Research Opportunities

There are a variety of ways for undergraduates to participate in academic research during their time at Moravian University.  They may spend a summer in our SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Research) or National Science Foundation REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program.  During their senior year, they may participate in our Honors Program.  For those students who may want to participate in a one-semester research experience, we also offer Independent Study courses.  Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor as well as the Health Professions Advisor for more information.  

Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR)

The goal of the Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR) program is to facilitate student research in collaboration with a faculty mentor. To this end, the program provides stipends, travel allowances, and research expenses to support students and their faculty mentors as they engage in scholarly or creative work. Since its inception in 1998, the SOAR program has supported projects with student and faculty participation across every academic discipline at the college.

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Moravian University offers Seniors of proven ability the opportunity to pursue a year-long study of special interest under the personal guidance of a faculty member who serves as the Honors Project Advisor. This study culminates in the writing of an Honors Thesis which will be permanently housed in Reeves Library. While Honors students usually choose a topic in their major, they may select another academic area or even a combination of areas. Honors study is invaluable preparation for graduate school and health professional schools. The experience has also proven useful to students entering the professional world. Honors students should devote at least one-fourth of their academic activity to their projects. The Honors Program is only open to full-time students enrolled in Moravian University's day program.

Clinical Opportunties

As for clinical experience, qualified students interested in medical school or physician assistant school may participate in the St. Luke's Premed and PA Observer Program.  There are also field study courses that may be specially designed based on the student's interest in areas such as dentistry, podiatry and optometry, to name a few.  

HLTR 285: Clinical Observership 

Moravian University has a long history of coordinating shadowing opportunities for students interested in the health professions with medical professionals.

Through our partnership with St Luke’s University Hospital, qualified students are able to participate in the St. Luke's Premed and Physician Assistant Observer programs. Students spend a minimum of 100 hours during an academic semester rotating through different departments in the hospital. Students maintain a reflection journal and meet weekly with a faculty member to discuss their observations in our Clinical Observership course (HLTR 285).  This course may count toward the student's major area of study and credit is typically awarded for this experience. Students who are engaged in a field study in other areas of healthcare also enroll in this course.  One of the strengths of this experience is that students shadowing in a variety of medical disciplines are able to share their unique observations and reflect on the multidisciplinary and team-based approach to healthcare.  

HLTP 185 A:  Service in Public Health 

Partnering with the Moravian University Center for Career and Civic Engagement, students will contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and populations by serving community-based organizations and initiatives. As an integral part of service learning, students will reflect and present on their experiences and share ideas for capacity building and service improvements. Prerequisite: Approval of the public health program director. 

HLTP 386 A: Internship in Public Health 

During the course, students apply their public health skills by completing an internship. This seminar consists of weekly discussions and assignments developed for students to think about their internship, career goals, and professional development. Fitting internship, graduate school, and/or career opportunities are identified. Elevator pitch, public speaking, community engagement, resume writing, and interview skills are developed and evaluated. Prerequisites: HLTP 110, 218, 230, 240, or instructor’s approval.