FAQ
MPH Internship
You must complete at least half of the program coursework/credits, including H 517, before you can start the MPH internship. If you get faculty advisor approval, H 517 can be completed concurrently with the internship.
Coursework/credits are considered completed once grades post. However, some options ask that certain coursework be completed before the internship starts. See Handbook for details.
You can complete your internship fall, winter, spring or summer terms.
Internships can be local, statewide, national or international.
If you are interested in completing an international internship, you are encouraged to contact IE3 Global Office on campus to discuss available options and safety protocols.
You need to complete at least 160 hours with the internship site.
The internship can be completed in one or two consecutive terms; however, it is recommended to split the internship over two terms to allow a longer duration with the site.
If you are following the 2023-2024 Handbook or earlier, you will complete a 200 hour internship.
It’s never too early to start planning for your internship. Start thinking about what interests you, and the types of jobs you would like to have. Look for agencies that fit with your interests and skills. Make connections with staff and management at these agencies. Talk to the MPH internship coordinator. Talk to your advisor and other professors. Send your resume and cover letter to contacts asking about internship opportunities (or submit an application).
Please note, when possible, it is best to have your internship secured by the middle of the term before you do your internship. Once the internship is secured, work with your preceptor, faculty advisor, and MPH internship coordinator to complete the MPH Internship Learning Agreement.
Encourage them to contact the MPH Internship Coordinator to discuss details.
Additionally, you can direct them to the host an MPH intern page, and/or have them watch the MPH Internship Preceptor Orientation
The site should do public health work, and the preceptor should have a graduate degree (or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years relevant public health experience) and/or sufficient relevant public health experience. Discuss options with the MPH Internship Coordinator and Faculty Advisor.
Internships must fit with the foundational and/or option-specific MPH competencies (except the first three listed on each of the foundational and option-specific competencies). Over the course of the internship, you will work on identified projects that tie to the competencies chosen. Internship projects should result in at least two products.
Examples of portfolio products may include (depending on the option):
- conduct an evaluation and write a report of the results
- conduct a needs assessment and write a report of the results
- analyze data in order to assemble training manuals for field workers, incorporating social, cultural, and environmental components
- design and deliver a health communication messages/campaign
- conduct focus groups around a research question and analyze results and report findings
- develop and implement a health program; and solicit and integrate input from community stakeholders.
- Apply for internships
- Secure an internship
- Complete the MPH internship learning agreement
- Send drafts to internship coordinator, preceptor, and faculty advisor for review/comments
- Finalize document, and send to the internship coordinator to route for signatures
- Internship Coordinator submits request for override once the fully signed learning agreement has been received
- Scheduler processes override
- Student registers in H 539
BE EARLY AND PROACTIVE! See the MPH Internship Coordinator too!
Once you have secured an internship, email the MPH Internship Coordinator your completed MPH Internship Learning Agreement by Friday of Week 10, the term before, to get an override to then register for H 539.
Your IE3 Advisor can sign your Form to get it submitted by their deadline. Once a site has been secured, submit the MPH Internship Learning Agreement to your faculty advisor and MPH internship coordinator for review and approval.
Before seeking signatures on the Learning Agreement, it is recommended to submit a draft of the MPH Internship Learning Agreement to the MPH Internship Coordinator for feedback.
Once you have a final version, the MPH Internship Coordinator can route the MPH Internship Learning Agreement through DocuSign for signatures from you, your preceptor, your faculty advisor, and the MPH Internship Coordinator.
Alternatively, you can gather hand-written signatures and submit the fully signed form via email to the MPH Internship Coordinator.
The internship must be separate from a current job, with separate projects, hours and a separate supervisor.
Past experiences cannot be counted for the internship. You must be registered for the term you plan to complete your internship to receive credit.
Internships are meant to take place in the community, working with community partners. Working with academic faculty is considered more individualized work; it may count as a project or a practicum but not an internship.
Yes!
You will be expected to complete a few assignments during your internship. The assignments are meant to help you reflect on your experiences, which helps with the learning process.
The assignments are submitted in Canvas, and include:
- Discussion boards (4)
- Mid-way progress report (completed by student and preceptor)
- Internship Portfolio (e.g., products that are developed in the internship)
- Internship Summary Report
- Final evaluation (completed by preceptor)
- Time log
Yes! With faculty advisor approval, you have two options for earning elective credit for internships/practicum.
Complete additional credits and hours as part of H 539 - Internship
- Discuss details with the MPH Internship Coordinator
Complete a separate experience as H 509, Practicum
- H 509 is an elective course that is built around an approved experiential learning opportunity with a public health or health care administration organization.
- See details at H 509 - Practicum