interviews, with Professor Chase-Lansdale
- Effects of fathers on child development, with Professor Mandara
- Attending video club meetings and assist with filming, transcribe video and audiotapes, and analyze data, with Professor M. Sherin
- Educational and cultural literarcy, with Professor Lee
- Social influences on stress and health, with Professor Adam
- School organization and governance, with Professor Spillane
- Human development and learning, with Professor Uttal
- Illinois Family Study, with Professor Lewis
(SESP 399)
Independent studies typically consist of exploration of the literature relevant to a particular topic but may also include interviews, surveys or other research modes. Students may write a paper discussing their findings, the implication of the information for practice or any recommendations they may have relevant to the topic. While independent studies are sponsored by faculty, usually the topic is not directly tied to their research work.
SESP Independent Studies topics during the past year have included the following:
- Health care and underprivileged children
- Open admissions at community colleges
- Educational vouchers
- Web development as an educational vehicle
- Contamination sequences in narratives and depression
- Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative
- Crime, prison, inmate rehabilitation
- Disabilities studies (in preparation to teach a student-organized seminar)
- Spirituality in the workplace
- Teaching assistantship for Introduction to Community Development (SESP 202)
Northwestern University and the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) offer our students an opportunity to work with nationally recognized scholars on a variety of research projects. Students will find the following web sites helpful to learn about faculty research interests and ongoing research projects:
SESP students are able to apply for funding for their research projects. The G. Alfred Hess Jr. Undergraduate Research Fellowship Fund ("Hess Fund") was established in 2006 in memory of Professor Fred Hess to honor his service to the School of Education and Social Policy and his generosity in mentoring undergraduate students. For more information about applying for funding, click here.
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