MPH Internship

Develop professional capabilities, build networks and learn from experts in the field

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About the MPH internship

The MPH internship is a carefully planned professional experience in which you apply the knowledge, skills and theories learned in the classroom in real-world settings. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate professional competency in a public health practice setting, while building networks and learning from experts in the field.

The internship is at least 160 hours (4 credits), which can be completed in one or two consecutive terms. If you are following the 2023-2024 Handbook or earlier, you will complete a 200 hour (6 credit) internship.

Prior to the start of the internship, you need to complete an “MPH Internship Learning Agreement”, which outlines the learning objectives, tasks/activities, deliverables and competencies that will be met in the internship. The learning agreement is due by Friday of Week 10 the term before the internship starts.

Throughout the internship, you will complete a few required assignments (e.g., discussion boards, evaluations, summaries, internship portfolio, etc), which are submitted through the H 539 Course Canvas site.

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Hosting an MPH intern

Information for Domestic Preceptors and Internship Sites

Thanks so much for your interest in learning more about hosting an MPH Intern.

Host an intern details

Internship course learning outcomes

  • Integrate Master of Public Health (MPH) coursework and skills with public health practice.
  • Examine the profession of public health and sub-specialties within the field.
  • Explore professional skills including communication, leadership, inclusive practices, and accountability in a public health work setting.
  • Develop at least 2 public health products that show attainment of at least 5 MPH competencies.

Internship Requirements

The internship is a required course for the MPH degree. As stated in the MPH Internship Handbook, the following criteria must be met for the internship to take place:

  • You have completed at least half of the program credits, including H 517, before starting the internship. If you get faculty advisor approval, H 517 can be completed concurrently with the internship.
  • Internship addresses at least 5 MPH competencies, and leads to at least 2 products (portfolio items).
  • Internship results in at least 160 hours of supervised/mentored work, on pre-identified projects, with set start and end dates.
  • Internship site and projects specifically relate to your MPH program option.
  • Internship is completed at an organization based in the community.
  • Preceptor (site supervisor) must have public health, or other appropriate health-related, credentials and/or sufficient experience in their field to provide mentorship and supervision of internships (e.g., at least 2 years of relevant experience + graduate degree; at least 5 years relevant experience + Bachelor’s degree).
  • MPH Internship Learning Agreement is approved by the preceptor, faculty advisor, and MPH internship coordinator by week 10 of the term prior to the internship.

International students

Students with non-U.S. citizenship who are attending OSU on a visa must complete and file a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application with the Office of International Services (OIS). This requirement is very important and must be complete before the internship begins. International students must attend the required CPT workshop in advance.

The OIS requires the following:

  • CPT application
  • Statement of objectives
  • I-94
  • Offer letter from internship site

Things that don’t meet requirements

While valuable, the following opportunities do not meet the internship requirements (thus will not be approved):

  • Academic faculty member as preceptor
  • OSU academic department as the internship site
  • Internships outside of program option
  • Starting/completing internships before you have earned at least half of the program credits
  • Internships completed at current place of employment (unless the internship duties and supervisor are completely different from current paid position)
  • Direct patient, client, or clinical work
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Elective credit

Interested in completing a second internship experience with a worksite for elective credit?

Check out the H 509 Practicum.

H 509 details