Before the Internship

Before the Internship

MPH graduate program

MPH internship
Before Internship
During the internship
Hosting an intern
Learning objectives
FAQ

Internship planning process

Step 1

Approx. 2 terms in advance

  • Read the   MPH Internship Handbook
  • Complete MPH Internship Orientation (in Canvas or in-person)
  • Do preliminary thinking about areas of interest and potential placements
  • If considering International placement meet with IE3 Advisor regarding requirements “3 terms in advance”

Step 2

Approx. 2 terms in advance

  • Meet with MPH Internship Coordinator and faculty advisor to discuss ideas and receive further direction.
  • Research potential sites for availability of internships, type of work environment, and range of opportunities
  • Identify a selection of sites

Step 3

Approx. 1-2 terms in advance

  • Contact sites/people of interest
    • Discuss activities and terms of placement
  • Apply for opportunities
  • Secure an MPH internship
  • Complete the  Learning Agreement in consultation with preceptor, faculty advisor, and MPH Internship Coordinator

Step 4

Due week 10 of the term PRIOR to internship placement

  • Submit signed copy of the MPH Internship Learning Agreement to the MPH Internship Coordinator
  • Receive override from the MPH Internship Coordinator to register.
  • Register for H 539 credits

See University Academic Calendar for registration deadlines

Step 5

Before the internship starts

  • Complete site onboarding paperwork/activities
  • Set schedule with preceptor
  • Be prepared to complete the internship hours and assignments (see H 539 Canvas site) as soon as the term begins.

Finding an Internship

Students are responsible for finding an internship site with support from the MPH Internship Coordinator and faculty advisor. Students find internships in many different ways.

Some ideas might be:

Internship postings

Internship Postings are sent out via student listserv and posted in Module 6 of the “MPH Internship Orientation” in Canvas. Contact Tonya Johnson if you need access to the Canvas site.

Forms and Documents

International Internships

Students from any MPH option may complete an international internship.

Plan early

Plan early for an international internship!

Due to extra lead time needed to plan international internships, students should contact IE3/OSU GO at least three terms in advance of an international internship.

IE3 / OSU GO

As one resource for pursuing international internships, students can contact IE3 / OSU GO to discuss their internship, current University policies, and safety protocols. IE3 has a variety of internship opportunities available, and is also available to work with students on individualized internships if desired.

 

MPH Internship Examples

  • Work with health system to develop study question, analyze data, and make inferences from the data to improve patient outcomes
  • Work with state health department to develop a model methodology for health impacts of wildfires
  • Work with research program to develop new study question, analyze data, and make inferences from the data

  • Work with Environmental Health and Safety department to develop and implement a Near-miss Management system
  • Work with industry partner to assess occupational safety hazards and make recommendations for improvements
  • Work with government agency to assess level of environmental hazard in a targeted region.

  • Work with state health department to investigate food borne illness outbreaks
  • Work with health department to conduct an epidemiological study of 10-year trends of sexually transmitted infections
  • Work with non-profit on epidemiological study of malnutrition

  • Work with non-profit to conduct and analyze key informant interviews among refugee populations in Oregon to identify areas of significant need
  • Work with NGO to assess child nutrition needs in India and develop culturally responsive educational materials
  • Work with village in Botswana to assess reproductive health needs

  • Work with non-profit to develop a program plan for a culturally responsive intervention
  • Work with health department to develop and pilot a food environment observation tool
  • Work with public health firm to conduct health promotion program evaluations

  • Engage community coalitions in prioritizing areas of need, and identifying evidence-based strategies to address those needs
  • Work with health system to analyze patient experience data and make quality improvement recommendations  
  • Work with health system to develop policies and procedures for implementing a patient advisory council

  • Work with health coalition to conduct and analyze a readiness assessment; prepare recommendations based on findings
  • Work with state health department to assess barriers to accessing school based health centers and identify policy recommendations to address barriers
  • Work with health department and stakeholders to conduct a health equity assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Be sure to check through the MPH Internship FAQ to see if it is already answered.

Contact

MPH Internship Coordinator
Tonya Johnson, MPH
[email protected]
541-737-4891
Waldo 472
Schedule an appointment