Student Research

Students at the beginning of a research project, follow the outline below.  Other questions may be answered by the FAQs page, or may be emailed directly to the IRB

I. Determine if an IRB review is needed. 

Students typically are involved in the following research activities:

A. Class Assignments:

As long as your course instructor has reviewed your proposal, most class assignments do not need IRB review. Check with your class instructor if you are unsure.

B. Master's theses and dissertations:

Master's theses and dissertations that involve human subjects or secondary/archival data require IRB review.

C. A team member of a faculty-led research project (non-master's, non-dissertation research):

For faculty-led projects, the faculty primary researcher should have already obtained IRB approval. If your portion of the research will be used for your dissertation or master's thesis, a separate approval will be necessary.

II. Secure a Faculty Sponsor.

For your dissertation, your faculty sponsor will be your Chair. A sponsor is also needed for master's theses. If a class assignment needs IRB review (see Class Assignments section above), your class instructor will be your Sponsor. The faculty sponsor works with you to insure that proper ethical standards are applied and that informed consent is used when appropriate.

III. View the Avoiding Pitfalls link under Resources on our home page.         

Many times, simple modifications to a design can prevent delay (or the need for resubmittal) in the application process. You are encouraged to read each of the tips sheets in the Avoiding Pitfalls section.

IV. Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to complete our IRB Application.

Your form will need your original signature as Primary Investigator and your Faculty Sponsor’s original signature to be considered complete. Please see the application form instructions for more information on this step.

VI. Submit the IRB Application Form according to the Application instructions.

Please submit your application via email to irb@liberty.edu. Please feel free to follow-up with the IRB board in two weeks if you have not heard anything. For full review submissions (the most complex category) follow-up in one month if you have not heard anything.