Public Health Undergraduate Internships
Public Health Undergraduate Program
Effective Summer Term 2025
You can choose a capstone requirement, either the internship or a community project. See details about your capstone choices.
How to get an internship
Are you an undergraduate public health student at OSU eager to kickstart your career with a hands-on internship?
Internship pathway
Read the Public Health Undergraduate Internship Pathway. It is a roadmap for how to get an internship.
Internship process video
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the internship process.
Discover how you can complete your required 252 to 360 hours in one or two terms, and even switch sites between terms for a diverse experience. Learn how to set up an internship at your current workplace with different duties, and explore our curated list of suggested sites. We also offer invaluable resources for crafting standout resumes and cover letters.
Whether you choose an online or on-campus option, we’ve got you covered. Watch now and take the first step towards a successful public health career!
Courses
H439 Public Health Internship
Effective Summer 2025, all undergraduate public health students will take H439, the Public Health Internship, this replaces H459 and H469 and fulfills the 12 credit requirement.
H439 provides an opportunity for public health students to gain a field experience under the guidance of a preceptor at a public health-related organization and apply a health equity lens. It allows students to choose an internship in local, domestic and global settings in order to their needs and specific interests.
- The prerequisites is H419.
Deadlines
Deadlines for internship registration approval
The Learning Agreement (located in step 3 on the Before the Internship section on this website) must be emailed to the internship coordinator by the following dates.
Spring Term 2025
If you want to intern in:
Spring term 2025
The Learning Agreement is due:
February 26, 2025
extended until 3/12
11:59 p.m. PST
Summer term 2025
If you want to intern in:
Summer term 2025
The Learning Agreement is due:
May 21, 2025
11:59 p.m. PDT
(Summer Session 1 only, a final extension will be provided until June 7)
Fall Term 2025
If you want to intern in:
Fall term 2025
The Learning Agreement is due:
August 13, 2025
11:59 p.m. PDT
Winter Term 2026
If you want to intern in:
Winter term 2026
The Learning Agreement is due:
November 19, 2025
11:59 p.m. PST
Scholarships
There is a new College of Health scholarship for required Experiential Learning opportunities including internships! Learn more at Experiential Learning Scholarship.
Undergraduate certificate in aging studies
Students earning a baccalaureate degree in any major at OSU may earn a Certificate in Aging Studies.
Certificates increase students' employability in the many professional areas related to aging. Certification in aging studies is a nationally recognized way of identifying professionals' academic study in aging.
The Certificate in Aging Studies requires 27 hours of study and includes a required core through which students study aging as an interactive process of physical, social, and psychological forces.
Visit requirements and declare the Aging Studies certificate.
Internship and job listserv
Join the Public Health internships and Jobs email list.
Secure your internship
Video: Ten Steps to Securing an Internship
Internship postings
It is encouraged to also research additional sites based on your interests, your network, and use LinkedIn.
Information or questions
For more information or questions about the Public Health Undergraduate Internship Program contact Public Health Internship Coordinator Karen Elliott, CHES, MS, PhD or schedule a meeting during her office hours.
Request a Reference or Letter of Recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a question? Be sure to look through the FAQS first.
Internship experiences
What you can do with a BS in Public Health
Check out these common post-graduation career paths to see what you can do during your time at Oregon State to become a competitive applicant and thrive no matter your path.